Senior Kailyn Bryant was only 8 years old when she first discovered vocaloid back in 2016. Despite not knowing what vocaloid was, it appeared on her Youtube feed as she was scrolling through it. After watching a music video with a vocaloid she thought, “Wow, this is awesome.”
Vocaloid was created back in 2004 by Yamaha and was originally named the Daisy Project. The very first vocaloids were Leon and Lola who were created by Zero-G and were the English language voiceboxes. The very first Japanese vocaloid was Meiko, a popular vocaloid still to this day. Although Hatsune Miku is the most popular vocaloid to exist, she actually wasn’t created until Aug. 31 of 2007.
Vocaloids are voice synthesizing softwares that can allow users to create melodies and songs using voicebanks from a real person. These voicebanks are given mascots or avatars that transform them into virtual idols, making them vocaloids.
Aniyah Lipscomb, a senior, describes them as “a group of online singers.”
There are hundreds of different vocaloid that may be used in different songs. For example, the most well-known vocaloid, who also is featured in more songs than any other vocaloid, is Hatsune Miku.
“My favorite vocaloid is Megurine Luka, the one with pink hair. She has a really nice avatar design and I love her voice,” Kailyn said.
Vocaloid songs can be for anyone as there are plenty of different genres that they can be incorporated into. Nearly any genre that exists has a vocaloid song that uses that genre.
“They could be rock-related. Some of them might be more gentle and tranquil. Some of them might be more intense,” Aniyah said.
There are thousands, if not millions, of vocaloid songs out there on the internet to go and listen to. From video games like Project Sekai and Fortnite, to music videos on Youtube. Some of the most popular ones are songs such as “World is Mine” by ryo, “Mesmerizer” by 32ki, and “ECHO” by Crusher-P.”
“I would say my favorite vocaloid song, not of all time, but the first that comes to my little child-mind is ‘PoPiPo.’ It’s a super energetic, stupidly silly song about vegetable juice and it’s just so funny,” Kailyn said
There are a lot of vocaloid songs that most people have heard that weren’t even aware were vocaloid. For example, “Nyan Cat,” by daniwellP, a viral internet meme you may have heard as a child on Youtube. “Therefore, you and me,” by TadanaCo, a popular TikTok song back in 2023. There’s also “Looping the Rooms,” by rusino, a currently popular TikTok song famous for its animation memes made by listeners.
These songs are all made by Vocaloid producers. A lot of these vocaloid producers will have the letter P at the end of their names, which stands for producers. For example, Crusher-P, Circus-P, and Genjitsutouhi-P or better known as Wowaka.
“My favorite vocaloid producer has to be Maretu, all of his songs are typically pretty dark but tell really interesting stories or relatable traumatic experiences that people do face,” Aniyah said. “They all sound really good and he has this unique style of music that when you listen to it, you know it’s one of his songs.”
Vocaloid is a huge interest for many people, however, it is not very mainstream. Some may listen to it when the interest appears again. Some may listen to it when it reappears on their feed.
“I really listen to it anywhere at any time when the interest sparks. It’s like a fixation that pops up for a while and then pops up again. Next thing you know, I’m listening to it for months on end.” Aniyah said. “I could be in any mood when listening to it. It could be a super depressing song and I could be in the best mood ever. I don’t really care. It’s like ‘Yes, I love this song.’ ”
Vocaloid is not especially popular, but it is well-known to some communities. If you think it sounds interesting, give a few songs a try. There’s a genre out there for everyone that features a vocaloid. The songs are created by real people who put a lot of effort into making the songs, just like any other musical artist. You’ll find that vocaloid songs have tons of lyrics that have really deep meanings.
“If you’re interested in listening to it, then listen to it,” Kailyn said. “What’s stopping you? Nobody is going to bully you for it and I promise it’s at least worth giving a shot. There’s plenty of songs out there for everyone.”
