Feeding the Chlid Within: Vocaloids

So this is probably the one thing that gets me the most weird glances when I tell people about my hobbies...

Vocaloids are sound synchronization programs in which the user can arrange instruments and a "Diva" to create a song.

Yup, it's a thing.

There are many Vocaloids, and each one has it's own unique sound. A voice actor is recorded making various sounds and words, and then the program is made. The program allows for anyone to become a song writer, and because of that, has become exponentially popular.

How you ask?

When a song is written, the writer enters the information into the program and the song is made. The writer then partners with an artist and a PV, or music video, is made. The video is then uploaded to Nico Nico Douga (the Japaneses equivalent to YouTube). Then, let the fandom takes over.

So, here is the process of how a fan made song becomes viral and world famous!

First, let's look at one of the most famous of songs from the most famous Vocaloid out there, Hatusne Miku's "Wold is Mine".

Adorable yes? So, a song has been made. People are going to like it. So, covers come along. And not just that, but also alternate versions of the song. As crazy fans usually do, fan pairings have been made among the Vocaloids; the most famous being Miku and Kaito.

So here, we have a cover done by a very famous Vocaloid singer (these are legit things guys), Clear, and an alternate version of the original video in which Kaito is singing to Miku to get her attention.

So, people are obviously loving the song so much that they make and watch parodies. Sony, the developer of the Vocaloids, actually made a video game, Project Diva, in which you play famous Vocaloid songs. Yes, fan made songs are put into real video games. Here, is game play from the arcade version.

Fans continue to show their love for the songs and the games by dressing in the costumes from the video game and PVs as well as buying merchandise.

Cosplay

Figma (figure)

Phone Straps

The videos and songs get so famous that even English speakers begin to make covers of the songs on YouTube. Miku-Tan, the singer below, is famous for her covers. English speakers also buy merchandise, sell fan made crafts and prints, and cosplay at Anime Conventions. Project Diva will be released in English latter this year!

The ultimate proof of the intensity of the fandom for Vocalids are the concerts. In Japan, Sony has developed a holographic/projector technology especially for the concerts. they also hire an elite band, choreographers, reserve a stadium- you know what, just see for your self. *before you ask, yes, those are real fans who paid lots of real money to go to these concerts.

These concerts are held several times a year and feature other Vocaloids and new popular songs.

If you are not fully convinced of how amazing these guys are, pleas scroll up to the beginning of the post and read again and repeat the process until you realize that robotic stars are just as popular as the real ones!

If you are interested in other songs or hearing the other Vocaloids, pleas just ask! I have playlists full of their music, and I can recommend songs from any genre. You like Rock? The lost's Ones Weeping or Love is War. You like cute romantic music? Melt. You like the most random music ever but really catchy? Nya Nya (the viral one, you know, the pop tart with a rainbow? that's Miku's voice!) or Po Pi Po (also known as the vegetable song). Really! Just hear the right song, and you'll be ready to join the fandon that's been taking over the world!