The Art of Voice Androgynization: Techniques and Strategies for a Gender-Blended Sound
The Art of Voice Androgynization: Techniques and Strategies for a Gender-Blended Sound
Have you ever heard of voice feminization and masculinization, but never considered the existence of voice androgynization? This is the topic we’ll explore in this comprehensive guide. We'll discuss what androgynous vocals are, how they can be achieved, and why vocal control is a powerful tool for expressing one's gender identity.
Understanding Gendered Voices
Firstly, it's important to understand that the concept of gendered voices is deeply rooted in societal norms and expectations. For transgender individuals, particularly those who identify as non-binary, finding a voice that resonates with their gender identity can be challenging.
My journey as a trans woman highlights the effort required to achieve a vocal gender identity that aligns with my gender identity. As someone with a deep, resonant, and dramatic voice, the process of feminizing my voice took years of practice and dedication. The ability to pass as male, female, or androgynous through my voice is a testament to the power of vocal control.
Voice and Gender Identity: Relating Conversational and Singing Voices
The relationship between conversational and singing voices is often overlooked. Chances are, your natural voice is vastly different from your singing voice. Let's delve into why this is important and how to achieve voice androgynization.
Conversational Pitch Range
Conversational voice and singing voice are two completely different things. Here are a few key points to consider:Range: The conversational pitch range is typically lower, while the singing range can be much higher. This is due to the different styles and expectations of voice use in each context. Society’s Expectations: Regardless of your natural singing range, society expects vocal conformity to either male or female spoken norms. Examples: Male Tenors, such as Rod Stewart, tend to use a lower pitch for speaking than for singing. Female Tenors/Contraltos, like Karen Carpenter, have a standard speaking pitch despite their vocal range.
The overlap between these ranges creates a spectrum where androgyny can exist. The androgynous pitch range is surprisingly broad, offering a vast opportunity for vocal experimentation.
From Non-Explicit to Androgynous: Techniques and Strategies
Transitioning from a non-explicit voice to an androgynous one involves a combination of vocal techniques and strategies. Here are some key areas to focus on:
Vocal Techniques
Relax and Eliminate Tension: A relaxed voice is more important than ever. Warm-up exercises, yawning, and half-yawns can be invaluable.
Pitch: Choose a pitch that is higher than usual but still relaxed. This helps in blurring gender cues.
Vocabulary Choice: Use words and phrases that can be perceived as more neutral, blending traditionally masculine and feminine styles.
Attack and Rhythm: Practice a steady rhythm, noting the differences in how men and women speak. Emphasize or fluctuate as needed to achieve a balanced tone.
Musicality: Work on creating a musical, yet not monotone, intonation. This can help in sounding more androgynous.
Energy and Tone: Find a tone that is charming and yet not overly emphatic. negative emotions should be expressed through word choice, not voice pitch.
Vocal Fry and Resonance: Aim for a pure, bell-like sound and avoid unnecessarily heavy resonance, as this is difficult to change and draws attention to gender cues.
Strategies for Success
Once you have a grasp of these techniques, it's time to focus on strategy. Start small and concentrate on one aspect at a time:
Sing with Female Artists: Practice singing with female vocalists in various genres to pick up on expressive and feminine vocal techniques.
Use Free Online Resources: Find and follow guides like those from Lyn Hardy to train for your target spoken pitch.
Practice with Real-Life and Imitation: Read aloud using different voices, record yourself, and analyze your recordings to refine your technique.
Start with a Single Gender Cue: Introduce one feminine gender cue to your voice as a stepping stone to broader androgyny.
Experiment with Voice Phrases: Practice phrases that can be voiced in a masculine or feminine manner and experiment with blurring those distinctions.
Conclusion
Voice androgynization is not just about imitating one gender over another. It's about finding a balance that expresses the depth and complexity of your gender identity. By practicing these techniques and strategies, you can develop a voice that is genuinely yours and resonates with your true self.