vocaloids

Vocaloid is a singing synthesizer application developed by Yamaha Corporation. It allows users to create vocal tracks by synthesizing speech and singing, using a combination of a human-like voicebank and a melody and lyrics editor. The technology was first released in 2003 and has since seen several iterations and expansions.

The core of Vocaloid technology lies in its voicebanks, which are recordings of a real person's voice. These recordings are then analyzed and processed to create a digital voice that can be manipulated to sing any given melody and lyrics. Users input these melodies and lyrics into the Vocaloid software, and the application generates the vocal performance.

Vocaloid gained significant popularity, particularly in Japan, through the creation of virtual idol characters, the most famous being Hatsune Miku. These characters have their own distinct personalities, appearances, and backstories, and their songs are often created by independent producers. The success of these virtual idols has led to concerts where their performances are projected onto screens, and they have released numerous albums and merchandise.

Beyond virtual idol culture, Vocaloid is also used by music producers for various purposes, including creating backing vocals, experimenting with different vocal styles, and producing original songs. The software supports multiple languages and has expanded to include a wide range of voicebanks, offering diverse vocal qualities and styles. Its accessibility has fostered a large online community of creators who share their music and collaborate.