Vocality is a loaded concept that goes beyond the simple sound categories of timbre or tone and rather encompasses the complete experience of both speaker and listener in a given moment. In the YouTube video of Sia singing her hit song “Chandelier,” I was extremely impressed and touched by her performance. Not only was it an incredible audio experience, but it also was a symbolic visual experience. Prior to watching this video, I had heard the song “Chandelier” many times on the radio and in public. I always thought that it was a catchy tune and that Sia’s voice is unique. On the other hand, prior to watching this video, I had never actually listened to the words of the song or seen what Sia looks like. Now I see what this song really means to the artist and what story she is trying to tell. Sia’s identity is anonymized in her performances. Though she is a woman, her attire is more masculine than feminine as she wears a black suit. Immediately upon seeing her, I noticed that her face is completely covered by her hair, so viewers cannot see her eyes, nose, or any features above her lips. The audience is left to solely focus on her mouth, which is the carrier of her voice, the carrier of her story, and the carrier of her talent. She is also accompanied by a mime, which is particularly interesting, because he is the opposite of her. While we cannot see her face, we can see his. While we can hear her voice, we cannot hear his. She is faceless, he is voiceless, and together performed a beautiful story rooted in culture. The emotional belts and the cracks of her voice convey how personal this song is to Sia. Listening to the lyrics, “Chandelier” is about alcoholism, and draws attention to the culture she grew up in. Celebrity culture is often characterized by partying, drugs, and alcohol, as we have unfortunately lost many stars to the negative effects of substance abuse. The song “Chandelier” is unique as it is technically a “pop” song, but communicates the singers story, her battle against many evils, and further, communicates the story of many others living life in the limelight, as voice is not singular but represents a collective.
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March 2020
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