Teen Pop Stars vs Older Artists: A Vocalist's Perspective

This article explores the vocal qualities of teenage pop stars compared to those of singers in their twenties, based on my experience as a professional musician. While physical attraction can be a factor, this discussion focuses purely on musical and vocal qualities.

Vocality and Musical Maturity: A Teenager's Perspective

Vocally, teenagers are still developing. Their voices have not fully matured, leading to a raw, higher-pitched reedy sound that is common in young, mostly untrained voices. This natural quality can be attractive to listeners who prefer raw, unpolished sounds. However, with experience and practice, these voices often become more rounded and refined.

As a singer who has performed in my teenage and early twenties, I can attest to the evolution in vocal quality over this period. Younger voices often have more energy and a unique charm, but they may lack the stability and control that comes with maturity. Professional experience and training can greatly polish a singer's voice, resulting in a more reliable and polished performance.

A Case Study: Casey Lee Williams

To illustrate this point, let's delve into the vocal progression of Casey Lee Williams. Casey is the daughter of Jeff Williams, who has composed for various projects, including the popular animated series RWBY. Casey has provided vocals for many of the series' songs and has recorded her own music.

Here is a comparison of her voice at different stages of her career:

This Will Be The Day - RWBY 2013 From Shadows - RWBY 2013 (duet with Jeff Williams) Divide - RWBY 2016 Let’s Just Live - RWBY 2017 The Triumph - RWBY 2018

While each of these recordings showcases her unique talent and vocal range, her later performances, such as The Triumph, demonstrate a more seasoned and developed vocal quality compared to her earlier works.

I, as a fan of RWBY soundtracks, have listened to her music from age 14 to 19, appreciating the progress she made over the years. While I still enjoy her earlier recordings, I must admit a preference for the latter songs due to their richer, more polished vocal quality. This doesn't detract from their overall quality; rather, it underscores the impact of professional experience on vocal performance.

The Media and Teen Pop Artists

Interestingly, the media tends to hype teenage artists more, as they are perceived as more uncommon. This can lead to greater press coverage, which can be both a blessing and a curse. While increased visibility can be beneficial for new artists, it can also lead to unrealistic expectations and pressure to maintain a certain image.

Take Lorde as an example. Although she is now 21, she was around 16 when she gained popularity, and her relatable personality and youthful charm captivated a wide audience. This can make younger artists more relatable to their fanbase, but it also means that they face greater scrutiny and pressure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while teenage pop stars can possess a unique, raw vocal quality that appeals to many listeners, the development and refinement of a voice over time can lead to a more robust and polished performance. Professional experience and training contribute significantly to a singer's vocal maturity, making older artists more reliable choices for those seeking vocal stability and quality.

Ultimately, the choice between a teenage pop star and an older artist comes down to individual preference and the specific needs of the listener or audience.