Why Do British Singers Like Lisa Stansfield Sound American When They Sing?

The phenomenon of British singers like Lisa Stansfield losing their regional accents when they sing is a well-known and widely discussed topic in the music industry. This change in pronunciation can be attributed to several factors, including the influence of American music, vocal techniques, commercial appeal, recording techniques, and performance context.

Influence of American Music

Many British artists grow up listening to American music genres such as pop, rock, and RB. The exposure to these genres can lead them to adopt vocal styles and pronunciations that are common in American music. This influence is clear because many American music genres, like pop, rock, and RB, have a strong and recognizable American sound.

Vocal Techniques

Singing often requires different vocal techniques compared to speaking. Artists may consciously or unconsciously adjust their pronunciation to achieve a clearer tone or a particular vocal quality that they associate with success in their genre. For example, singers may adopt a more opened vowel sound and softer consonant sounds, which are easier to hear over music and in studio recordings.

Commercial Appeal

An American sound is often perceived as more commercially viable in the global music market. Singers may adjust their accents to appeal to a broader audience, particularly in the United States, which is a major music market. The global music industry is dominated by American music, making an American accent a standard choice for many singers to achieve wider recognition and success.

Recording Techniques

In the studio, producers may encourage artists to modify their accents to fit the style of the music or to sound more polished. This can lead to a more neutral or Americanized vocal delivery. Additionally, the recording process can exaggerate certain accents, making them more pronounced. This is why many singers choose to sound more American during recordings, even if their natural accent is different.

Performance Context

When performing, artists may adopt a persona that aligns with the music they are presenting. This can include changing their accent to fit the genre's expectations. For example, a pop or RB song might require a more neutral or American accent to match the upbeat and romantic nature of the music. Similarly, a country or rock song might benefit from a more Southern or American accent to fit the genre's conventions.

Challenges and Cultural Appropriation

While it is common for singers to adopt an American accent when singing, they are also aware of the cultural implications. They would rather put on West Indian accents but might be accused of cultural appropriation and called names such as "racist" if they do that. This highlights the delicate balance between artistic expression and cultural sensitivity.

Key Differences in Accents and Pronunciation

American pronunciations and accents are easier to imitate and clearer when spoken, except for southern accents. American English is less stressed, less harsh, and more relaxed than British English. This makes it a more suitable choice for singing, as it allows for a smoother and more polished sound. Additionally, American English is less syllable-stressed, making it easier to adapt to the rhythm and flow of music.

Furthermore, American English has fewer guttural sounds and more opened vowel sounds. The consonants in American English are softer and smoother, making the language sound softer and more pleasant to the ear. This is why many people prefer softer consonant sounds in American English. The language also has less explosive and harsh consonants than British English, making it easier on the vocal cords and more suitable for prolonged singing.

Another major factor is the dominance of American English in modern music. The USA created many modern music genres such as pop, rap, hip-hop, and country. This has led to an assumption that songs with an American-style accent will get more popular worldwide. As a result, American accents have become the standard/default in music, even for non-American singers.

Lastly, Americans make up 60% of all native English speakers. This is a significant factor in why American accents are so prevalent in the music industry. The influence of American English in music cannot be overstated, and it is a crucial aspect of why many British singers choose to sound American when they sing.