Elliot Kim
It is a well-known phenomenon that British singers often sound American when they sing. This has sparked curiosity among listeners, with many wondering why this happens. While there is no definitive answer, several theories have been proposed. Some suggest that it is a matter of technique, as American vowels are more open, making it easier to sing in that accent. Others argue that it is due to the influence of American pop and rock music, which British singers grew up listening to and tried to mimic. Additionally, the Mid-Western United States accent is often taught in broadcasting schools and is considered a neutral accent, which may also contribute to its prevalence in singing. Some singers also consciously or unconsciously adapt their accent to match the genre of music they are performing, such as R&B or mainstream pop. While some British singers have been criticized for faking an American accent, others have embraced their native accent in their musical performances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Loss of accent | British singers lose their accent while singing due to the change in the way certain words are rounded off. |
| Cultural expectation | Certain genres like R&B or mainstream pop are expected to be sung in an American accent. |
| Musical influence | British singers might have grown up listening to American pop or rock music and tried to mimic them. |
| Songwriting | Songs are often written with an American accent in mind, so singers adapt their style to match. |
| Neutral accent | The Mid-Western United States accent is taught in broadcasting schools and considered a neutral accent, so it is easier to sing in and often used as a default. |
| Vowels | American vowels are more open, making it easier to sing in that accent. |
| Consonants | The precise articulation of consonants is lost when singing, leading to a more neutral, American-sounding accent. |
| Musical genre | Some genres, like reggae, are associated with specific accents, which may influence the singer's accent. |
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What You'll Learn
The influence of American music
Furthermore, the "British Invasion" of the 1960s played a pivotal role in shaping the influence of American music on British singers. During this period, British rock and pop artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who gained immense popularity in the United States. This cultural exchange went both ways, as American musicians were influenced by the British sound and fashion styles. The success of British artists in the US demonstrated the international appeal of British music and paved the way for future British acts to achieve international success.
While the "British Invasion" brought British music to the forefront, it also highlighted the influence of earlier American music on British artists. Genres like rock 'n' roll, blues, and folk had already made their way to Britain and influenced British musicians. Artists such as Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart, and Eric Clapton are known for emulating American singing styles, particularly in genres rooted in African-American music like blues and R&B. This cross-cultural exchange enriched both the British and American music industries.
It is worth noting that not all British singers sound American, and some consciously choose to retain their regional accents in their singing. Artists like Ed Sheeran, Kate Nash, Lilly Allen, and the Arctic Monkeys are known for singing in their distinct British accents. This trend towards embracing authenticity in accent and style has become more prevalent in modern music.
In conclusion, the influence of American music on British singers is a complex interplay of cultural exchange, musical genre conventions, and individual artistic choices. While some British singers may unintentionally or intentionally adopt an American accent when singing, others proudly embrace their native accents, contributing to the diverse and dynamic landscape of British music.
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The 'neutrality' of an American accent
The "neutral American accent", also known as "General American", is a widely recognised accent that is often used in television, international business, and professional settings. It is characterised by pure vowels with minimal diphthongisation, resulting in crisp and clear sounds without unnecessary elongation or nasalisation. This accent lacks distinct regional or cultural ties and is often associated with qualities like intelligence, credibility, and polished communication. It is also commonly used when teaching English as a second language, especially in Asia.
The neutral American accent is not tied to a specific region, but it is most closely associated with the Midwest, including states like Iowa, Nebraska, and Ohio. It is worth noting that the Midwest is also home to other distinct accents, such as the classic Midwestern accent, which has unique speech patterns like the "centering diphthong". However, the neutral accent taught in broadcasting schools is different from these regional variations.
The concept of a neutral American accent was first introduced by linguist George Philip Krapp in 1925. He described it as a precise and universally comprehensible version of American English. Later, in the 1960s, linguist John Kenyon built upon this idea and popularised the term "General American accent (GenAm)" to refer to its clear and adaptable speech style.
The neutral American accent is often perceived as lacking any distinguishing features, and some even consider it accentless. However, it does have its own defining characteristics. It is marked by a lack of specific pronunciation patterns or speech habits tied to a particular region, making it more universally understandable and widely accepted.
The reason why some British singers may adopt an American accent when singing is a combination of factors. Firstly, singing voices tend to sound more neutral than speaking voices, and the natural accent may not come out as easily. Secondly, British singers may have grown up listening to American pop or rock music and subconsciously mimic those accents when singing. Additionally, certain singing techniques, such as avoiding the letter "R", result in a more neutral accent that is easier to sing in and is closer to the American accent.
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Singing technique
Singing is often associated with a standard form of English that grew out of the Broadway scene. This standard form of English is roughly halfway between American and British English, tends to avoid the letter "R", and sounds pretty neutral. However, in popular American singing, you may hear ""R" sounds being dropped, like in British English. This is because 20th-century American popular culture came from places where people dropped the "R", such as the South (particularly African Americans) and the Northeast (especially New York City).
Singers may adopt an American accent when singing due to the influence of the music they listen to and sing along to. Additionally, songs are often written with a specific accent in mind, leading singers to adapt their style to match. The Mid-Western United States accent is often taught in broadcasting schools and is considered one of the most neutral accents. As a result, when listeners hear a singer without an obvious accent, they may associate it with this generic American accent.
To sing with an American accent, it is important to focus on the pronunciation of specific sounds, such as the letter "R". In Standard American English, the letter "R" is pronounced at all times, while in British English, it is only pronounced if there is a following vowel sound. Another difference is the pronunciation of the letter "A". In Standard Southern British English, words with the letter "A" may be pronounced as [ɑː], while in America, speakers tend to use [æ]. Additionally, the /t/ sound in the middle of words may be pronounced as a short /d/ or a Spanish "R" sound in American English.
Singing with an American accent may feel unnatural or fake at first, but with practice, it can become more comfortable and automatic. Singers may need to modify their vowel sounds and practice pronouncing words with an American accent repeatedly to improve their ability to sing with an American accent.
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Cultural expectations for certain genres
The phenomenon of British singers adopting an American accent is influenced by various factors, including cultural expectations within specific music genres. While some British artists retain their accent or adopt a regional one, others gravitate towards a more "American" sound. This tendency is particularly noticeable in genres such as R&B and mainstream pop, where the American accent is often considered a cultural norm.
The influence of genre-specific expectations is evident in the music industry. Certain genres, like R&B and mainstream pop, have become closely associated with an American accent. This cultural expectation influences the way British artists approach their vocal delivery within these genres. For example, a British singer performing R&B or pop music might feel that an American accent better fits the genre's conventions and audience expectations. This shift in accent can be subconscious or intentional, driven by a desire to align with the stylistic norms of the genre.
Additionally, the history of the music industry plays a role in shaping these cultural expectations. The dominance of American artists and the global reach of American pop and rock music have contributed to the perception of the American accent as a neutral or generic accent in music. This perception further reinforces the adoption of American accents by British singers, especially in genres heavily influenced by American musical traditions.
It's worth noting that this trend is not limited to British singers. Artists from other non-American backgrounds, such as Australian and New Zealand singers, have also been observed to adopt an American accent when performing. This highlights the pervasive influence of American musical culture and the association of certain genres with specific accents.
While cultural expectations play a role, it's important to acknowledge that there are British singers who consciously choose to retain their accent or embrace their regional dialects when performing. Artists like Ed Sheeran, Kate Nash, Lilly Allen, and the Arctic Monkeys are notable examples of embracing their authentic British accents in their music. This countertrend underscores the evolving nature of artistic expression and the ongoing negotiation between cultural expectations and individual artistic choices.
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The 'Mid-Atlantic' accent
The Mid-Atlantic or Transatlantic accent is an artificially-confected accent style that emerged in the early 20th century. It gained prominence in the United States and parts of Canada and was primarily popular among the American upper class. It was also prevalent in the realms of theatre, film, and education. The accent was created to unify and standardise an American dialect, blending elements from both British Received Pronunciation (RP) and American Standard English. It was designed to add sophistication and refinement to the American dialect, which some considered harsh and flat.
The Mid-Atlantic accent is characterised by a non-rhotic quality, where the "r" sound is not pronounced at the end of words or before consonants. For example, "car" would be pronounced as "cah." It also tends to use a soft "a" sound, resulting in pronunciations like "dance" as "dahns" and "past" as "pahst." This accent often incorporates formal and refined vocabulary and phrasing, such as using "shall" and "shan't" instead of "will" and "won't." It also exhibits a specific intonation pattern, with a slight rise in pitch towards the end of sentences, adding to its air of sophistication.
The origins of the Mid-Atlantic accent are attributed to Australian phonetician William Henry Tilly, who taught at Columbia University from 1918 until his death in 1935. Voice coach Edith Skinner, a former associate of Tilly, played a significant role in popularising the accent. Skinner's book "Speak with Distinction," published in 1942, became a go-to guide for those seeking to adopt this refined manner of speaking.
The Mid-Atlantic accent was widely used in early to mid-20th-century cinema, earning a reputation as an old-timey accent of the 1930s and 1940s. It was employed by actors like Cary Grant, Rosalind Russell, and Bette Davis, and continued to be used by Christopher Plummer well into the 1960s. The accent's influence began to wane as cultural attitudes shifted, but it remains a fascinating aspect of linguistic history, reflecting societal aspirations and perceptions of sophistication.
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Frequently asked questions
The mid-western US accent is one of the most neutral accents that English speakers are familiar with. It is also taught in broadcasting schools. Therefore, when a singer lacks any other obvious accent, the brain associates it with the most neutral accent, which is the "generic American" one.
No, there are exceptions. Some British singers like Lily Allen, Kate Nash, Ed Sheeran, Adele, and the band Arctic Monkeys sing in their accents.
Singing voices tend to sound more neutral than speaking voices. It is less natural and more conscious than speaking, so the natural accent doesn't come out as easily.
No, this also happens with singers from other countries like Australia and New Zealand.
Decades ago, British singers deliberately tried to sound American to sell more records. Now, it is not deliberate, but it is because singing in an American accent is easier due to the way certain words are rounded off.
