Contemporary vocal artistry in popular culture musics: perceptions, observations and lived experiences

Contemporary vocal artistry is often discussed in somewhat veiled contexts. The term ‘artist’ is commonly used to describe a singer in popular culture musics (PCM) and, although inherent artistry is implied, what specifically constitutes artistry is largely undetermined in PCM. The qualitative research discussed in this chapter addresses the concept of artistry through the perspectives of artists and of potential influencers on artistry. The participants’ perceptions, observations and lived experiences provide rich data in which artistic parameters are clearly identified. The research identifies that artistry in PCM, its features and its influencers, simultaneously pose opportunities and distinct challenges for contemporary singers. Consideration of the embodied voice alone, devoid of its influencers, processing and treatments, is perceived as limiting potential artistry. While ‘true’ artistry is defined and celebrated, it is through discussion of individuality and its intrinsic creative, expressive and technological components that participants reveal strategies for developing and maintaining artistic integrity.