A Guide to the Most Influential Vocaloid Artists
Hatsune Miku│courtesy of Sega and Crypton Future Media
Written by Gill Princen
Vocaloid, a revolutionary voice synthesizer technology, has given rise to a unique genre of music that combines the efforts of producers and virtual singers. Over the years, several artists have made significant contributions to this genre, creating iconic tracks and cultivating large fanbases to the point where Vocaloid artists and characters reach a global community. Here’s a detailed exploration of some of the most prominent Vocaloid artists and their impact on the Vocaloid community.
12. Mitchie M
Mitchie M debuted in 2011 with Cosmic Ballad. He is popular for his realistic tuning and lifelike Vocaloid vocals, primarily using Hatsune Miku. His work spans various genres, often having a cheerful and upbeat tone. Inspired by Brazilian musician Tom Jobim, Mitchie M’s work is celebrated for its lifelike Vocaloid tuning, making his songs stand out for their natural sound. His attention to detail in vocal tuning has set a high standard in the Vocaloid community, influencing other producers to strive for more realistic and expressive Vocaloid performances.
Popular songs
Viva Happy - 2013
Freely Tomorrow - 2012
Burenai Ai de - 2013
11. sasakure.uk
Sasakure.uk debuted in 2007 with PICO@LUV (Song for ☆彡 and ♥ and AI.) His music is known for its nostalgic, video game-inspired chiptune style, primarily using Hatsune Miku and Megurine Luka. His ability to blend old-school video game sounds and references with modern music production has earned him a unique niche in the Vocaloid scene.
Popular songs
*hello, planet - 2009
Our 16bit Warz - 2009
Tondemo Wonderz - 2021
10. Neru
Neru, also known as z’5 or Oshiire-P, debuted in 2009 with Kazeoto no Chronicle. He is known for his intense and rebellious themes, often using Kagamine Rin and Len. Neru’s work spans heavy metal, rock, and EDM, often featuring powerful and raw emotional content. His music often addresses societal issues and personal struggles, making his songs relatable to many listeners who find solace and understanding in his lyrics.
Popular songs
Lost One’s Weeping - 2013
Tokyo Teddy Bear - 2011
Law-evading Rock - 2016
9. Kikuo
Kikuo debuted in 2010 with journal of my forgotten fantasies. His music is known for its dark, often disturbing lyrical themes, typically using Hatsune Miku’s voice. His unique style and thematic boldness have made him a standout figure in the Vocaloid scene. His tracks often delve into psychological and existential themes, providing a stark contrast to more mainstream Vocaloid music. Kikuo has composed for Touhou music, video games, and idol songs.
Popular songs
Gomenne Gomenne - 2011
You’re a Worthless Child - 2013
Aishite Aishite Aishite - 2015
8. CircusP
CircusP, an American producer, debuted in 2009 with Creepy Toast. He is known for his catchy melodies and emotional depth, primarily using the Vocaloid voices of GUMI and Hatsune Miku. CircusP’s work spans electronic pop and various other genres, characterized by a blend of energetic beats and poignant lyrics. He is recognized for his realistic tuning and attention to vocal expression. As one of the prominent Western Vocaloid producers, CircusP has played a crucial role in bridging the gap between Western and Japanese Vocaloid communities, fostering a more global appreciation of Vocaloid music.
Popular songs
Copycat - 2016
CiRCuS MoNSTeR - 2010
Goodbye - 2014
7. DECO*27
DECO*27 debuted in 2008 with Boku Mitai na Kimi Kimi Mitai na Boku. He predominantly uses Hatsune Miku’s voice in his work. His work spans J-pop, J-rock, and pop rock, often exploring themes of love, conflict, and personal introspection.
Popular songs
Vampire - 2021
Otome Dissection - 2019
Habana - 2017
6. PinocchioP
PinocchioP debuted in 2009 with Hanauta. He is known for his distinct lyrical style and original characters, primarily using Hatsune Miku and GUMI. His work often features social commentary and whimsical storytelling, making his music both thought-provoking and entertaining. His original characters, Doushite-chan and Aimina, appear in many of his music videos, adding a unique visual element to his storytelling.
Popular songs
Kimippoi na - 2021
SLoWMoTIoN - 2014
Magical Girl and Chocolate - 2022
5. wowaka
wowaka debuted in 2009 with in the Gray Zone. His unique style blended J-rock, pop rock, and math rock elements, primarily using Hatsune Miku’s voice. Wowaka’s music is celebrated for its raw emotional power and innovative sound. His untimely passing in 2019 due to heart failure left a profound impact on the Vocaloid community. In addition to his Vocaloid work, wowaka was part of the rock band Hitorie, which he joined in 2011. Hitorie continues to perform and produce music in his memory.
Popular songs
Rolling Girl - 2010
Two-Faced Lovers - 2009
World’s End Dancehall - 2010
4. GigaP
GigaP debuted in 2009 with Teardrop Prism. He is renowned for his energetic and vibrant compositions, primarily using Kagamine Rin and Len. GigaP’s j-pop, electronic, and techno-infused tracks have made a lasting impact on the Vocaloid genre. GigaP was part of a unit with REOL and Okiku until their disbandment in 2017 due to creative differences. The group REOL combined Vocaloid elements with live vocals, gaining a unique following.
Popular songs
Bring it on - 2018
Hibikase - 2014
Gigantic O.T.N - 2012
3. Hachi
Hachi debuted in 2008 with Mary. His work is distinguished by its narrative depth and emotional resonance, often using Hatsune Miku and GUMI. His Vocaloid tracks remain influential, with Matryoshka being a fan favorite for its quirky lyrics and energetic beat. Sand Planet served as the theme for Hatsune Miku’s Magical Mirai 2017.
Popular songs
Matryoshka - 2010
Donut Hole - 2011
Panda Hero - 2011
2. Kz (livetune)
Kz debuted in 2007 with the song packaged. Initially part of a duo with Kajuki-P, Kz continued solo after Kajuki-P’s departure in 2008. Kz is known for his electro and electro-pop genres, primarily using Hatsune Miku’s voice. Tell Your World gained massive popularity and was featured in a Google Chrome commercial.
Popular songs
Tell Your World - 2013
Redial - 2013
Last Night, Good Night - 2008
1. Ryo
Ryo made his debut in 2007 with the song Kimi Wo Wasurenai. He quickly gained recognition for his talent in blending emotional melodies with the distinctive sound of Vocaloid vocals. Ryo is a member of the Japanese band supercell. His work with supercell prominently features the voice of Hatsune Miku, and his songs often highlight Miku’s iconic image. Ryo produced the main themes for almost every Project DIVA game, a series of rhythm games featuring Vocaloid characters. Despite his retirement from the Vocaloid scene, Ryo continues to influence music under Sony Music Records. Ryo’s work, especially World is Mine, is often considered one of the quintessential Vocaloid songs.
Popular songs
World is Mine - 2008
Melt - 2007
Love is War - 2008
Each of these Vocaloid artists has significantly shaped the Vocaloid phenomenon and music scene through their unique styles and productions.
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