Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-3076833-20141017184700/@comment-85.69.31.16-20160410164125

Time for me to join the thread \o/

For me, Miku isn't only a software. I mean; that's what she technically is: a character drawn on the box of a music software to make the product more attractive. But to me she's also what the people make of her, through music, songs, art, PVs, utaite, covers, remixes, odottemita... To me she's really the symbol of collaborative creativity, she's a canvas on which we can paint whatever we want.

I don't think that Crypton imagined the impact that Miku would have when she was first released; whether it is because MEIKO was already there enjoying her fame on Nico Nico Douga, or whatever the reason was (because let's face it, every company must have its load of stress when launching a new product idk ¯\_(ツ)_/¯).

I think the main reason why she had this huge boost of popularity within her day of release, was mainly because of her high-pitched voice and her cuteness (just look at the female idol industry in Japan which overflows with this idea of fluffiness and cuteness!) And that's what Japanese fans are attracted to. We Western fans can rant about whatever we want, it doesn't change the fact that Miku was first produced and released for Japan only!! Which means, with a vocal bank corresponding to the Japanese standards of what makes people buy (I hope I'm being clear xD)

(Historical note: At the beginning, KAITO's sales back in 2008 were crappy. Only MEIKO sold well because uh, she was a female and that KAITO's voicebank was kinda um. You know xD Aaaand that's the release of Miku that pushed users to take interest in KAITO again, so we can also thank Miku for that I guess? owo)

As for the thing "MIKU IS THE ONLY ONE THAT PEOPLE RECOGNIZE THAT4S NOT FAIR!1!!!1!" I would say, well, not quite. You can't blame Crypton for pushing advertising on the product that sells the most in their company. Concerts and innovations don't come in for free, so of course they need a shitton of money to satisfy the needs of the fans that scream all around the globe for Miku to come into their town. Also I'm a bit angry saddened myself that Miku gets more spotlight than the others Cryptonloids, even if it means shoving the other Cryptonloids aside (hell, MIKU EXPO is called MIKU EXPO for a reason), I don't think that's a bad thing: it's already difficult enough to make accept to the average person the existence of ONE generated-computer idol that goes into world tours, can you see yourself trying to explain the subtle differences between each VOCALOID/Utau/CeVIO/virtual singer?

Heck, the other day in my art school I made a presentation about VOCALOID because I thought "Hey, it's something innovative and creative, we're in an artschool, c'mon" and who did I put in front as an example to introduce the VOCALOID software and its possibilities? Miku. Precisely because since she's the one that sells the most, and not because she's the one I prefer or the cutest or whatever; she's the one that people knows the most, even if it only by name; and she is truly a symbol of the power of creative sharing via Internet. And the other Cryptonloids aren't exactly shoved aside either, they still lead the VOCALOID fandom along with Gackpo and GUMI from Internet.Co 8D

(As for my presentation, almost everybody found weird this idea of cutie 3D models with turquoise pigtails dancing on the stage idk xDD Aaah but it was entertaining to do nonetheless)

Miku was used to produce concerts, operas (Miku x Keiichiro Shibuya for THE END) and classical music concerts (Miku x Tomita Isao); alright, however for example, did you know that part of the vocals for the OST of the 2006 animated movie Paprika were made using VOCALOID LOLA released in 2004? (This movie is a masterpiece by the way, I highly recommend it!)

I mean what I'm trying to say is, sure, Miku gets more spotlight and that's only natural, but it doesn't mean that all the other virtual singers are erased from reality and shoved down into a black hole. They get their fair share of fame too!

Also, let's not forget that the VOCALOID fandom is super cool and all, but in the end we're just fans of a product sold by a company to answer to the needs of a community and make money. Yes, a PRODUCT. Just like you can aBSOLUTELY LOVE the taste of the cereals you eat in the morning (sorry for the comparison xD). Miku just sells better than the other products on the market of virtual singers (VOCALOID, UTAU, CeVIO, Alter/Ego etc, that's all ¯\_(ツ)_/¯)

I love yall-

--Aelly

PS: I also hate the weaboo fandom that goes on about how Miku is so kawaiiiiiiiiiiiii and is the best singer in the world. Well, that's just how they show their appreciation soooooooooooooooo yes. Let's try to bear with them (or not? idk xD) Being a fan requires a capacity of judgment and acceptance :v