Why Foreign Artists Adopt an American Accent in Their Singing
When foreign artists adopt an American accent while performing, it can be puzzling for some. However, understanding the roots of musical styles and the cultural influences behind them can shed light on this phenomenon. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why artists who sing in non-American genres still sound distinctly American, as well as delve into the cultural and linguistic factors that contribute to this.
Imitating Musical Influences
One of the primary reasons why foreign artists sound American when singing is due to the influence of their musical idols and the records they admire. Many musicians, regardless of their nationality, mimic the vocal styles of their favorite American artists. For instance, many South Americans and Europeans hear music with a southern American accent, and they strive to imitate these singers. This is especially true for genres like rock, RB, and blues, where Southern American accents play a significant role.
Homage to Influences
An underlying reason behind adopting an American accent is a form of homage to their musical heroes. This isn't necessarily an attempt to deceive but rather a recognition that the music they perform is deeply rooted in American culture. Mick Jagger and Joe Cocker, for example, often sounded American because the music they performed was American-rooted. Similarly, some punk bands, like Green Day, adopted American accents for their performances to align with the genre they represent.
Artists often incorporate accents that best fit their genre to feel more authentic. Some European artists, particularly those in Scandinavia, learned English from American draft dodgers who taught English as a foreign language (TEFL). This exposure to American accents has influenced a generation of singers to adopt a similar style.
The American Accent: Singable and Alluring
The American accent stands out among other regional accents for its singability. Americans tend to speak more clearly and quickly when singing, which makes their voices stand out.
The standard American accent often has a more sing-songy quality and employs Latinized vowel sounds. This makes it easier for singers to hit notes and project their voices, which is particularly important in genres like pop and rock. Artists from other regions, such as Australian, Canadian, and some British singers, often lean towards adopting an American accent because it aligns better with the expectations and aesthetic of the genre they are pursuing.
Expectations and Genre Authenticity
Artists, especially in popular and pop genres, often expect their performances to sound American to align with genre conventions. For instance, when singing American-style blues or country music, a non-American accent may sound out of place. Consider the famous Irish singer Dolores O’Riordan; her Irish accent was a key part of her band’s success, differentiating them from other acts and contributing to their unique musical identity.
Cultural Consistency and Audience Reception
Given the cultural and linguistic preferences of their audience, artists often adjust their accents to better fit the music they are performing. For example, when singing about Kansas City or quoting classic American blues lyrics, a non-American accent would likely sound awkward and detract from the performance.
Accent Matters in Performance
When performing American songbook material, an RP (Received Pronunciation) accent might sound like:
"You know one is going to Kansas city Kansas city here one comes..."
"One awoke this morning you know I was feeling around for one's shoes don’t you know Yes as I said I awoke this morning..."
These words, when spoken with an RP accent, may sound awkward or even nonsensical. The American accent simply fits better with the rhythmic and expressive nature of the music.
Understanding the context and cultural significance behind the accent choices of foreign artists can help us appreciate their performances more fully. The adoption of an American accent by foreign singers is often a deliberate choice that enhances the authenticity and appeal of the music they perform.