The Singing Voice in Contemporary Cinema

The Singing Voice in Contemporary Cinema considers different contextual formations of singing and how they contribute to narrative, emotional affect and cultural sensitivities.

The singing voice is arguably the most expressive of all musical instruments. This volume celebrates the ways in which singing features in film. This includes the singing voice as healer, as motivator, as entertainer, and as comedic interlude. Whether the singing voice in film is personally expressive, reflexive and distant, or synchronized for entertainment, there is typically interplay between the voice and visual elements. Extending beyond the body of literature on ’the musical’, the volume is not about musicals per se. Rather, The Singing Voice in Contemporary Cinema discusses the singing voice as a distinct agent that focuses on identity and identification. This book explores the relationship between screen, singing, singer and song; it celebrates the intersection of the singing voice and popular culture. In doing so, the volume crosses multiple disciplines including vocal studies, film studies, film sound studies, and music production (vocal processing).

This book will inform those teaching or interested in popular music, vocal studies, screen sound, and film, as well as singers and voice professionals.

Diane Hughes is Senior Lecturer in Vocal Studies in the Department of Media, Music, Communication and Cultural Studies at Macquarie University. Her research interests include the singing voice, pedagogy, film and sound, recording practices, the music industries and popular music. She is the President of the Australian National Association of Teachers of Singing (ANATS Ltd).