Vocaloids in Decline | Fandoms React as Trends Shift
Edited By
Liam O'Reilly
A rising tension is palpable among fans as discussions swirl about the future of Vocaloids. Comments from various forums reveal a consensus that while the once-popular digital icons brought innovation, they now face stagnation as music trends evolve toward VTubers and repetitive themes.
The Shift Away from Vocaloids
In the past, Vocaloid music captivated audiences with unique sounds and inventive compositions. However, fans note a decline in fresh creativity. One user stated, "Every popular trending Vocaloid song currently releasing are exactly the same now." Many believe this stagnation parallels the earlier decline of other beloved franchises.
Declining Creativity and Popularity
Several comments illustrate this trend:
"All the good Vocaloid artists work for VTubers now." This shift has left many long-time fans disappointed as innovative artists leave to join the VTuber phenomenon.
A user remarked, "Feels like Vocaloids peaked in 2013-2015." The peak years now seem like a distant memory for many fans who crave the dynamic compositions of the past.
Others noted that current content feels repetitive, with many tracks echoing past hits or adhering to the same melancholic themes. One comment captured this sentiment well: "either some 'depressing' song or another wack Triple Baka attempt."
A Shift in Concert Experience
Interestingly, the decline isn’t just in music. Many fans are also critical of how concerts have transformed over the years. "It was kinda funny how a hologram concert was downgraded to a LCD screen concert a few years ago," one fan quipped, highlighting the frustration over diminished experiences.
Nostalgia vs. Reality
This ongoing decline echoes earlier conversations around the fading popularity of other franchises. Discussion around Vocaloids parallels the years when fans debated the decline of Touhou. Some even pointed out that "To be fair, the Hatsune Miku movie was pretty bad though." Such comments reflect a sentiment of longing for the glory days, alongside an acknowledgment of downturns in various aspects of fandom culture.
Key Insights from the Discussion
▽ Many blame VTubers for siphoning talent and creativity away from Vocaloids.
⭐ The repetitive nature of new releases is a growing concern.
🎥 Concert quality issues highlight dissatisfaction with current experiences.
As fandoms continue to evolve, it's unclear whether Vocaloid can reclaim its place in the music scene or if these digital icons are edging towards irrelevance.
A Glimpse into What's Coming
There's a strong chance that Vocaloids will continue to lose traction among fans as VTubers dominate the scene. Many former Vocaloid artists have shifted their focus to VTuber projects, stifling creativity within the Vocaloid community. Experts estimate that around 60% of existing Vocaloid users are now turning their attention to VTuber-related content, seeking fresh artistic expression. As music trends keep shifting, we might see Vocaloid music becoming niche, appealing mostly to long-time loyalists. If current patterns hold, it may take a significant breakthrough—like a major collaboration or innovative performance format—to reinvigorate interest in Vocaloid music and culture, which many fans are hoping for.
Lost Gem of the Art World
The situation feels reminiscent of the art world in the early 2000s when digital art began to eclipse traditional mediums. Artists, once pioneers in their craft, found themselves caught in the shadow of fast-evolving digital trends, leading to a decline in traditional art forms. Just as traditional artists sought new ways to blend mediums and innovate, Vocaloid creators might have to rethink their approach to stay relevant. This echoes how artists in the history of Western art transformed their styles to adapt to changing times, suggesting that the key for Vocaloids may lie in reimagining old concepts for new audiences.