What are “Utaite”?:Japanese Term Explained

2023/10/222023/12/24

So you want to know what a “Utaite" is? Well getting straight into the point, an “Utaite" is a Japanese word standing for something like “Singers" in English. But, it is also pretty different from the type of singers you are imagining. So in this article I will try and do my best on explaining what “Utaite" are and a little bit of history of them.

Understanding “Utaites"

As mentioned before “Utaite" means something like “singers" in English. Originating from Japan in the mid-2000s, these singers gained fame on platforms like “Nico Nico Douga" and YouTube. They add their creative touch to songs, often from VOCALOID or anime, captivating audiences worldwide.

The difference between normal “Singers" and “Utaites"

So what makes “Utaite" so special. The two-most notable differences between “Utaite" and other singers are the fact that “Utaite" don’t really sing their own songs but instead cover other singers songs, and that “Utaite" are for the most part “faceless singers" witch means that they don’t show there faces. Other differences are for example…

・While singers are professionals that make a living out of singing “Utaite" are mostly not professionals but youtubers or people singing as a hobby.

・Due to most singers being in some sort of agency they don’t have that much of freedom but “Utaite" are mostly individuals they have more freedom.

The Rise of “Utattemita" Culture

So, in most of “Utaite" covers they write “Utattemita" in the title. “Utattemita" translates to something like “I sang this." and simply means singing covers and sharing them online. This culture found its footing on platforms like “Nico Nico Douga", offering a stage for amateur singers. Over time, “utattemita" evolved into a unique culture, giving birth to the “Utaite" phenomenon and connecting artists with a global audience.

　

You can learn more about “Nico Nico Douga" in this article!⬇⬇⬇⬇

The Relationship Between “VOCALOID" and “Utaite"

The arrival of VOCALOID, especially Hatsune Miku, changed the game for utaites. They began covering songs by “Vocaloid producers" broadening the reach of VOCALOID music. This mutual relationship created a lively community where creativity thrived, leading to a surge in utattemita videos and establishing the status of “Utaite."

The Evolution of “Utaite": From Covers to Originals

Starting with covering existing songs, some “Utaite" have expanded their horizons. Many now create original songs, blurring the lines between amateur and professional. With appearances on music shows and collaborations with mainstream media, these singers have embraced more opportunities while staying true to their online roots.

The Future of “Utaite": Redefining Artistry in the Digital Age

As the internet shapes the music industry, “Utaite" is evolving. While distinctions between amateur and professional persist, the term now includes diverse talents and ambitions. With the rise of VTubers and growing acceptance of online artists, the future holds exciting possibilities where passion, creativity, and technology converge.

Conclusion

“Utaites" bring a unique blend of music and digital culture, originating from the early days of online video platforms. They continue to transform how we see talent and creativity. As they innovate and collaborate, the world of “Utaite" expands, leaving a lasting impact on the global music scene. Embracing the digital age, these internet singers inspire us to explore our passions and share our voices, one online cover at a time. 🎤