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The Evolution of My Voice: A Journey Through 13 Years of Vocal Development

life motivation music nonbinary voice voice feminization voice masculinization Dec 05, 2023
13 years of vocal development

Hey there, wonderful readers! Today, I've got something special in store for you. I'm going to take you on a journey through the evolution of my voice over the past 13 years. It's a bit of a personal experiment, but I thought it would be interesting to share how our voices change over time, whether we actively work on it or not.

Our voices are like a fine wine, aging and maturing with time. There are various factors that contribute to this transformation – voice training, the natural aging process, hormone replacement therapy, and even illness or disability. The beauty lies in the uniqueness of each voice and the stories it tells.

So, grab a cup of your favourite beverage, settle in, and let's dive into the time capsule of my vocal journey.

Back in 2010, I released a song called "Candy," and today, you can listen to a snippet of it in the video above. Of course, if you want to listen to the entire thing, you can do so here on Bandcamp.

Take a moment to absorb that sound. To me, it sounds a bit light and thin, and lacking in the boldness that I associate with myself now 😂 I mean, I was only 22 when it came out, so it makes sense. 

To hear what it sounds like now, at 35 years old, watch the video above for a snippet of me playing and singing it today.

Quite a difference, right? I'd love to hear what you noticed between these two versions, so drop your thoughts in the comments on TikTok or Instagram. Now, let's unpack this journey a bit.

Firstly, it's essential to recognize that change is inevitable. Our voices, much like the rest of us, are constantly evolving. Whether we actively engage in voice training, embrace the natural aging process, undergo hormone replacement therapy, or navigate the challenges of illness or disability, our vocal cords are on a journey just like the rest of our body.

In my case, I've witnessed the ebb and flow of my voice over the years. The 2010 version of "Candy" reflects a time when my voice was perhaps more unpolished, raw, and slightly less confident and sure-footed than I am now. It's a snapshot of a moment frozen in time, capturing the essence of who I was back then.

Fast forward to today, and the changes are palpable. There's a depth, a richness that wasn't there before. Life experiences, the passage of time, and yes, some intentional voice training have all left their mark.

Now, you might be wondering, why bother documenting this evolution? Well, for starters, it's a celebration of growth. Our voices are a testament to the chapters we've lived, the highs and lows, the victories and defeats. It's a reminder that change is not to be feared but embraced. It's going to happen anyway, so you might as well notice it, embrace it, and even celebrate it.

Moreover, I hope this journey sparks a conversation about the beauty of diversity in voices. There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to vocal beauty or vocal change. Each crack, each shift in tone tells a story – a story of resilience, adaptation, and the willingness to embrace the ever-changing nature of our identities.

So, what can we take away from this audio time capsule? Firstly, change is normal. Whether we actively steer our vocal ship or let the currents of life guide us, our voices will transform. Secondly, every voice has its own unique charm. It's a symphony of experiences, and the evolution only adds more notes to the melody.

As we wrap up this auditory journey, I want to express my gratitude for joining me on this adventure. Whether you're a fellow musician, a trans voice trainer, or just stumbled upon this post, thank you for being a part of my vocal evolution story.

How has your voice changed over the years? What songs or moments in time mark significant milestones in your vocal journey?

Until next time, keep singing/speaking, keep evolving, and embrace the beautiful cadence of your own voice. Cheers to the incredible symphony of life!

Hi, I'm Renée! (they/them)

I'm a queer, nonbinary, and disabled singer, songwriter and gender-affirming voice teacher. 

I've been a voice teacher for over twelve years, I have four full-length albums out, and I have degrees in physics, jazz, and songwriting.

I love creating, I love figuring things out, but most of all, I love helping people.

Learn more about me

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