Miley Cyrus is a pop culture icon known for her bold personality, controversial moments, and, most notably, her distinctive, gravelly voice. From her early days on Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana to her chart-topping hits like “Wrecking Ball” and “Midnight Sky,” Miley's voice has become one of her most defining characteristics. But why does it sound so gravelly? Is it a natural gift, a result of vocal training, or the consequence of her unique lifestyle? In this blog, we will explore the factors behind Miley Cyrus’s signature raspy voice and uncover the reasons it has captured the attention of millions around the world.
1. Natural Talent and Genetics
Miley's gravelly voice can be traced in part to her natural vocal cords. Some people are simply born with a unique voice that stands out from the crowd. For Miley, this means having a naturally husky, raspy tone that is distinct from the smooth, soprano-like voices typically associated with pop singers. Many singers and vocal coaches point out that Miley’s voice has a richness and rawness that are genetically embedded.
However, while genetics can play a role in the natural texture of a person’s voice, it’s not the only reason for Miley’s vocal characteristics. Her voice is also influenced by the way she uses her vocal cords, as well as the genres of music she sings, which requires certain vocal techniques.
2. Vocal Fry and Belting
One of the most noticeable features of Miley Cyrus’s voice is the “gravel” or “rasp” that is often attributed to the vocal fry technique. Vocal fry occurs when a singer intentionally lowers their vocal cords to produce a low, gravelly sound. This technique is commonly used in rock, pop, and country music, and Miley uses it as part of her style, adding a unique texture and authenticity to her voice. It’s important to note that while vocal fry is a style choice, it can also be damaging if not done correctly.
Miley’s belting technique — a powerful, loud style of singing that involves pushing the voice beyond its normal range — can also contribute to her gravelly sound. Belting is often associated with musical genres like rock and pop, where singers project their voices with intense emotion and power. Miley’s love for genres like country and rock, as well as her collaborations with artists like Dolly Parton and her performances of songs like “Jolene,” has pushed her vocal cords to adapt to the demanding techniques associated with belting. Over time, this can deepen and roughen the voice, which might explain why it sounds so unique and gritty.
3. Years of Singing and Performance
Miley’s career began at a young age when she was cast in Hannah Montana at the age of 12. As she transitioned from being a teen idol to an adult pop star, Miley's vocal style evolved. For years, she has been performing live, recording, and touring, which puts immense strain on the vocal cords. Singing night after night can lead to vocal fatigue, and without proper vocal rest and care, this can result in a rougher, raspier voice.
Cyrus’s voice has undergone significant transformation over the years. Early in her career, she had a smoother, more conventional pop sound. However, as she embraced a more mature and rebellious style, her vocal tone became more gravelly. This change is partly due to the demands of singing rock and country music, two genres that often require a more raspy or throaty delivery. Additionally, Miley has often chosen to sing in a lower register, which can create a heavier, earthier sound.
Her voice might have become more gravelly over time due to her live performances and vocal strain. Singers like Steven Tyler (Aerosmith) and Rod Stewart have had similar vocal evolutions, and Miley’s experiences are no exception.
4. Lifestyle Choices and the Impact on the Voice
Another factor that contributes to Miley Cyrus's gravelly voice is her lifestyle, which has included smoking and partying. These habits are not uncommon in the music industry, but they can have a significant impact on a person’s vocal cords. Smoking, in particular, can cause irritation and inflammation in the throat, leading to a rougher, raspier sound.
In Miley’s case, her long history of smoking has contributed to the texture of her voice. While this may have started as a result of youthful rebellion or as part of her rock-and-roll persona, it may have had lasting effects. The smoke from cigarettes irritates the vocal cords, causing them to become inflamed, which can lead to a deeper, raspier tone. Some singers even deliberately use smoking as a way to enhance their voice, though it is widely known that smoking can damage the vocal cords and cause other long-term health issues.
Additionally, Miley’s personal life has often been in the public eye, with numerous relationships and emotional moments influencing her music and her vocal performances. Stress, emotional strain, and even periods of vocal overuse can affect the voice, making it sound more raw and gritty.
5. The Influence of Country and Rock Music
Miley’s voice is not only the product of her unique physical traits and lifestyle choices but also the result of the music she has chosen to sing. While Miley began her career as a pop singer, her love for country and rock music has heavily influenced her sound. These genres often emphasize vocal grit, soul, and authenticity, which perfectly complement Miley's raw vocal style.
Miley grew up surrounded by country music thanks to her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, a well-known country singer. This early exposure to the genre undoubtedly shaped her approach to singing. Country music, known for its emotional depth and storytelling, often requires a singer to dig deep into their vocal cords, producing a sound that is both vulnerable and gritty. Miley’s performances of songs like “The Climb” and “Jolene” showcase her ability to channel emotion through her raspy voice.
Her venture into rock music, particularly with her album Bangerz and her later work with the band Dead Petz, also demanded a rougher vocal quality. Rock music often favors singers who can push their voices to the limit, using techniques that produce a slightly hoarse or gravelly sound. Miley’s crossover into these genres has encouraged her to use her voice in new ways, contributing to the development of her unique, raspy tone.
6. Vocal Care and Maintenance
Despite her voice’s raw sound, Miley is known to take care of it. Like any professional singer, Miley works with vocal coaches, undergoes regular vocal training, and makes a concerted effort to maintain the health of her voice. However, the gravelly quality is likely a combination of intentional stylistic choices and the natural toll her years of performing have taken on her vocal cords.
The balance Miley strikes between protecting her voice and embracing its raspiness has allowed her to maintain her unique sound without completely compromising her vocal health. She is often praised for her control over her voice and ability to sing with both power and emotion.
Conclusion
Miley Cyrus’s gravelly voice is the result of a variety of factors, including her natural vocal cords, her use of vocal fry and belting techniques, her intense years of performance, and her lifestyle choices. While smoking and partying may have played a role in the development of her unique sound, Miley’s voice is ultimately shaped by her passion for music and her willingness to embrace different genres like rock and country.
Whether intentional or not, Miley’s gravelly voice has become an essential part of her identity as an artist, contributing to her status as one of the most distinctive and versatile singers of her generation. It's a voice that continues to evolve, captivating listeners with every note.
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