News in Brief Psychology

‘Vocal fry’ makes female singers seem expressive

Low, creaky voice influences listener’s perception of musician

Britney Spears

POP SONG  Some singers, such as Britney Spears, use a technique called vocal fry that could make them sound more expressive to listeners.

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By Meghan Rosen

- More than 2 years ago

SALT LAKE CITY— Oh baby, baby. Britney Spears’ famous croak could actually be giving listeners a sign.

Spears’ signature sound, an effect called “vocal fry,” makes female singers sound more expressive, vocologists John Nix and Mackenzie Parrott of the University of Texas at San Antonio reported May 24 at a meeting of the Acoustical Society of America.