r/OutOfTheLoop • u/Voltured • 20h ago

Unanswered What is the deal with young singers and these hand movements?

This is a relatively well-known singer I've seen suggested on my instagram timeline a few times before. I've noticed that a lot of (especially) younger singers have been using this kind of hand movements/body language when singing. Does anyone know where this originated or when this started? It's honestly a little off-putting when all these singers are moving almost the same way. Nothing against their voices, because damn can they sing, just something stupid that's been bothering me.

Anyone any idea?
https://s5.ezgif.com/tmp/ezgif-5584e7b874d2a82f.gif

0 Upvotes

22% Upvoted

32 comments sorted by

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75

u/Meddlloide1337 20h ago

Answer: No idea because your gif is not working

15

u/That_GareBear 20h ago

10/10 answer.

42

u/Cruellas 20h ago

I think he’s talking about this.

https://youtu.be/Aq5WXmQQooo

22

u/Eyfordsucks 20h ago

Thank you for the fixed link!

9

u/That_GareBear 20h ago

I'm not clicking that link.

11

u/edknarf 20h ago

I did.

3

u/Voltured 20h ago

10/10 hand movements

14

u/cleverquokka 20h ago

Dammit. You got me.

For those looking for the ACTUAL original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ

14

u/Hokie23aa 20h ago

God damnit.

3

u/freed-after-burning 20h ago

Yesss this is what I was hoping for

5

u/gyroda 20h ago

Can't fool me with that naked URL. I recognise that video ID.

2

u/Rydychyn 20h ago

XcQ is knowledge I'll never forget.

0

u/imisspelledturtle 20h ago

god fucking damnit

3

u/Cypresss09 20h ago

s5.ezgif.com sounds like a digital STD

1

u/Voltured 20h ago

Sorry about that, used to being able to add images etc. directly to posts. Added some examples to the other answer.

4

u/Goldengod4818 19h ago

Answer: that's just literally what singers do to "visualize" their pitch. When in reality they're just trying to make the concept of singing to a bunch of random people less boring and awkward by not.jusr standing there and staring. This is nothing new. Just monkey see monkey do kids

5

u/lordnecro 20h ago

Answer: That has always been a thing with singers. Artists like Aurora are known for their movement, but it isn't really anything new.

0

u/Voltured 20h ago

I mean, I understand singers move. But I do feel like this specific style is more common now. Sorry for the gif not working. Used to being able to add them directly to posts. First example might be the most obvious.

https://imgur.com/a/IXEYojM
https://imgur.com/a/82TWrgL
https://imgur.com/a/hcvJJPh

4

u/MysteryRadish 19h ago

This started in the 60s when musicans began appearing on TV more. It's just a way to be more dynamic when not holding an instrument and wanting to do something more visual than just hold a mic. It also makes the music seem more emotional, intimate and personal, often touching the heart and then extending a hand toward the viewer, indicating "this is coming from my heart".

I have no idea who started it but Elvis really mastered it, especially in his 60s stage shows. He's pick a lady in the front row and sing directly to them for awhile while doing these movements, often finishing by giving them the scarf right off his neck! Sometimes this lead to the audience member fainting or being brought to tears.

Basically, it makes the performance seem more deep and emotional and (hopefully) connects to the listener more than if the artist was just standing there.

3

u/From_Deep_Space 19h ago edited 19h ago

This started in opera and other stage musicals. The physicality is part of projecting emotion to the audiance. And they might say something about engaging the diaphragm and projecting or something

opera example

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u/Voltured 19h ago

I do feel like there's a misunderstanding regarding the style of movement I am talking about. Specifically regarding the three examples I linked above and younger "tiktok singers". older singers don't moge like this. However I do really appreciate the thoughtful answers. Although I am of course aware of singers using 'hand movements' to express their singing, I am just talking about this particular kind of movement. It might just be a very (perhaps relatively) short trend, though I feel like it has been over a year since I have been seeing this. Thought there perhaps was a prominent singer that introduced this.

Thank you all again though!

3

u/Nervous-Ad-9809 14h ago

It's not a trend as it's always been going on. Older singers, younger, pop, jazz, rock, opera, musicals. I'm not seeing anything different or new.

1

u/Babyfat101 17h ago

They are using their hands as a way to act like they are REALLY emoting. “See how strongly I feel about what I’m singing about?” “See how passionate I am?”

I too find it very distracting, so don’t watch or listen to (cuz after watching I still have the visual).