Does Vocal Discernability Affect Enjoyment of a Song Among Experimental Hip-Hop Fans?

Experimental hip-hop is a subgenre of hip-hop music which often incorporates musical elements that are unconventional to music typical of the genre as a whole. The focus on experimentation often also leads to a more creative approach to mixing which often goes against best mix practices which have been established by past music. The aim of this study was to examine different approaches to vocal mixing and find out which approach appeals most to fans of experimental hip-hop. Two tracks, Pegasus and Turbine, which already existed in a demo stage were recorded in collaboration with experimental hip-hop artist SVHymns, then three vocal mixes were made of each with each song. Different amounts of emphasis were placed on discernability of vocals and clarity of lyrics depending on the mix, from most to least. A blind listening test was then made and carried out on a group of fans of the genre, where they listened back to the mixes and answered questions on both the mixes and on the genre as a whole. The project provided a great insight into the mixing process as a whole and mixing preferences among experimental hip-hop fans and the factors which can affect these preferences. The majority of listeners preferred a less effects-heavy, discernible vocal mix on a densely arranged track (Pegasus), and a less discernible mix on a more sparsely arranged track (Turbine). Lyrics were also not found to be an important factor in its overall appeal on Pegasus but were on Turbine.