Bruce Springsteen and Tom Waits: Exploring Persona Through Voice

Bruce Springsteen and Tom Waits are two iconic musicians who masterfully employ personas in their work. Their distinct styles showcase how voice and character shape their artistry. This article explores their unique approaches to delivering music through the lens of persona.

Understanding Persona in Music

A persona allows artists to step outside themselves. In 2021, Springsteen noted that some of his lyrics, possibly from “Born in the USA,” reflect a character rather than his true self. This technique helps artists express complex emotions and narratives.

Similarly, Tom Waits utilizes his distinct vocal style to embody various characters. His songs often resemble theatrical performances, reminiscent of monologues in plays. This approach creates dramatic tension that transforms the song into an authentic experience.

The Impact of Voice and Delivery

For some listeners, Waits’s style may come across as exaggerated. However, many find themselves captivated by the vivid world he creates. His ability to portray different personas enriches the listening experience, drawing audiences into the characters’ lives.

Lessons from Writing and Persona Development

Writers also leverage persona as a means of expressing personal experiences. During a 2021 Catamaran Writers Retreat, a young woman shared her journey of exploring trauma through writing. She revealed that narrating her own story in the third person allowed her to distance herself from the pain.

As poet Patrice Vecchione suggested, this technique can empower writers to express difficult experiences. By using a different perspective, they can access intense emotions while maintaining a layer of protective distance.

Exercises to Foster Creative Distance

• John Gardner, a noted novelist, proposed a creative exercise for writers: describe an inanimate object that has witnessed a crime.
• This approach encourages writers to project their consciousness onto the object, fostering a fresh viewpoint.
• Such exercises can result in more dramatic and impactful storytelling.

Exploring persona through voice and narrative allows artists and writers to delve into complex themes. Whether through music or literature, the use of character provides a powerful avenue for expression and emotional exploration.