An unrealised project based on a performance where live female vocals would be added karaoke style to an audio or video playback of the song ‘Roxanne’ by The Police.

The Police’s song ‘Roxanne’ was inspired by Parisian prostitutes and in this work the song would be enhanced by the addition of female backing vocals. As a trained vocalist I would use the space above the range of the male vocal to create, in parts, a second melody and also join in the main vocal to create harmonies. The original audio or video recording of the song by the Police would be used in playback and the live female vocals would be added karaoke style as a performance. As there are many songs written, and performed by males about prostitutes (such as Killer Queen by Queen, Charlotte the Harlot by Iron Maiden, 53rd & 3rd by The Ramones, House of the Rising Sun by The Animals etc.) there is great potential to expand the project.

There are two key points in this project: one is the romanticism and mysticism that is placed on the prostitute by the (male) songwriter/performer. The other is the passiveness, or the supporting role, which is usually traditionally given to female vocalists in song performances.