Vocalists On Equipboard?

For a long time I've felt music doesn't need vocals to still be impressive, however recently I have just loved some tracks which aren't all that complicated but have lovely vocals.

Specifically, this new track Flume just dropped, which has blown my mind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fx8pS_sOi-A

I'm wondering if there are any songwriters/singers on the site who have an opinion on vocals in electronic music, and also if anyone would be up for collaboration or have any demos we could listen to :)

I used to be a severe music snob. I'd crucify any band that wrote simplistic music in basic time signatures and even more so if the vocals were the only redeeming feature of the band. I've matured a lot on the issue but still occasionally get into some snobbery.

I do however feel that lyrics are the least most important part of any song. Those moments when a musical piece gives you goose bumps, when the adrenaline starts flowing, when the heart starts to race, or when the tears start to roll are rarely ever actually caused from the words, but actually HOW they were sang and in what progression and what notes.

My example is always Forrest Gump. There are moments in that film that always made me tear up and I always thought it was because of the situation and circumstances involved with what he was doing. Most of these parts however are actually devoid of all words. It's the music building up, gaining volume and hitting those keys minor notes that cause the levy to break.

Now, compare this to spoken word performances, poetry recitals, and such. It's not impossible to tear up from these but it sure is much more difficult than what a composer with an orchestra would have to do.

To this day there are very few vocalists I really appreciate for their lyrical contributions. Randy Blythe and Taylor Swift (or whatever 60 year old man in Hollywood writes for her) are two that come to mind.

I would agree that the actual sound and the progression and the music can certainly cause a greater emotion than vocals can, and can certainly be easier.

I wouldn't discount the potential vocals have though; I understand you aren't down right saying vocals are pointless, however I would probably support them more than you seem to. Which is fine, each to their own :)

I think most importantly, when combined they can create some beautiful moments. I personally believe music can contribute something vocals cannot, and at the same time, vocals can create something music cannot.