Wall Street Journal: Why your dryer sings to you

UC marketing professor/musician explains the phenomenon of serenading appliances

The Wall Street Journal turned to a University of Cincinnati marketing professor for help with understanding why modern appliances are singing to their owners. 

James Kellaris, a composer, musician and professor of marketing at UC's Carl H. Lindner College of Business, is quoted throughout a WSJ listicle, "Why Your Dryer Sings to You: A Smart-Appliance Guide.

"Dishwashers, ovens and washing machines from Samsung, LG and Whirlpool are blasting cheery tunes for attention," reads the listicle's sub-headline. "What’s behind this odd phenomenon?"

The national news organization picked the perfect expert to turn to for the piece; Kellaris' research focuses on sonic branding. Kellaris is quoted throughout the article, including in the story's first paragraph.

“The little tunes appliances have started spitting out these days are known as audio logos,” Kellaris told the WSJ.

Later in the piece, Kellaris explained that audio logos can "can cut through the clutter of multiple devices and appliances calling out to us." 

Featured image: Naomi Hébert/Unsplash

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