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
Powering discovery
The University of Cincinnati is a research-intensive, urban public university that proudly emboldens the next generation of research pioneers. UC's world-renowned researchers and scholars collaborate across disciplines, colleges and campuses as they address the most pressing challenges throughout the world and in our communities.
Related Stories
‘Designer drug’ shows early neuroprotective signal in acute ischemic stroke
October 28, 2025
Medscape highlighted new trial results led by the University of Cincinnati's Eva Mistry that found an experimental drug shows promise in protecting injured brain cells for patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Is menstrual fluid ‘the most overlooked opportunity’ in women’s health?
October 27, 2025
The Guardian recently reported that period blood has long been thought of as ‘stinky and useless’, but startups are exploring using the fluid to test for a wide range of health conditions — including endometriosis.
What is squalane, and how does it work to moisturize skin?
October 27, 2025
The University of Cincinnati's Kelly Dobos was featured in a Women's Health article discussing squalane, an ingredient being increasingly used in moisturizing skincare products.