Comments on: Auto-Tune Abuse in Pop Music – 10 Examples

By: Pitch Bitch John

Pitch Bitch John — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:46:41 +0000

If you haven’t surfed over to @Mark ’s page on blogspot you should. He has a very interesting theory on the evolution of genres which helps contextualize the autotune debate.

His post reminded me of how litle we take into account external factors to music. Most technological advances end up invariably changing art. When the phonograph was invented classical musicians started using vibrato more so it would sound better recorded.

There is a really interesting book by Mark Klatz called “Capturing Sound: how technology has changed music” that you might be interested looking into. It’s partially available on Google Books.

By: Steve Hilliar

Steve Hilliar — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:44:29 +0000

What a great website, keep up the good work.

We have the gear (technology) these days to make superb recordings. Why do these pop people insist on leaving out real instruments and replacing them with fake loops etc. there is no substitute for the real thing.
http://www.easyaudiorecording.com

Steve Hilliar

By: Mark

Mark — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:15:15 +0000

Great article.

I have a similar rant on this subject. Check it.
Debaters welcomed.

http://themusicsoapbox.blogspot.com/2010/01/but-mommy-t-pains-parents-let-him-be.html

By: Sukebei

Sukebei — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 07:54:53 +0000

Auto-tune is like makeup. If they don’t notice, it’s okay to use it.

“I kissed her on the glittery pink paint thingy yesterday!” (lipstick)

I’d say, I prefer stuff unedited…

By: Sukebei

Sukebei — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 07:43:48 +0000

Although your statements are true (I believe you have proved what you said), you seem to be sniping at people who use auto-tune. I am pretty sure it isn’t intentional, but I know people aren’t always understanding.

One question though: Is it possible to use this auto-tune tool to change your voice if you don’t want someone to know your real voice?

By: Robin

Robin — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:28:05 +0000

@Aaron: You have really bad ears. Avril is one of the best singers ever and she is live better than on CD.

By: GL Smith

GL Smith — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 02:18:03 +0000

If you don’t like auto tune then don’t use it in your music or listen to music that uses it. A lot of consumers must like it because many of these auto tune wonders make the charts big time. I can bet you they are out selling your stuff. Stop trying to force this pure craft crap on folks. Do what you like and let the next guy do what he likes, and let the consumer decide what they like. For the record, I’ve played around with auto-tune, but I prefer recording with out.

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:44:43 +0000

These tracks aint got nothin on ‘watcha say’. The only part of the song that isn’t heavily abused is the initial ritual of singing of one’s own initials.

By: Art

Art — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:46:47 +0000

I’m a vocalist and my range is pretty good, I can hit quite a few high and low notes that most male singers can’t. I hate auto tune except for an intentional effect, and even then not that much.
Keep in mind though that I will do what it takes to put on a good performance for my audience every night. I’ll throw some reverb and compression on for nearly every song, delay when it is needed.
This is no different than using them on an instrument. The biggest difference between the voice and an instrument though is that the instrument is predictable, while a the voice has to with strain, nervous energy, fatigue or any other 100 things that can go wrong with a voice.
To ensure a quality performance, I’ll throw harmony or a slight pitch correction on my processor, maybe a 10 cent correction on a 50 cent flat note. Can I hit the note? Yes. Can I hit 100% every time I Sing it?
Maybe, maybe not. I spend hours every week exercising my voice and practicing. Using a very slight pitch correction to be sure of a good show is just being a professional.
Does any regard an NFL receiver who wears special gloves as a fake or cheating? Pros use the tools available to them.
I totally agree that horrible singers using auto tune to do their entire performance is a slap in the face to those who work hard at their craft. But using the tools available to be a better artist is being smart.

By: sitric

sitric — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:33:22 +0000

great post, yeah i think auto-tune has become the standard sound in pop-music these days, it’s part of the genre just like using distortion in rock-music. It’s like a signature move, once you hear it people clearly label your music in the pop genre which is partly why i would never use it.