Let's put this back into a musical context where it's most comfortable. Using auto-tune, you can tune any inputted pitch to any other pitch, and a person's vocal range and agility becomes theoretically boundless. Popularized by the likes of T-Pain and Akon, and now featured on a large percentage of the tracks produced today, Auto-tune has definitely left its on-point mark on the pop music scene. With powerful musical implications, auto-tune has secured its place in the industry. While I understand why Auto-tune has gotten a boat-load of flak in recent years because some people view it as musically deceitful, I do not share this view. Check out T-Pain's "
In defense of auto-tune, I offer these sentiments:
Auto-tune in some cases is a crutch in other cases it is used as an effect: as a crutch if a singer can't hit a note they hear in their head due to vocal constraints, and as an effect if a singer just wants that infectious, metallic shimmer on their recorded vocal tracks. In either case, Auto-tune allows the artist to sing the melodies in their head regardless of their vocal virtuosity. Does this represent a breach in integrity or honesty? I prefer to think of it as a vehicle for musical honesty. Now an artist can convey the melodies that are truly playing in their head without hiring someone to do the vocalizing for them.
I have a great respect for the singer who doesn't require auto-tune to hit atmospheric notes with the precision of a laser-guided missile. Granted, these people have a load of talent. But not everyone will ever be able to hit certain notes accurately no matter how much vocal training is received. I am not arguing that users of auto-tune are the most talented of vocalists, but they are not talentless. Successful artists utilizing auto-tune often have strengths in other areas such as lyrics, rhythm, and unique vocal timber. Auto-tune allows artists to display their musical strengths even if hitting pitches perfectly isn't one of them. This shouldn't be such an issue because popular music isn't largely an exhibition of vocal virtuosity. It isn't opera. It isn't Broadway.
Some people mark the rise of Auto-tune with the downfall of creativity. This is completely and utterly false. Auto-tune is not a melody-generating software. An artist still has to define and realize a melody. The software bares no creative input into the music. There is still a lot of human in the equation. This is not machine-music of any kind--it is not an algorithm that spits out searing singles. It influences a layer of the track(the vocals) and increases the preciseness of a singer(to a degree determined by the sound engineer and artist). Auto-tune does not sing for anyone, and it can't make just anyone a singer You can't go into the booth, spit gibberish in mono-tone, run it through auto-tune, and have a hit that goes platinum in a week. As an auto-tune user, I can attest to this fact. Factors that make for a successful auto-tuned recording include: raw vocals which come close to the desired pitches, having an interesting quality of voice, and good air support.
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Antares. This is the software the professionals are using.
If an artist creates a catchy song, I believe the end justifies the means. Auto-tuned or not, that's all that pop music boils down to--creating a song that plays on repeat in many a person's head long after the song stops playing.
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