Can you believe ANYTHING you hear in 2023? OR did it START in 2007? Let's find out.

[@lintollefsen7166]

What I really don't understand is why any one thinks the mechanical sound of autotune is better than the richer, human sound of a natural voice.

[@RogCBrand]

It makes me wonder if people that are born and grow up, used to hearing autotuned voices, might find that the "normal" and dislike natural voices, like someone used to processed and fast food, and disliking good, homemade food!

[@orbyfan]

It's the same mentality that says that everyone would naturally prefer to watch colourized movies instead of seeing them in the original black & white.

[@stevencurtis924]

It may be the result of a lack of thinking

[@Yesica1993]

THIS is what scares me!@@RogCBrand

[@manuela-6998]

Graxie FIL ---' SEMPRE INTERESSANTI I TUOI VIDEO' E TU SEI UN RAGAZZO SUPER 🎸🎶🎶🎶EDUCATO SEMPRE CON TUTTI ' ' QUELLO CHE SI DICE """ un bravo ragazzo " 👍🏿🖐🏾🖐🏾💫💫💫💫noche

[@mikehansen5011]

Thanks fil. I feel fortunate to have grown up during late 70s-80s. I can't tolerate much of today's music.

[@joethelion6016]

Same on the timeline 👍 I do still occasionally hear something I like

[@loriholloway5866]

I love that Fil NEVER insults the singer. He's ALWAYS supportive of the natural voice. I don't need perfection!! I love the human, imperfections. It's part of believing what you're singing!! ❤❤❤❤

[@anngulliver5964]

I really appreciate that too. I've watched a lot of his videos now and no matter what the genre of music, how long they've been around for or how popular they are in terms of commercial success he never criticises the singer. There are some reaction videos that enjoy taking the mick out of singers for autotune and pitch correction. However Fil has taught me that even large bands as big as Keane can have these ridiculous and unnecessary decisions taken out of their hands by egotistical producers.

[@alelirivarola1197]

I went to a Keane concert a few years ago and it was amazing, Tom does not need autotune at all

[@nenasadie]

It's not just sad for those of us who are older, and our favourite songs are being messed with. Younger people aren't going to be consuming music any other way, and that is going to make things really weird. I know it's mostly subliminal but it counts, and if it carries on like this there will come a time when people only know how to consume music this way, and they feel something is "off" when they hear the real thing. It disturbs me, but to know there are now songs that you can't hear with the original vocals on youtube is really a step further into that future. That future is a disaster for music imho.

[@greggorsag9787]

I’m afraid people are being trained to hear the manipulated vox as good and expressive vox as bad. What we hear as flat and mechanical (because of the way we were trained to listen), they hear as great singing.

[@pommie5093]

This makes me so sad. It's heartbreaking to find out that the song or voice someone fell in love with isn't real. As an artist, I would be dead set against this. Of course, they might not have a say in some cases but there has to be a way to put your music out there and to keep it real. Thank you, Fil. I really appreciate these videos, always.

[@BeckVMH]

I've used this analogy before. I cannot imagine anyone being allowed to alter great paintings from history, every brushstroke reflecting the artist. An absurd thought, but it's done routinely with vocal artists. So tragic and should be illegal.

[@pommie5093]

@@BeckVMH I completely agree and it's a great analogy. In fact I referred to musicians as artists in my post because that is what they are. Altering what they originally produced to make it sound "better" is ruining their artwork.

[@BeckVMH]

@@pommie5093 Yes to all. And as listeners and consumers, we’re be deceived and defrauded even. Thank you for your comment.

[@Llanchlo]

@@BeckVMH 100% - It's like photoshopping Picasso because he put the eyes in the wrong place

[@DawnLenn]

I absolutely love this song, and I hate that they've auto-tuned it. That's so stupid. It sounds horrible - I cringed a few times listening to that. Thanks for pointing out Tom's actual talent!

[@Terri_MacKay]

🤦‍♀️I hate it...pitch correction, autotune, overdubbing...I hate it all!!🤦‍♀️ Frankly, I'd rather listen to someone sing into a sock with their natural "imperfect" voice, than listen to these pristine, "cleaned up" versions of songs. Thank you for continuing to expose just how widespread and insidious the use of these technologies has become...and I say insidious because it's bad enough when it's applied to a piece of recorded music, but now we can't even count on a live performance to actually be live. We all care about this just as much as you do...please keep speaking out!! ❤️🇨🇦

[@phylliswurm9473]

Its getting more difficult to believe whats real or not, music or photographs. A real shame this is happening. Thanks for analyzing Fil.

[@susanschaffner4422]

I really have learned a lot from you about the tampering of recordings, something I was previously unaware was so prevalent.

[@garyhalmbacher6875]

I like your use of the word 'tampering'. That's what it is, tampering, not the more benign word 'producing'.

[@PlanetoftheDeaf]

I remember hearing Tom live 10 years ago, when he joined Neil Hannon (Divine Comedy) on stage for a couple of songs with Neil, just voice and piano. He was great, an excellent singer, the last person who needs autotune. What a ridiculous habit the music industry has got itself into.

[@siamesecat4]

Exactly. He most definitely does not need autotune. His voice is perfect.

[@Lilah1754]

Seeing the graphs is believing. Again, so not needed in this case. What’s a shame is when a artist is no longer alive, and has no say in what’s done to their voice. Fil, you are the auto tune detective! Thanks again for your great explanation. So glad I saved many of my LP records!

[@tammydoolittle6054]

Auto tune/Pitch correction, arg! Why don't they understand the natural voice of the singer is better than trying to make it sound perfect with a machine? What if the singers don't want to be auto tuned/pitch corrected? Can't they do anything about it or is it out of their hands? Thank you for showing us the difference between a natural voice and a auto tuned/pitch corrected one!

[@anngulliver5964]

I feel the same way. It's a Keane live concert dvd / official live release. It says *Keane* on the title, so why is a post production person or team is placing themselves above Keane and the singer? Keane are actually their boss/client because they are paying them to put together the live release. Imagine being paid to do something and putting your own ego above your boss so you take presidence over them and without their knowledge or wishes?

[@La_Roo]

Auto tune “threw a wobbly” 😂🤣😂

[@tessiepinkman]

I loved the expression "Auto tune threw a wobbly". You're the best!

[@drewpall2598]

Keep up the excellent detection of what has been auto tune or pitch corrected or whatever? you are and excellent educator and teacher in your field of music. 😊👍

[@karajalbert6074]

I'm a visual artist, 30 years worth. I feel about autotune like I feel like someone taking Picasso's painting and others trying to make them into realism. You completely destroy the paintings...

[@johnhanover2229]

As an artist I agree with you. Another example would be CAD lines put on a Minimalist painting. Maybe even painting clothes on Michaelangelo’s David. I find very few current “ graphic designers “ and illustrators that can’t draw without computers.

[@karajalbert6074]

@@johnhanover2229 I totally understand.. I am basically an impressionism oil painter and pastel painter.

[@johnhanover2229]

@@karajalbert6074 or them smoothing out your Impressionism j/k. Impressionism is one of the most technical schools. I am Futurist, Op, Psychedelic, and tribal.

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

100% agree. I am an artist as well ,and trying to change a beautiful piece of art ,it's destroyed trying to make it into something it's not at all. It's devastating.

[@alicesmith8297]

I placed a question on another analysis WoP video (I auto tuned my guitar) and received a comment about reverb, distortion and critiquing my opinion that auto-tuning a voice creates a “counterfeit” of the voice recorded. As visual artists, is my “label” of counterfeit an accurate description? Thank you for your instruction and clarification.

[@LOL-Can]

To whom to we raise the hue and cry on this issue. The music is without character. Thank you for this.

[@DDK62]

When Fil gives one of his infectious smiles, you know what the answer is straight away!!✌️

[@ardalla535]

It might be interesting to do a vocal analysis of the old recording of Jussi Bjorling's "Nessun Dorma" from the '40s. I don't think vocals get much better than this. Bjorling is a legend.

[@davidcatalano3781]

Thank you Fil, Blessings!!

[@MostlyBuicks]

I have a 2002 Album by Allison Moorer "Miss Fortune" that has a hype sticker: "Absolutely No Vocal Tuning Or Pitch Correction Used In The Making Of This Record." Which suggests by 2002 it has already become a problem in the industry in which artists with integrity and talent were calling it out.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

I've never heard of him, but your comments are so true.

[@bernardenejones8620]

Thank you Fil for your analysis on this.

[@BeckVMH]

Why do singers, artists not revolt when this is done to their performance? I realize there are times they might appreciate the "help" given their voice can become fatigued during busy schedules, but it would seem extremely offensive to routinely alter their work.

[@Tincan21ify]

Why do people pay for add-ons they don't want when buying a car? ... they are not given much choice. I think this is analogous to a labels "record deal".

[@BeckVMH]

@@Tincan21ify I believe you’re correct and is generally the case, although there may be other factors. They like the artist and want to sign them, but tell the artist it’s either “our way or no way” prompting consent.

[@debbier938]

Hi Fil, Very informative analysis. And auto-tune makes everything sound so mechanical you can pick it out straight away. It is too bad artistic integrity is being compromised trying to make things sound “Better”. Hopefully more people will become aware of this issue and demand a change in the industry. But until then, we have you to keep us up at the top of our game as to what is going on…! Nice work on this analysis video. Debbie☮️

[@Boneyard24]

Thank you Fil, I am 67 years old , I have a lot of heroes,..none of them are stupid, and none of them are perfect. Fil, you are my latest hero,...maybe we should get together some time, we could autotune Mona Lisa's smile, ...or jump in a time machine and tell Bob Zimmerman (Dylan), that he can't sing. Mankind's 2 greatest flaws are arrogance and greed,...Fil, please continue your stand,...I am with you, It's been so many years since I have heard a true analog reproduction. I have assembled most of the equipment , and I have lots of vinyl. Carry on Fil,... .

[@123Rockchild]

Fil’s “ear” should be insured by Lloyd’s of London! 👍

[@lindadescafano3749]

Thanks Fil for pointing out another performance using Auto Tune. It's unfortunate but appreciate you sharing the original vocals as well to hear the difference. 😊🎸🎵

[@dmcarp2807]

As you've now shown from this 2007 example onward, there has been improvement in skill and "artistry" of producer's use of A-Tune in recorded "live" performances. No matter, you're still able to detect it within first phrase or two. Some positivity here.

[@pateagle7191]

There's a new Led Zeppelin LP out from an early Scandinavia sessions. The example sounds right, but is that a cut from the original track or off the remastered, re release? I'm leary of getting it because of auto tune.

[@markkinnish1196]

Great update as always Fil

[@rossmurray6849]

I often cannot detect autotune even when Fil says he does hear it. I believe him when he says his hearing is sensitive to it. And mine is not sensitive. With this one I could detect the mechanical sound within the first few seconds.

[@bélalugrisi]

That is why the pitch detection software is useful.

[@maryv4363]

I don't know why producers can't leave well enough alone. Tom's voice is fine by itself and autotuning it makes it sound fake. Auto-Tune was invented in 1997 by Antares Audio Technologies, so I'm sure it was used right away. One of the worst inventions ever, and why producers feel compelled to use it, especially when they have No Clue, is beyond me! Thanks, Fil, for this important analysis, and for continuing to share autotune examples with us.

[@peterhodgkins6985]

The industry has pretty much lost me as a customer. Modern music often sounds like it's being done by an AI module... But what makes me crazy is that they aren't satisfied screwing up new music ... They want to go back and retrospectively wreck everything that's been done to date! I loved the live music experience because of the marvelous imperfections that you'd hear... Sometimes a goof up... Sometimes a slight rearrangement, and sometimes just from the soul of the singer, something changed. Why pay all that currency to go to a live show to hear a studio cut? It's a world that I'm quickly loosing interest in.

[@Yesica1993]

Same. I never thought I'd say such a thing. I adore music, especially live shows.

[@mimi-3212]

In your summary you said rather disappointedly, "It loses a bit of the magic". That's an apt way to describe finding out that autotune was used.

[@suzanneespinola6509]

Interesting analysis Fil. I would like to make a request. There’s a new song and singer. Who’s song is going viral. And should be listened to. It’s all over KZbin. The song is call Rich Man- North Richmond. His name is Oliver Anthony. This is real singing and playing. And no auto tune or anything

[@lieslwindjulie3230]

Oh, no! Not Keane 😕 I love this band. Hey, production team, leave Tom's real voice alone! It's beautiful as it is. Fil, thank you for helping us train our ears. I really value your work, passion and commitment to authenticity 🖤🤘🏽

[@leolightfellow]

Honestly, I'm relieved that the band doesn't use auto-tuning. I love Keane so much and got so nervous once I realized you were investigating them in this video. (The producer/production team are pooheads though.)

[@Yesica1993]

Same!

[@oldermusiclover]

what is soo sad is that they can get away with this without the artists permission

[@jedimasterthrash2761]

Can you do the analysis in complex space? If the raw pitch is ascending/descending/vibrato during pitch correction, the phase must be getting adjusted, resulting in obvious phasing effects. This phaser effect is what we hear as the "sounds autotuned", as well as the unnatural "note locking/jumping" effect, which will naturally introduce more harmonic distortion at the note jumps (which is also what we perceive as the note-jump autotune effect).

[@ericmcsnorkle4090]

Bands need to speak up about this once it is brought to attention/caught out. I can (almost) understand and expect this kind of behaviour on manufactured pop. But genuinely talented musicians like Keane?!? It’s a travesty. How can anyone involved in professional music do this and have a clear conscience. It goes against everything music lovers love about music.

[@pamr4040]

It could possibly go back even farther than 2007, considering that Cher's song, "Believe" came out in 1998, and that seems to be when AT/PC started to show up in various places. I agree with you about Tom's voice...love that song! ♥

[@M0odyBlue]

You could really hear the AI in that song.

[@wraithstalking]

True, but that was applied to create a specific sound effect. What we have now are basically cheating to make a singer sound "better" and, in doing so, drain the emotion out of a singer.

[@jdjohnson7299]

@@wraithstalking Exactly.

[@FineArtsMusic]

Look at Frank Sinatra’s vocal performance on My Way please!

[@zenawarrior7442]

Another good video on pitch correction. I can tell you're passionate, always break it down well for us. Thanks Fil 😊🌙⭐️🎼🎶

[@christinemalone]

I’ve seen Keane ( and Tom playing solo) many times and I just love his voice. Whoever felt the need to auto tune Tom is a numpty. He really doesn’t need it, he’s not always perfect ( mostly he is ) but always delivers anyway.

[@stevemogan5384]

Hey Fil, check out Enrico Caruso's remastered version of O Sole Mio compared to the original, not sure how much they have pitched corrected his voice, because it sounds a bit too compressed compared to the original, but there is a definite difference between the two.

[@deed.3230]

I used to think ‘oh, I don’t like the way they recorded their voice there’, now I understand what was actually going on.

[@Musicmanbutte]

One thing I would like to see on your Channel is for you to do a video of songs that were recently written with chat GPT, just curious to see what musicians are using this tool now for writing their songs. If you did a video like that it would be very interesting.

[@ardentynekent2099]

Bummer! This explains why I think they’re playing the same song over and over when I’ve had a hair cut. It’s a succession of girl voices being auto tuned to the same notes. Sad.

[@Tuzilla]

Great job as usual. Strange, but I watched Jurassic Park in 3D at the theater last night.

[@cbyam1300]

Hi Fil, I enjoy seeing these videos on using pitch monitoring software to look at how certain performances have been adjusted to create a "perfect" result. Personally, I feels it's wrong to alter performances in this way , but other people may think it's fine. I was just wondering though, have you ever looked at internationally renowned opera singers, who I am sure don't need pitch correction or auto tune, singers such as Pavarotti or Maria Callas ? It might be interesting to run their voices through the software & see how accurate they are. Cheers .

[@MohamedMagdi790]

I've read an article on Sound on Sound that Andy Green who produced hopes and fears did use pitch correction on vocals. Maybe he meant on Tim Rice-Oxely's vocals cause he did lead vocals on sunshine and untitled 1

[@PlanetoftheDeaf]

Commercially issued live albums or videos have always been a bit suspect from a "live accuracy pov", as even 40 years ago, they were massively cleaned up, or over dubbed! It's an interesting issue, as a "buyer", do I want a warts and all performance, or do I want to weak backing vocals for example boosted?

[@ginnyvogel7754]

If we alter the emotional voice of an artist, we alter the emotional response of the humans experiencing the art form. Much is lost when it's done to older vocal deliveries that were experienced in a very personal, visceral way when first heard, but when it is done automatically to new music, that vivid relationship is never even formed. All the songs sound the same. We don't turn our heads, drop what we are doing, and forever remember where we were, and who we were with, the first time we heard.....

[@alexkohler8282]

i think i remember a presentation that described the ability of the software to change only certain frequencies

[@Ohio45545]

Makes me want to weep, hearing this monstrous autotuning of superb natural voice.

[@JulesUS8386]

The beginning of this is not natural. Then…. Eeeeek at 4:08 the segment you just played was like screeeeeeech on the chalkboard for me. You know, so many individuals and bands from the beginning of this technological atrocity that was invented have felt the necessity to CHANGE even the best vocalist’s performance. WHY? In my opinion the natural voice is exactly what I desire. Even if the soloist or group makes a mistake…it’s ok bc they are showing they’re human!! If I wanted sound run through the program, I’d ask for it! I definitely believe the music industry should package this on album labels as well as concert ticketing purchase orders listing all changes made including backtracks or any changes so customers know what they are purchasing upfront!! When I hear only these small pieces of vocal run through ‘that’ program it’s painful to my ears. I’m happy you’re educating others on how to recognize autotune/pitch correction. I don’t see how one can miss it though! How to tell the industry THE PUBLIC DOES NOT WANT THIS DONE… Great video!

[@xxPenjoxx]

Do music producers do this without the bands consent? Is it ironic that folk with their phones out at a concert baffles me when I'm there, but now I'll end up relying on their videos to capture an adulterated version of the gig!?

[@HumbleTrader001]

What’s a shame is when even classic rock performances are now being auto-tuned and/or pitch-corrected. If someone was, say, a member of the Eagles, clearly being able to sing without pitch correction (since it didn’t exist back in the day) was a requirement for being in that band, but yet they now want to auto-tune them? LOL

[@58joana]

Giving too much power to "producers". Never understood that. They are not the artists, their actions can be counterproductive. A Pitty!😢

[@sixeses]

thanks Fil

[@Ozzcaddy]

Now I know why I only listen to music on the radio from the 50's to early 80's. When an old song is remastered, is that only using better technology to reproduce the sone to remove background noise distortion or does it include Auto tune?

[@M0odyBlue]

Hi, Fil. Would you do an analysis of VOCES8, a British vocal group? They have the most ethereal sound I have ever heard.

[@juicethemodeller]

The production team probably didn’t even think they could make it better. They were just paid to produce, so they… produced. It happens so often and in so many different domains. Give a perfect manuscript to an editor and they’ll edit the heck out of it because that’s what they’re getting paid for. People generate activity for the sake of activity. Oftentimes this is to the detriment of quality.

[@fromchomleystreet]

Sometimes this is done entirely without the knowledge or consent of the singer. A few years ago, Tim Minchin publicly lambasted the decision made, without consultation, by somebody in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s company, to autotune Minchin’s vocals on video releases of a live performance of Jesus Christ Superstar, in which Minchin played the lead role of Judas. He described the experience as being tremendously humiliating.

[@ricleonardis9314]

KZbin has Live versions of so many songs. Last song I heard on the radio was Woman by the Scorpions. I never had headphones just speakers in my car and laptop. I download the songs I need to hear, burn them to a blank CD. I haven`t listened to a New song on the radio in decades.

[@johnhanover2229]

“ Funky Town “ by Lips Inc. Is one of the earliest. One could almost imagine Cher’s “ Life After Love “ has some weird effects.

[@ijustneedmyself]

Auto-Tune wasn't created and released until 1997. Funky Town used a vocoder. Cher's song was the first song where I became aware of Auto-Tune.

[@matcoffidis1135]

Have you done one on Kiss and backing tracks for Paul's vocals? I do know also that they record parts for their Alive! Rrecords...lol. Great video, btw. I loke howyou pulled from various examples...

[@sah-win]

Don’t these artists realize they’re putting themselves at risk of extinction? All this auto tuning has been conditioning the masses to accept AI vocals & live performances.

[@Era515]

That's exactly what I think the music industry is planning, and it is a catastrophe for real musicians and singers. It absolutely sickens me!

[@catherinelw9365]

I've been thinking about the direction of art in the last couple of decades. I have not been excited about any music artist in years... I recall the first time hearing Amy Winehouse and thinking she was exceptional, but maybe she was autotuned - I'd have to sit down and really listen again. But I have noticed that a lot of pop music vocals sound the same to me - most contemporary artists' voices don't stand out as distinctive any more. I couldn't understand why until I stumbled onto your channel and learned about autotune. I also think film making is another lost art. All we have are mindless action movies, grade-school dialogue, lousy writing, remakes, predictable plots, superficial characters... I've gone back to watching old Hollywood films from the 20's to the 70's. The writing is so much better and you have to really pay attention as directors did not spoon feed the audience. It's a situation where I don't know how we can go back to actually producing art again.

[@wirenutt57]

Thanks you so much for busting these producers on their unnecessary use of autotune/pitch correction. I have lamented for years, decades now, that all modern music sounds the same, and you exposed it perfectly. They all go through the same software/processor to "correct" "mistakes" perceived by a producer with itchy fingers on the keyboard or mouse. I could hear that millisecond glitch giveaway at D#4 you pointed out and it rang in my head like a cracked bell. I literally can't listen to the radio any more because of obnoxious stupidity just like that. My wife listens to modern "country" stations, and besides being written by what sounds like a 12-year-old, they pitch correct it on top of that, all of which makes me physically ill. Keep up the great work calling out this fuckery!

[@RichardSparks1970]

I know you don't review this genre much, but I would love to hear a vocal analysis of Dame Joan Sutherland who had relative pitch, and if there are any releases that have been autotuned. It would be very interesting to see. Thank you.

[@jcxz100]

Had to come here to ask this question: Did they just pitch correct The Joker by Steve Miller Band? Or am I going insane? I heard it minutes ago on an old-time radiostation and my teeth started buzzing because it felt like there was some metallic interferrence with the vocals.

[@Caveman57]

Fil, how about taking a look at Israel Kamakawiwo'ole? Very different from your usual type of music. But the man was a Hawaiian legend with a huge following. Thanks, health and happiness to you!

[@pite9]

A lot of producers have an inferiority complex because they can't write good music, so they take pride in the skill they have, that they can hear notes accurately. So, when they listen to a raw vocal, they hear that it's a bit flat here and there, and that's when they start to think that they can fix it. I've heard some say that it annoys them when something is off the grid. Their annoyance stems from the notes not hitting the grid perfectly, rather than the singing sounding bad. Many of them have a hard time distinguishing the two. They're damaged by their profession.

[@MythicalMystic]

Please check out Freddy and Brian doing a double acoustic number at Rock In Rio (Brazil) in 85', watching nearly 300,000 Brazilian fans singing Love of My Life back to Freddy word for word perfect is something you would never forget.

[@REVW196]

Think it started, with American Idol ! '

[@pometele]

Have you listened to or heard of the band Lovebites? I would be very interested in your opinion. Some keywords: Japan, power metal, thrash, speed, twin guitar, harmony leads, energetic live performances, fast and melodic solos, prog ballads. If you don't know them, choose any song, you are garanteed to be surprised. Rock on!

[@Shaki123]

Fil, it is too late for the industry to come back from this unless the artists themselves do something against it.

[@Crinkle65]

Is all Autotune done after the performance or are singers sometimes singing through an autotune effects unit of some kind during the performance?

[@kennethmeeker6369]

There’s no telling what kind of unique styles that would come from not having auto tune on everything, you don’t learn anything that way our limitations are what makes us unique.

[@michaelgeorge5436]

Awesome t-shirt

[@fredhinckley8630]

I'm not a professional musician or singer, but the auto tuned stuff sounds obviously worse. After these people auto tune songs, do they actually listen to what they have done? These people are in the music industry. They should have some musical knowledge and expertise. If I can tell that something sounds awful, why can't they tell? I'm confused.

[@ardentynekent2099]

Fil: You are an inventive, consistent and reliable advocate for the human voice and honesty. It all speaks highly of your character.You’ve found original sounds and voices, and I thank you forever for that. Now, if you’d play any song from CHARLES AZNAVOUR, I’d be beyond thrilled. He did write 800 songs in his lifetime. Some are in English, as he spoke seven languages. Just pick one, please. I won’t live forever. Thanks. xo

[@ericblair54]

What is it about the power people in the music business that want to make things" perfect?" The nuances and humanity of the performance(s) is/are erased, gone. A sorry state of affairs.

[@kellypeter1115]

I hope the original performance without the manipulation is preserved somewhere :-( ...as a bit of an uplift go to Larkin Poe's recent cover of Bittersweet Symphony, where enhancing the vocal actually makes sense to reflect the originals 50 track studio version, while not tuning the vocal at all. 🙂

[@Sejoevia]

Nice analysis, Fil. Have you listened to any of the shows like The Voice or Idol to see if they auto tune? How ridiculous would that be?

[@ijustneedmyself]

They most definitely do. It's obvious and terrible. It's part of why I can't watch those shows anymore. You don't get to hear their real voice.

[@egaaronp]

I've no idea on how to explain it, but I immediately tell as you say there's no 'expression'. I dislike the alterations intensley & when I mention it doesn't seem real, people roll their eyes at me. Ps: I am in no way a musician, but am in awe of the natural talent. I even can hear a guitar strummed with feeling other than just striking the chords.

[@lauraallen55]

All those notes stuck to the line sounded horrid to my ears. They even sounded robotic to be honest. Oh, there we go. You've said it: mechanical. That's exactly how it sounds to my ears too. I hate it. Why is this happening so much, Fil. I'd love for you to do a video on how/why all of this came to be in such vogue (unless you've already done). I just don't get why people would prefer to hear machines perform vocals essentially. I want the emotion. People listen to music to activate certain pleasure areas of the brain (whether they know that's what they're doing or not) and this just takes so much away from the pleasure aspect of it. The live sounded so much better. Even singing into a sock sounds so much better. I wonder what producers like Nick Lowe, Jeff Lynne, Elvis Costello, Brian Eno, Tod Rundgren, etc. think of all this. :/ Thanks, Fil, for showing everyone what's been going on behind our backs. Love it!

[@brianoneil9662]

It's like turning to a.i. to create poetry or art. What is this determination to strip the humanity out of creativity? I think the production team in this case wants to "play God". "We can make that music better. We can do it RIGHT."

[@bernardenejones8620]

That's the problem with some producers they want in the light the singers are in and the producers don't have the talent

[@ferguson1518]

Recently attended the Springsteen concert in Edinburgh and, as with all his gigs, a few days later live recording of the show was available, which I bought. The quality is great, as would be expected, and the vocals also sound very good. I just wonder if some digital intervention is taking place. I think several other artists similarly release post gig recordings. Perhaps you could take a look at a couple of these type of releases and do a video. Perhaps contrast an old school performer like Springsteen against, say Taylor Swift

[@markrinehart8813]

Not only mat you not know if the recorded version was auto tuned, but you may bot know if they are auto tuning the live concert you are attending. It is a sad state for music.

[@glasswingbutterfly]

IMO this seems akin to back in the day when singers (like Milli Vanilla, Ashley Simpson on SNL, and others) were caught lip-synching songs purported to be live. Fans were very vocal about saying this was wrong... The artists/industry listened and lip-synching became almost universally rejected. If fans rally against auto-tune/pitch-correction maybe this autotune abomination will also be rejected...

[@TomHendricksMusea]

Maybe we should start a petition, to the Big Three Labels that control 70% of the music industry with this question: Dear Warner, Universal, Sony ; which of your artists use pitch correction or autotune ? I'll be the first to sign it. Tom Hendricks.

[@codaalive5076]

I see part of the younger generation liking vocals where auto tune was overused in all sorts of ways. So they get used to this mechanical sound and want more. Vocaloid is even "worse" with AI making synthetic voices slowly coming very close to faking something like "You could be mine" sang by Freddie Mercury :) Video about this would be interesting.

[@patrickgueguin792]

Good job as usual But a little question: autotune acts on the root note,but what about the harmonics If the root not is wrong,their harmonics are also wrong,don(t they? Thanks

[@truesoundchris]

They move in sync, so to speak. The first harmonic is always twice the root frequency, the 2nd is 3 times the root, etc. etc. When changing pitch (naturally or digitally), the whole set of harmonics moves together. You cannot edit them separately without _massively_ distorting the timbre, the vowel sound, or even the recognizability as a musical note.

[@bélalugrisi]

Whoever this is, whatever talent they *may* have is negated forever. I don't hear anything that I would ever listen to.