The Vergecast
Auto-Tune always and forever
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Auto-Tune began as a tool for subtle pitch correction but has evolved into a major sound in modern music.
- The backlash against Auto-Tune focuses on its perceived negative impact on vocal authenticity, yet it remains a popular tool among artists.
- Technological advancements like Auto-Tune and AI are continuously reshaping the music industry, encouraging new sounds and production techniques.
- The push for authentic music experiences in the face of technological advancement may lead to a resurgence of organic sounds and production methods.
Summary
Relearning the Guitar and the Future of Music Series
David Pierce shares his journey of relearning the guitar and introduces the second episode of a mini-series on the future of music, diving into the exploration of Auto-Tune. He reflects on personal experiences with guitar and how these relate to the evolution of music technology.
What is Auto-Tune?
Charlie Harding discusses the definition of Auto-Tune, its origins, and how it has evolved from a simple pitch correction tool to a widely recognized sound in music. He explains that 'Auto-Tune' can refer to both a specific product and the general concept of pitch correction.
The Impact of Auto-Tune in Music History
The conversation then moves into the historical impact of Auto-Tune in the music industry. Harding outlines the story of its creation by Andy Hildebrand, its rise to fame through Cher's song "Believe," and its role in shaping sounds in pop music throughout the late 1990s and 2000s.
Auto-Tune's Enduring Popularity and Criticism
The episode addresses the ongoing backlash against Auto-Tune, with critics arguing that it homogenizes voices and undermines authentic singing. Harding explores both sides of the argument, noting how the use of Auto-Tune has created new possibilities in music production.
Current Trends and Future Directions
As the discussion concludes, Harding reflects on how emerging artists are integrating Auto-Tune in innovative ways, how AI is shaping the future of music, and the potential for new sounds as musicians seek authenticity in their craft.
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Show notes
For the second episode in our three-part miniseries about the future of music, Charlie Harding, a music journalist and co-host of the Switched on Pop podcast, joins the show to tell the story of Auto-Tune. He walks us through how a simple plugin became such a recognizable sound in music, why both artists and fans gravitated to the Auto-Tune sound, and why Auto-Tune has continued to grow even through backlash in the music business. Then we look ahead to AI, and try to figure out what — if any — lessons we might be able to learn about the sound and culture of the AI era to come.
Further reading:
Charlie Harding on X
Switched on Pop
From Pitchfork: How Auto-Tune Revolutionized the Sound of Popular Music
From Rick Beato: How Auto-Tune DESTROYED Popular Music
From Gabi Belle: The Problem with Autotune on TikTok
Email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11, we love hearing from you.
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