4 ms·
We used to do "comping" of vocals back in the 80's, and afaik it's been done since the early 70's. We did this on the 2" 24 track tape recorder by copying/re-re
by musiq 18y ago
We used to do "comping" of vocals back in the 80's, and afaik it's been done since the early 70's. We did this on the 2" 24 track tape recorder by copying/re-recording bits of multiple takes onto a single track.
Then came Auto-Tune. That meant that less perfect singers no longer would have to strain themselves by performing a dozen tracks, we could do with three or four, focusing on performance and feel. AT would assist with the pitch. Sessions actually became more creative, since the tools were better than before.
So "perfect vocals" have been around way longer than Auto-Tune. We just did it in a more tedious way, and wore out the singers vocal cords in the process. Pop is just pop. Other genres will always cater for those who want to listen to more "real music".
- mattmaroon 18y agoThat last part was my first thought. Everything else about pop music is highly synthesized and scientifically produced. Why not the vocals?
- axod 18y ago"Everything else about pop music is highly synthesized and scientifically produced. Why not the vocals?" I sense you think this is a bad thing... Are cars made by hand any more? Does being made by robots make a car any less fantastic?
- brk 18y agoMost of the cars that would be considered "the best" are still hand-made, at least to a large degree. The difference though is that a car is a physical object produced by a persons talent. A vocal track is (in spirit at least) something produced directly, or a direct output of the vocalist. Part of the mystique is supposed to be the fact that not everyone can carry a perfect tune. Except than when you apply too much technology post-processing, you eliminate the exclusivity (and garbage up the track at the same time).
- nfg 18y agoIs the robot praised for its creative brilliance and held up as an 'artist' also?
- mattmaroon 18y agoI don't think it's a bad thing. I think the result is generally cliche crap, but some people like it, so whatever floats your boat. I just think it's strange to apply inconsistent standards to the same genre. It's ok that the music is precision-engineered on a computer, but not the vocals? Have it one way or the other.
- chett 18y agoThis reminds me of the time I attended a clinic taught by Marty Friedman (ex Megadeth guitarist). The audience had a few "purists" who seemed miffed that he'd strayed from his roots to perform pop-music in Japan. After being asked about the merits of his new endeavors he simply responded (paraphrasing) "Who wants filet mignon at every meal? Sometimes I just want a cheeseburger from a fast food joint".
- joseakle 18y agoRobots make copies of cars. Just like computers make copies of music.
- brianto2010 18y agoActually, the vocals can be synthesized (sort of): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vocaloid http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vocaloid I said 'sort of' because the entry said "with specially recorded vocals of voice actors". It isn't completely synthesized.