Autotune in live performances can sometimes be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows artists to correct pitch inaccuracies in real-time, ensuring a more polished and professional sound.
This can be especially helpful in large venues where acoustics might not be ideal or where vocal fatigue can affect performance quality.
However some performers might become overly dependent on autotune, neglecting their vocal skills or not practicing enough, which can lead to a lack of authenticity and emotional connection with the audience.
Audiences often appreciate the raw, imperfect nature of live performances. It can sometimes strip away the genuine emotion and uniqueness of a live vocal performance, making it sound too processed and artificial.
Using autotune live requires precise setup and calibration. Technical issues, such as incorrect settings or latency, can occur, leading to unintended pitch shifts or other anomalies that distract from the performance.
For example, singer Giveon's glitch during his BET Awards performance in 2021 sparked some discussion about the use of autotune in live settings. During his performance of "Heartbreak Anniversary," there was a noticeable technical issue with the autotune effect, causing his voice to sound distorted and robotic at times.
I believe his autotune was set to the wrong key. Many untrained non-musicians chalked it up to him having a bad live voice.
Furthermore, fans who have only heard a performer's studio-recorded tracks might have unrealistic expectations of perfection during live shows. Autotune can create a disconnect if the live performance deviates significantly from the polished studio version.
Before the advent of live autotune, live performances relied entirely on the raw vocal abilities of the artists. Singers had to rely heavily on their vocal training, technique, and natural abilities. '
There was a greater emphasis on rehearsals and live practice to ensure that performances were polished and consistent.
Performing live without the safety net of autotune meant that vocalists had to manage issues like pitch accuracy, vocal strain, and maintaining stamina throughout the performance.
While there were audio technologies available for live performances (such as equalizers and reverb), the real-time correction of pitch inaccuracies as provided by autotune was not an option. Artists relied on sound engineers to manage the technical aspects to ensure optimal sound quality.
I really love the use of the feature in studio settings, so I'm not a full on hater. Autotune allows for quicker turnaround times in the studio, reducing the need for extensive retakes due to minor pitch errors. This can save time and money during the recording process.
Some artists and producers use autotune creatively as an artistic effect, not just as a corrective tool. Autotune helps ensure that vocals remain consistently in tune throughout a song, which is especially important for genres that demand precision and clarity in vocal performance.
Today's music landscape is incredibly diverse, encompassing a wide range of genres and vocal styles that include new tech. Singers may specialize in different techniques or genres that require varying levels of skill and versatility.
As a session singer, writer, and producer that has worked with over 300 clients to provide high-quality jingles, singles, and features, Yona spends her time creating and marketing new music and helpful resources for creators. Check out Yona’s latest releases on her Spotify, her Youtube and share if you like it!
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