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(Photo by Michael Caulfield/Getty Images for AMA)The Era of Auto-Tune
When music historians look back at 2008, they might remember it for Auto-Tune, the robotic vocal effect that turns up on countless R&B and rap songs. Today, New Yorker pop music critic Sasha Frere-Jones discusses Auto-Tune and its abusers. Also: jazz guitarist Mary Halvorson, who has built a name in contemporary-music circles thanks to her association with Anthony Braxton and others, joins us to share her latest album, "Dragon's Head."
Auto-Tune Sweeps the Music Industry
Cher used Antares Auto-Tune in 1998 for her song "Believe," and few paid much attention. But lately, the robotic sounding vocal effect has become standard among rap and R&B acts from T-Pain to Kanye West and others. New Yorker pop music critic Sasha Frere-Jones and producer and mixer David Bendeth discuss Auto-Tune and its abusers.
Tell us what you think of Auto-Tune and other pitch-correction tools. Is it ever ethical to use it? Leave a comment.
Soundcheck blog: John Schaefer on Auto-Tune
"Auto-Tune corrects a singer’s pitch. It also distorts—a grand tradition in pop" by Sasha Frere-Jones
More about David Bendeth
Mary Halvorson Trio
At just 28, Mary Halvorson is a growing fixture on New York's downtown jazz and new-music scenes. She's played with saxophone legend Anthony Braxton, and in various groups with trumpeter Taylor Ho Bynum. She joins us to perform live in the studio.
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See Tori Amos Live!
Join us Tuesday, Dec. 9 at The Greene Space
Singer and pianist Tori Amos joins us to talk about reworking and reinventing seasonal carols on her new holiday album. And, she performs for a live audience in The Greene Space! Click the link for ticket info.
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