Playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan, celebrated for her versatile vocal range and numerous chart-topping hits, recently offered her perspective on the use of auto-tune in playback singing. In an interview with Raj Shamani, Chauhan acknowledged that while auto-tune has its place in the industry, she personally avoids using it. “I don’t use auto-tune, though others do. If it’s my work, I might sing 100 times to ensure it sounds right, but I won’t rely on auto-tune,” she explained.
Chauhan expressed concern about the overuse of auto-tune, which she believes can lead to a homogenization of voices. “Auto-tune is an effect that makes a voice shine a little more. My problem with it is that when it is used on everybody’s voice, all the voices sound the same,” she noted. According to Chauhan, even though auto-tune can enhance a project when used judiciously, its widespread application often results in similar-sounding voices across different artists.
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Auto-Tune as a Standard Tool
The “Beedi Jalaile” singer also pointed out how auto-tune has become a standard expectation in the industry. “I’ve heard so many singers walk into the studio and ask, ‘I’m going to go on the mic, but there’s auto-tune, right?’ It has become a basic expectation,” she added.
Additional Insights
In a related discussion, Arijit Singh previously highlighted that auto-tune, while influential, cannot turn an off-key performance into a perfect one. He noted that music director AR Rahman was among the pioneers in using auto-tune subtly, which greatly improved the sound for many singers. Singh emphasized that Rahman’s innovative use of the tool set a new standard in the industry.