Arijit Singh on A.R Rahman introducing auto tune in India; says, "It can't turn a non-singer into a singer"

In a recent conversation on The Music Podcast, the soulful singer Arijit Singh delved into the intricacies of auto-tune, shedding light on its evolution in the Indian music industry. Arijit shared insights into the impact of auto-tune, highlighting the transformative journey initiated by the legendary composer AR Rahman.

Singh commended Rahman for introducing auto-tune to India, emphasizing how it bestowed a newfound beauty upon the voices of singers. According to Arijit, Rahman's subtle use of auto-tune in the early days set a precedent, influencing many artists to adopt the technology for a more polished sound. However, Arijit Singh noted a significant shift in the landscape, pointing out that AR Rahman himself has moved away from relying on auto-tune in his recent works.

"Auto-tune can't turn a non-singer into a singer. It's not like you sing anything, apply auto-tune, and it will sound like it's in tune. It's not possible," Arijit emphasized, debunking the notion that technology alone can shape a singer's talent. He added that when singers infuse their performances with emotion, imperfections in pitch may arise, a departure from the conventional perfect notes, except for artists like Sonu Nigam, whom Arijit admires for his pitch-perfect renditions.

Discussing the preferences of various music composers, Arijit Singh disclosed that some, like Mithoon Sharma and Vishal Bhardwaj, lean away from auto-tune. However, Arijit acknowledged that Pritam's musical arrangements often embrace auto-tune to enhance the overall auditory experience.

From his debut in Murder 2's "Phir Mohabbat" to chart-toppers like "Tum Hi Ho" and "Chahun Main Ya Naa" from Aashiqui 2, Singh's journey has been marked by his distinctive vocal prowess.