Music Theory 101: Autotune Negates Acoustic

Posted on 09. Mar, 2011 by Brittney Winters in Entertainment

This just came up when I put my iTunes library on Shuffle:

I’m sorry, Jason Derulo, but did you say this was the “acoustic version”?

I think you need a refresher in what “acoustic” actually means:

So, does a song count as an acoustic version if there is still rampant auto-tuning? I think not. And someone should really let Jason Derulo know. Your track is not acoustic if your entire hook is autotuned. I don’t care if you sampled it.

Autotune ≠ Acoustic.

I mean, really? You’re going to have three-part harmonies over a vocoder and try to pass this off as an acoustic version? When I can still hear the synthesizer? Really? Taking out the backing beat and replacing it with what sounds like an electronic keyboard does not an acoustic version make.

Acoustic requires a LACK of electronic, sweetie. Put down the vocoder and pick up an acoustic guitar, a drum kit, and a baby grand piano.

…Sigh. Is this really the future of the music industry?

Tags: Acoustic, Autotune, Jason Derulo, Music, R&B, Whatcha Say