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Introduction to Vocal Manipulation in Music

Vocal manipulation refers to the process of altering or transforming vocal recordings using various production techniques to achieve unique effects and sound characteristics. It encompasses a wide range of techniques, from pitch correction to heavy audio effects, and is an essential element of contemporary music production. The history of vocal manipulation dates back to the early days of sound recording, where pioneers like Les Paul experimented with overdubbing and tape manipulation. In modern music, vocal manipulation evolved with the advent of digital tools and software, allowing producers to achieve more intricate and creative alterations to the human voice. Notable milestones in the development of vocal manipulation include the rise of auto-tune in the 1990s and the incorporation of robotic and pitch-shifted vocals in electronic music.

Sub-tags and Classifications of Vocal Manipulation

• Pitch Correction

  Pitch correction is one of the most common forms of vocal manipulation, primarily used to adjust the pitch of a vocal performance to make it more in tune with the music. While often used subtly to fix small pitch issues, it can also be applied dramatically to create an artificial, 'robotic' sound, popularized by artists like Cher and T-Pain. The most famous tool used for pitch correction is Auto-Tune, which can drastically alter the natural tonal qualities ofVocal manipulation overview a voice.

• Formant Shifting

  Formant shifting involves altering the vocal characteristics that give a voice its timbre, without changing the pitch. This can make a voice sound more masculine, feminine, or even alien. Formant shifting is a common technique used in electronic music to create unique vocal sounds that do not sound human, adding an eerie or synthetic feel to the music.

• Time Stretching

  Time stretching refers to the manipulation of a vocal performance's duration without affecting its pitch. This technique allows producers to fit vocals into a different musical context or to slow down or speed up a performance for creative purposes. Time stretching is often used in remix culture and electronic music to create ambient or experimental sounds.

• Vocal Chopping

  Vocal chopping involves slicing up a vocal track and rearranging the pieces to create rhythmic or melodic patterns. This technique is particularly popular in genres like EDM, trap, and hip-hop, where short vocal snippets are looped, pitched, or reversed to create dynamic, chopped-up effects.

• Reverb and Delay Effects

  Reverb and delay are both time-based effects that manipulate the spatial qualities of a vocal. Reverb creates the illusion of space and depth by simulating the reflection of sound in a physical environment, while delay repeats the vocal sound at intervals. These effects can be used subtly for atmosphere or exaggerated for creative and experimental purposes.

Famous Artists and Works Involving Vocal Manipulation

• T-Pain

  T-Pain is perhaps one of the most iconic artists associated with vocal manipulation, particularly with the use of Auto-Tune. His hit songs like 'Buy U a Drank' and 'I'm Sprung' showcased how pitch correction could be used creatively, turning it from a corrective tool into an instrument of its own. T-Pain popularized Auto-Tune in mainstream music and influenced countless artists to experiment with vocal manipulation.

  Cher – 'Believe'

  'Believe' by Cher is one of the most well-known tracks to feature heavy use of Auto-Tune. The song revolutionized the music industry with its unmistakable robotic vocal effect, creating a new genre of vocal manipulation that would influence pop music for years to come. Cher’s vocal performance is altered so significantly that the voice itself becomes part of the song’s identity, showcasing the potential of pitch correction as both a tool and an art form.

• Bon Iver

  Bon Iver, led by Justin Vernon, is known for their ethereal, manipulated vocals in works such as 'Bon Iver, Bon Iver' and 'For Emma, Forever Ago.' Vernon often uses heavy reverb, pitch shifting, and layering to create a sense of emotional depth and intimacy. Bon Iver’s vocal manipulation is subtle yet innovative, influencing indie and experimental music.

  Imogen Heap – 'Hide and Seek'

  'Hide and Seek' by Imogen Heap is a landmark example of creative vocal manipulation. Heap uses harmonizer effects and pitch-shifting techniques, layering her voice multiple times to create a rich, haunting soundscape. The song’s innovative use of a vocoder and manipulation of vocal phrases helped elevate it to iconic status in the electronic and indie music scenes.

• Daft Punk

  Daft Punk’s use of vocoder and robotic vocal manipulation has become iconic in the electronic music scene. Tracks like 'Around the World' and 'One More Time' use these techniques to transform human voices into electronic textures. Daft Punk's mastery of vocal manipulation helped pave the way for the rise of electronic dance music and its integration with mainstream pop.

  Radiohead – 'Everything In Its Right Place'

  Radiohead’s 'Everything In Its Right Place' from the album 'Kid A' features heavily manipulated vocals, where Thom Yorke’s voice is pitch-shifted, processed through filters, and layered to create an unsettling, abstract sound. The song represents an experimental approach to vocal manipulation, blending organic and synthetic elements to evoke emotion and surrealism.

Application Scenarios for Vocal Manipulation in Music

• Vocal manipulation is often used in film soundtracks to create an atmospheric, emotional impact. For example, manipulated vocals can be used to add a haunting or ethereal quality to scenes, often achieved through reverb, pitch shifting, or formant manipulation. Films like 'The Social Network' (scored by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross) utilize vocal manipulation in the form of heavily processed voices to create a dystopian, immersive environment.

• Vocal manipulation can be applied in advertising to create memorable, impactful jingles or sound logos. By modifying a singer's voice to make it sound more dynamic or futuristic, brands can communicate certain values or evoke specific emotions. Auto-Tune and pitch-shifting can also be used to enhance a brand’s identity by making the vocals stand out in a catchy, unforgettable way.

• In video games, vocal manipulation is often used to create otherworldly or futuristic soundscapes. For example, manipulated vocals can be used for alien voices, robotic characters, or surreal sound effects. In games like 'Mass Effect' or 'Destiny,' vocal manipulation is integrated into the soundtrack to enhance the immersive experience and add depth to the narrative through unconventional sound design.