Sonu Nigam Says He Uses Auto-Tune Selectively in Recordings

MUMBAI — Playback singer Sonu Nigam has revealed that he occasionally uses auto-tune in studio recordings, saying the technology can help polished vocals blend better with today’s highly digitized music production.

Speaking on trade analyst Komal Nahta’s podcast, “Game Changers: The Music Series,” Nigam said auto-tune has significantly changed the recording process but should be used as a finishing tool rather than a substitute for vocal ability.

“The era of auto-tune has certainly brought a lot of changes. People say a lot of bad things about it but I say ‘Jo bhi hua hai aacha hua hai’,” Nigam said.

He noted that singers of his generation trained and recorded in an era when auto-tune was not available and live instrumentation played a much larger role in the studio.

“In earlier days, you had to sing without auto-tune, and we are lucky to ‘riyaaz’ without it, and now we don’t need it. But still, I would say I use auto-tune in certain songs of mine,” he said.

Nigam said modern recordings are much more precise because most musical elements are digitally produced and aligned, making even small imperfections in a raw vocal more noticeable.

“Everything now is digitised, everything is going in a straight line and your voice will sound off if it’s raw,” he said.

He contrasted that with older recording sessions featuring live instruments such as sarangi and strings, when singers could naturally adjust their pitch and phrasing to the musicians around them.

Nigam said he believes auto-tune is appropriate when it is used to refine an already strong vocal performance.

“You give your 99% and bring it to 100% with auto tune,” he said.

However, he cautioned against relying on the technology to compensate for performers who lack singing ability.

“It’s our responsibility that we don’t use the resources to fix the voices of those who can’t sing,” he said.

Nigam added that actors using auto-tune for occasional songs is not a problem and can allow them to explore singing, but he maintained that technology cannot replace professional vocalists.

“Many actors use auto-tune for their songs and it’s absolutely fine if they use it to enjoy their dreams. But they cannot replace singers,” he said.

Nigam, known for his classical training and extensive career in playback singing, has worked across several eras of Indian music production, from large live orchestral sessions to modern digital recording. (Source: IANS)