Refusing to hold back his true thoughts, 2000s country singer Joe Nichols recently criticized fellow music artists who secretly use Auto-Tune. During a candid interview with Taste of Country Nights, Nichols addressed the pervasive use of pitch-correction technology in the industry, labeling the denial of its use as "bull crap."
"I’ve heard artists say this: 'I don’t use any AI; I don’t use Suno.' Bull crap!" he declared. "I’m telling you I’ve seen singers give interviews where they’re like, 'I don’t do that,' and I’m telling you for a fact, lie! They’re lying through their teeth."
A Cautious Approach to AI
While Nichols is vocal about the dishonesty surrounding vocal processing, he maintains a nuanced perspective on artificial intelligence. He noted that he would consider using an AI music app like Suno, but only with extreme caution. For Nichols, AI serves as a "mirror" to help him identify his own blind spots rather than a tool to replace his creative output. He expressed interest in using such technology to explore specific genres, like Bluegrass, but emphasized, "I don’t go any further than that with Suno. I don’t want it building anything for me. I want it to tell me where my blind spots are."
The Problem with Modern Vocal Standards
Nichols also expressed frustration regarding the impact of Auto-Tune on live performances and the development of new talent. He argued that the industry has cultivated a generation of singers who have internalized the sound of pitch correction, leading to a "nasally pinch" in their vocals that feels artificial.
The country star shared his disappointment in witnessing artists who sound polished in live settings, only to discover that their performance was heavily assisted by technology. "It drives me insane," he added. "The one time that you can be honest and authentic. This does not save time. This just makes you look like you’re perfect, and that’s bull crap. If you’re not good enough to come out here and do it [for] 90 minutes, then you’re not good enough. Get better. What’s wrong with that?"