Sukhwinder Singh doesn't want singers to depend too much on auto-tune

Sukhwinder Singh, who has sung popular tracks such as Jai Ho (Slumdog Millionaire, 2008), Chak De (Chak De! India, 2007) and Omkara (Omkara, 2006) among many others, believes that playback singers should refrain from using auto-tune feature when they are recording songs for Bollywood films.

“This auto-tune business has become a virus. Now that singers know that it can improve their voice and sync it with the music, almost everyone is going for this feature and not making the most of their own voice,” says Sukhwinder.

The singer adds that it’s a Western concept, quite common in Hollywood where it’s used to alter the pitch, or add special effects to someone’s voice. “But here (in Indian film industry), every singer and composer wants to use auto-tune on every song they record,” says the 45-year-old.

Also, the singer stays away from using the device, which alters pitch in vocal and instrumental music during recordings and performances. “I want music directors to use my raw voice, because that’s natural. I prefer working with music directors who don’t rely on auto-tune feature,” he says, adding, “I have been singing for more than 20 years now, and besides a few songs, I’m proud to say that none of my songs were auto-tuned.”

Sukhwinder wants singers and composers to use the feature judicially and not on every single song. “I am not saying one should not use it at all. But, I feel that singers are getting more dependent on it than their own voice. They should try and stay away, and work on their voice instead. Eating achaar (pickle) along with roti (chapatti) and vegetables is tasty. But if you only eat achaar all day, then it will affect your stomach and you might get an ulcer there as well ,” he quips.