http://uproxx.com/smokingsection/2014/10/t...tune-npr-video/

So...

Why didn't you just sing?!?!?

LOL! I have no idea who this guy is

Consider yourself lucky!

I'll consider myself lucky as well then!

Me three!

I think auto-tune initially started (correct me if I'm wrong) as a cool effect to use on vocals? (and other instruments)
Not essentially to make stars out of non talented singers? I think people ruined it over time. It is perfectly understandable that some artists (who can sing really well) are using it as an effect, to spice up the songs and make them more modern or something. Its always cool to experiment with the sound. Vocalists should get to have some fun as well and not only sing using "megaphone/telephone" OR "regular voice" effects

Very cool - I am not sure I have heard his music but this is proof autotune is more than just a cheating or a "Cheer sound" tool.

Pre 'auto-tune' the effect is called a Vocoder. It's a speech synthesizer. Think Styx - 'Mr. Roboto' ... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vocoder
Bob Moog designed one for musical applications in the late 60s. Funk and soul bands started using them on vocals almost immediately. Roland manufactured the one you hear on albums by Kraftwerk, Laurie Anderson, Neil Young (Trans), Zapp, Beastie Boys (intergalactic), Phil Collins (in the air tonight intro vocals) and even modern stuff like Daft Punk.

Overview ...


Classic Vocoder tracks ...



Auto-Tune by Antares and Roland together premiered in 1997 and was specifically designed to 'tune' vocals yet it can sound similar to a vocoder when used in extreme. It originally was (and still can be) a rack unit ... http://tascam.com/product/ta-1vp/

A real Vocoder is a way sexier and musical sound.