Few will forget the moment someone tweeted; “I don't know who Paul McCartney is, but Kanye is going to give this man a career w/ this new song!!” It seems some have a poor grasp of musical history, even when the Beatles are the subject. A cursory search on Google and one soon finds that there are a few myths out there about the true origins of iconic music production techniques. In this article we uncover the real pioneers behind three iconic techniques: Auto-Tune, drum loops, and the vocoder, setting the record straight.

Auto-Tune: Cher, Not T-Pain

When you think of Auto-Tune, the first name that might come to mind for many is T-Pain. His extensive use of the pitch-correction software in the mid-2000s popularised what many refer to as the "T-Pain effect." However, this revolutionary technology made its debut much earlier, thanks to the bold experimentation of Cher.

In 1998, Cher's single "Believe" captivated audiences worldwide with its distinctive vocal effect, which was at once futuristic and emotive. This effect was achieved using Auto-Tune, a tool developed by Antares Audio Technologies. While Auto-Tune was initially intended to correct pitch imperfections subtly, producers Mark Taylor and Brian Rawling used it more aggressively on Cher's vocals, creating an otherworldly sound that had never been heard before.

While Cher may have been the first to bring Auto-Tune into the mainstream, T-Pain undoubtedly played a crucial role in popularising the effect across genres, particularly in hip-hop and R&B. His creative use of Auto-Tune transformed it from a one-time novelty into a staple of modern music production. Despite this, the honour of being the first artist to bring Auto-Tune to the forefront belongs to Cher.

Drum Loops: A Beat Before The Bee Gees

The infectious rhythm of the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive" is often cited as one of the first instances of drum loops in popular music, there’s a long and nicely produced video on YouTube claiming it. However, the history of drum loops stretches back much further, with several artists laying the groundwork long before the Bee Gees hit the disco scene.

Brought to our attention by music producer Dave Bascombe (Depeche Mode, Tears For Fears, Peter Gabriel, Human League), one of the earliest and most notable examples is Adriano Celentano's "Prisencolinensinainciusol," released in 1972. This track is a fascinating experiment in sound, featuring a repetitive, looped drum beat that drives the song's rhythm. Celentano's use of drum loops was pioneering, showcasing the potential of repetitive beats in creating a hypnotic and engaging musical experience.

Serge Gainsbourg’s Innovation

Similarly, but even earlier, Serge Gainsbourg's "Requiem Pour un Con," released in 1968, utilised drum loops to great effect. The track's relentless, looping beat underpins Gainsbourg's distinctive vocals and experimental arrangements, making it a standout example of early drum loop usage. These early adopters demonstrated the power of drum loops in creating compelling, rhythmic foundations long before the Bee Gees popularised the technique in the disco era. Thanks to Pro Tools guru Francois Quereuil for this find.

Other claims go to songs like “Tomorrow Never Knows” by the Beatles in 1966 and “T Plays It Cool” by Marvin Gaye in 1972. Thanks to engineer/producer Julian Kindred for these finds.

Vocoder: Beyond Daft Punk

Daft Punk's sleek, robotic vocals, heavily processed through a vocoder, are iconic in the realm of electronic music. Their use of the vocoder has left such a mark that many mistakenly believe they pioneered this technique. However, it would be easy for a younger generation to mistakenly think the vocoder is a Daft Punk invention. The vocoder's history is rich with usage by artists across genres long before Daft Punk's rise to fame.

One of the most significant early adopters of the vocoder was the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). Their 1977 album "Out of the Blue" features extensive use of the vocoder, notably on tracks like "Mr. Blue Sky." ELO's Jeff Lynne was fascinated by the vocoder's ability to blend human and electronic sounds, creating a unique, futuristic timbre that became a hallmark of the band's style.

Beyond ELO, the vocoder was utilised by various artists throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Kraftwerk, the German electronic music pioneers, employed the vocoder extensively to craft their robotic vocal style, influencing countless artists in the process. Similarly, the vocoder found its way into the works of Herbie Hancock, who used it to add an otherworldly dimension to his jazz fusion compositions. Other examples include acts like Earth Wind and Fire and The Alan Parsons Project.

The Importance of Setting the Record Straight

Understanding the true origins of these music production techniques is not just about giving credit where it’s due; it also enriches our appreciation of the music we love. Each of these techniques represents a moment of innovation that shaped the course of music history, and recognising the true pioneers behind them allows us to fully grasp their impact.

As we celebrate the music that moves us, it's essential to honour the true pioneers of the techniques that define it. Cher's daring use of Auto-Tune, the early drum loops of Adriano Celentano and Serge Gainsbourg, and the vocoder experiments of Kraftwerk and ELO all contributed to the rich tapestry of modern music production. 

So next time you see a YouTube video or online claim, take some time to do some research and see if it stands up to scrutiny. By setting the record straight, we not only give credit to these innovators but also gain a deeper understanding of the creative processes that continue to shape the sounds of modern music.