In a recent cover story with Complex, James Blake sat down with Lil Yachty to discuss the evolution of music and why it may not sound as good as it did in the past. As they listened to “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding, Yachty was struck by Redding’s incredible tone and wondered why artists today seem to be missing that magic.
Blake pointed out that modern music has been heavily influenced by technology, with factors like pitch correction and compression altering the natural tone of a singer’s voice. He expressed concern that the way producers manipulate vocals is preventing listeners from hearing the true essence of an artist’s voice.
“We have dynamics. Sometimes we’re soft, sometimes loud. In [“(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay”], when [Redding is] loud, you really hear it. When he’s soft, you really feel it,” explained Blake. “But with pitch correction, compression, and EQ, the human voice ends up sounding artificial, like it’s been microwaved.”
The conversation between Blake and Yachty shed light on the challenges faced by modern musicians in an industry saturated with technology. It serves as a reminder of the importance of authenticity and raw talent in creating music that resonates with listeners on a deeper level.