3 Reasons Why BTS May Have Used Autotune For “Black Swan”

BTS recently released “Black Swan” along with the art film and fans are divided about the use of auto-tune. While some feel that this effect doesn’t do justice and would rather hear the member’s actual vocals, some feel that they may have intended to use auto-tune as a way to express themselves.

When taking a look at the themes in “Black Swan,” fans noticed how it tried to convey the losing passion for the art that’s come to define them. One ARMY fan in particular, noticed these themes and created a Twitter thread to explain them in detail.

 

let's talk about black swan and auto-tune in case anyone wants to hate pic.twitter.com/6gOThemnoL

— TY BUT DISAGREE (@tybutdisagree) January 17, 2020

 

1. Making their voices less distinguishable

The mixing of all their voices, making it hard to distinguish the individual members’ vocals may be intended to show the unity of the members showing that they are one combined voice. They are trying to show that they are not separate entities but rather a combination of all seven members.

2. Making voices sound robotic/manipulated

This effect may have been used to express how one’s passion can be manipulated, making it difficult to identify the individualistic experience it once was. The ripples in the auto-tune also gives the effect that they are underwater, giving the listener a “drowning” effect. This effect of being underwater can be linked to the feeling of being under pressure.

 

3. Making voices fit the emo-rap music stylization

They have used auto-tune to express a certain style of music, in this case being emo-rap, to capture the dark trap sounds and used it to fit with the “black swan” theme. Sometimes unfamiliar and new styles of music may seem daunting, but this feeling of unknowing can make you think and feel something new.

While there were many that agreed and understood the group’s reason for using auto-tune…

I agree with all of this. The effect was chosen throughout for a reason. It’s meant to create distance between the listener and distance between the singers and themselves. Like an echo of the lost. Art requires effort of interpretation, but it pays off if you’re willing to try.

— RJ’s Old Money (@RJsOldMoney) January 17, 2020

 

This is BTS telling us once again don’t focus on us as idols, focus on our message. The distorted sound doesn’t allow u to recognize who’s singing what part, so it’s a general message from them, if u don’t understand the lyrics u do understand how we feel throughout the movement

— Bea ⁷ (@Celia_GomezR) January 17, 2020

 

 

The autotune still ruined the vocal line beautiful voices

— Ani (@JinGodOfChaos) January 17, 2020

 

…some still wished they could have heard the distinct vocals from each of the members.

 

Honestly i just dont like the sound when autotune is too heavy.I love anpanman and shadow for example but in this song it was too much for me. I see that there is an artistic value to it however i cant find myself enjoying the song. But i see that lots of people did and i respect

— omelas⁷ (@jkinutopia) January 17, 2020

I completely agree. I can’t change my taste but reading the lyrics and concept helps me understand why they used the auto tune. Do I wish they overlapped their voices without a filter on? Yes. But I respect their descion ofc and will support them 100% no matter what

— 𝒋𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒏’𝒔♡𝒈𝒐𝒕♡𝒋𝒂𝒎𝒔⁷ (@chimmy_jiminssi) January 17, 2020

 

What do you think about this? Let us know your thoughts! Take a look at the art film below!