Was this a bad thing to do?

JimmyM · #1 12-30-2011, 01:47 PM

On my Facebook friends list, I have a singer for a rock band who was huge in the 70's with a different singer, and became huge again in the 80's with this singer. I don't want to name names, but pretty much everyone in the world over 30 has heard of them.

So he puts up a post on Facebook today decrying the use of Autotune. Meanwhile, while he was with this unnamed band, they used an Akai sampler for their background vocals onstage. This is fact, and I had it confirmed by their guitarist's tech shortly after he left the band. So I posted, "Samplers are OK, though

" because I thought he was being a bit of a hypocrite.

Was that a dick move? Should I have just let it go? I don't really know the guy, but he is a Facebook friend, and I usually try to keep it light on Facebook (unless some bastard says something bad about my precious Ampeg!). But now I'm equal parts proud of myself and regretful. I don't know which side should win out, so I thought I'd put it up to a vote.

What do you think?

MJ5150 · #2 12-30-2011, 02:08 PM

I would do the same, but I'm not the nicest man in the world.

-Mike

**jmattbassplaya** · #3 12-30-2011, 02:09 PM

I thought it was funny. Basically every artist uses auto-tune, but it's not a complete crutch for lack of talent. You still have to sing well or else it becomes VERY apparent that auto tune is on because you'll hear the note bend in a very unnatural way.

Funky Ghost · #4 12-30-2011, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJ5150

I would do the same, but I'm not the nicest man in the world.

-Mike

I would disagree with that personal assessment Mike

One thing you can never do in the music industry is be disingenuous and expect to get away with it. They put that target on their back and someone with good aim took the shot.

Such is life in a fishbowl.

**colcifer** · #5 12-30-2011, 02:18 PM

See how it plays out-then you'll know.

Munjibunga · #6 12-30-2011, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

On my Facebook friends list, I have a singer for a rock band who was huge in the 70's with a different singer, and became huge again in the 80's with this singer. I don't want to name names, but pretty much everyone in the world over 30 has heard of them.

So he puts up a post on Facebook today decrying the use of Autotune. Meanwhile, while he was with this unnamed band, they used an Akai sampler for their background vocals onstage. This is fact, and I had it confirmed by their guitarist's tech shortly after he left the band. So I posted, "Samplers are OK, though

" because I thought he was being a bit of a hypocrite.

Was that a dick move? Should I have just let it go? I don't really know the guy, but he is a Facebook friend, and I usually try to keep it light on Facebook (unless some bastard says something bad about my precious Ampeg!). But now I'm equal parts proud of myself and regretful. I don't know which side should win out, so I thought I'd put it up to a vote.

What do you think?

I'm with you on this one. But Ampeg still sucks.

JimmyM · #7 12-30-2011, 02:33 PM

BTW, this wasn't meant to be any more than a little poke in the ribs. The guy is a fantastic singer and doesn't need samplers or Autotune.

lowfreq33 · #8 12-30-2011, 02:42 PM

I probably wouldn't have said it (unless I had a few drinks in me, then all bets are off), but I don't think it was a total dick move unless you really don't know him very well. If you guys are strangers outside of FB it was maybe poor form.

Yango · #9 12-30-2011, 02:44 PM

I wouldn't say that you did anything wrong, and it was done tongue in cheek.

But some people can be pretty touchy, and a little hypocritical (some times more than a little...). I played with a guy who loved to dish it out, but acted like a complete douche/child if he got any back... 'course, that didn't stop me... (it may have something to do with why I no longer play with him, I dunno).

Just wait and see what his reaction is, if any. He may see the irony, smile to himself, and mutter "prick" under his breath, then wait for a chance to get you back.

You never know. But I certainly wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

bongomania · #10 12-30-2011, 02:45 PM

I probably wouldn't have been able to resist making that rib-poke either, but so too I would have felt conflicted afterward.

You never know how they'll react though. Some people can take a few jabs, while others freak out. I lost a good friend by making a light jab almost exactly like that one (he said something humorously hypocritical about religion/philosophy)--but honestly his overreaction was nuts.

tekdiver500ft · #11 12-30-2011, 02:46 PM

I'd have said it, too, but I'm a bit of a jerk most of the time.

MrDOS · #12 12-30-2011, 02:46 PM

LOL - I have done similar things where I'm half proud and half thinking I am way dumber than the guy that keeps his mouth shut (ever had Tim Bogert so mad by some truth you spoke in a company meeting that you thought he might hit you?)

I think because you used the wink emoticon, you might be safe -- unless the guy doesn't have a sense of humor.

By the way, I think autotune stuff sounds like crap, but I *have* used samples before where we didn't have the musicians to play the part live

And now I want to send you a FB friend request because I am curious! LOL

**bassybill** · #13 12-30-2011, 03:09 PM

I want names. Or I'm deleting you on Facebook, Miller.

Skitch it! · #14 12-30-2011, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

BTW, this wasn't meant to be any more than a little poke in the ribs. The guy is a fantastic singer and doesn't need samplers or Autotune.

This might be the angle that he may see though Jimmy, I don't know but - he knows what you mean, you know what you mean, but anyone else might think the sampling might be connected straight to him, do you think he might see it like that?

Pilgrim · #15 12-30-2011, 04:00 PM

I think you did fine. Those who take a superior attitude need to be ready to have their own practices examined.

JohnMCA72 · #16 12-30-2011, 04:10 PM

I think I'd have phrased it as a question, like, "What about samplers?"

RickenBoogie · #17 12-30-2011, 05:39 PM

Being honest can sometimes hurt feelings, but being honest is still the "thing to do", I think. Comedy hurts too, but it's still funny.

JimmyM · #18 12-30-2011, 05:47 PM

Well it's been hours and he hasn't replied or blocked me, so I guess I'm OK

electracoyote · #19 12-30-2011, 05:47 PM

A wee bit of a dick move perhaps. At least the vocals being sampled were originally recorded honestly, even if they're not being duplicated honestly on stage. I agree wiith the singer: Autotune is in a category of dishonesty all to itself, perhaps the ultimate deception.

blastoff99 · #20 12-30-2011, 06:07 PM

JimmyM, I thought what you did hit the right balance. Funny but not too cutting, personal but not private. I predict your friend, if he has *any* ability to laugh at himself, will chalk up one point in your column and get you later.

Bravo!