Organic A Cappella

I LOVE A CAPPELLA MUSIC! And I have an appreciation for a wide selection of it. I will also say that the a cappella sound of today is often characterized by polished production, heavy reliance on technology, and a focus on creating a flawless, almost synthetic sound. Auto-tuning and digital effects are commonly used to smooth out imperfections, resulting in harmonies that are precise and meticulously crafted but sometimes lack the raw, human element.

One of my favorite examples of the type of a cappella sound I love is the 1989 release by GLAD. Studio a cappella sound? Absolutely! (Misspelled by today's standards? Yes. LOL) But it feels so real and organic. I prefer that sound to an over-processed sound (except for certain choice special effects I suppose).

Modern a cappella tends to emphasize rhythmic complexity and vocal effects that mimic instruments, creating a sound that is sleek and often commercialized, appealing to mainstream audiences. IMHO, while technically impressive, this approach can sometimes prioritize perfection over authenticity, leading to a sound that is more about precision than emotion. I fully recognize that many modern a cappella groups are immensely talented, and I don't mean to disparage them at all. My perspective simply highlights a different approach to the art form

Looking ahead, I predict a pushback or at least a growing longing for less-processed music, including within the a cappella community. Similar to the trend of appreciating less-than-perfect photos, there will be a desire for music that embraces imperfections, offering a more genuine and relatable experience.