Stray Kids’ Bang Chan addresses criticism for using playback on stage

Stray Kids’ Bang Chan took the time to explain to his followers why K-Pop idols often use playback during their performances, and his answer has been praised by many netizens.

The technique of voice synchronization with pre-recorded tracks is a topic of discussion in the music industry, which questions the skills of artists because it is often confused with the ‘autotune’ (which is a tool that modifies and distorts the voice, achieving harmonize it to sound good), and that generates them criticism from viewers.

During one of his live VLIVE broadcasts, a fan of Bang Chan asked him to explain how the pre-recordings that idols use during their live performances were. The Stray Kids member first clarified that there are two different types of pre-recordings; one done on stage and one done in the studio that sounds like it’s on stage. He explained the reason why idols use pre-recorded voices.

Because the promotion system of K-Pop artists is based on certain periods of time where they do multiple activities, such as participating in variety programs and performing in music shows, idols basically have to sing every day, and to prevent damage to their throats from overuse of voice, the pre-recordings work as a prevention and care method.

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Bang Chan pointed out that idols’ activities do not only consist of waking up, singing and that’s it, they have to wake up early, get ready, talk in interviews, performances, fulfill the rest of their schedules which may include photoshoots, fan meetings or other types of recordings.

They often end late and consequently, they fall asleep late at night, only to wake up early again and continue with the intense cycle of activity, which can often affect idols‘ voices. Therefore, it is understandable why pre-recordings are necessary, as sometimes the condition of an idol’s voice simply does not allow them to sing live after such a strenuous schedule.

Bang Chan also emphasized that idols really deserve respect, as the fact that they lip sync during their live performances has nothing to do with their singing skills, as they all have the necessary talent and it was this talent that allowed them to debut in the K-Pop industry in the first place.