Meaning: The quote by Gary Cherone, a musician known for his work as the lead vocalist for the rock bands Extreme and Van Halen, provides an interesting perspective on the use of vocals in music. When he says, "The voices on the record, that was trying to treat my voice like guitar players treat guitar tones," Cherone is essentially comparing the treatment of his voice in recordings to the way guitar players manipulate and experiment with different tones and sounds. This comparison sheds light on the creative process behind recording vocals and the importance of considering them as integral components of a song, much like the way guitar tones are carefully crafted and manipulated to achieve a desired effect.

Cherone's analogy between the treatment of his voice and the treatment of guitar tones offers valuable insight into the artistry and technical aspects of music production. Just as guitar players meticulously select and adjust their tones to complement the overall sound of a song, the approach to recording and processing vocals involves similar attention to detail and creativity. This comparison emphasizes the significance of vocals as a versatile and expressive instrument in their own right, rather than simply a vehicle for delivering lyrics.

In the context of music production, treating vocals "like guitar players treat guitar tones" implies a nuanced approach to recording and processing that goes beyond simply capturing the raw vocal performance. It suggests exploring various techniques such as layering, effects processing, and creative editing to shape the tone, texture, and character of the vocals in a way that enhances the overall musical composition. By viewing vocals through this lens, producers and engineers can approach vocal recording and production with a heightened level of artistry and innovation, striving to create a sonic landscape where the voice becomes an integral part of the musical tapestry.

Furthermore, Cherone's quote highlights the evolving role of vocals in modern music production. In the past, vocals were often treated as a straightforward element of a song, with minimal processing and manipulation beyond basic mixing and mastering. However, as technology has advanced and creative possibilities have expanded, producers and artists have increasingly embraced the idea of treating vocals as malleable sonic elements that can be shaped and sculpted in diverse ways.

From a technical standpoint, "treating my voice like guitar players treat guitar tones" could involve a range of production techniques, including but not limited to vocal comping (selecting the best parts of multiple vocal takes), pitch correction, harmonizing, layering, and the application of various effects such as reverb, delay, and modulation. These methods allow producers to push the boundaries of vocal production, transforming the raw vocal recordings into rich, dynamic elements that contribute to the overall texture and atmosphere of a song.

Cherone's quote serves as a reminder of the artistry and creativity that can be applied to vocal production in the modern music landscape. It encourages producers, engineers, and artists to approach vocal recording and processing with the same level of experimentation and innovation that is often applied to instrumental elements. By embracing this mindset, musicians can unlock new possibilities for expressing emotion, conveying meaning, and shaping the sonic identity of their music through the treatment of vocals.

In conclusion, Gary Cherone's quote, "The voices on the record, that was trying to treat my voice like guitar players treat guitar tones," offers a thought-provoking perspective on the creative and technical aspects of vocal production in music. His analogy underscores the importance of considering vocals as versatile and expressive instruments that can be shaped, manipulated, and treated with the same level of artistry and innovation as other musical elements. By viewing vocals through this lens, music producers and artists can expand the boundaries of vocal production, exploring new techniques and approaches to create compelling and dynamic vocal performances that enhance the overall musical experience.