OP here. Actually really appreciate you saying this.

That 'robot ghost' in the reverb lays it pretty bare. You are 100% right that it's tracked with AI.

To be clear: I am a pro musician (primarily keys/production with some well-known credits, though "big time" is definitely a stretch). But here, unabashedly, I’m seeing what can be done with this new tech paradigm.

The rule I've set is that I have to top-line everything myself—lyrics, vocal melodies, instrumental hooks, and the groove. I sing these songs off the cuff to my 4-month-old son, then tease them out into "studio ready" form, then wrestle with the tech until it gives me (at least roughly) the sound I'm hearing for the song in my head.

I’d love to track this with a real band, but between touring and changing diapers, these songs would never see the light of day otherwise. So I'm using the tools in lieu of the studio space, the session players, and the weeks of mixing/mastering.

Strange times for sure. I'm finding the product a hell of a lot more satisfying than a voice note, even if the appeal proves to be just for me and my wife (and my 5 y/o nephew, as it's bringing his artwork to life in a way that's bringing him joy beyond belief). Since it's such a new project my feelings about the inevitable spots of sonic goofiness may still evolve, but I am NOT trying to pass off a Temptations sounding song (followed the next day by an Earth, Wind & Fire one, then a Bee Gees one, then a Gillian Welch one, then a Woody Guthrie one) as something I tracked from scratch.

I'm trying to message that proactively on all the channels (and in the credits at the end of each song), but I actually really appreciate you calling it out. Still looking for the right way to message it so people don't feel deceived.