That's what happens nowadays with people working on computers. They can so easily fix things with their mouse and take out all the, 'Oh, somebody coughed in the background; we need to take that out' - or somebody hit a bad note. Those are all the best moments.

The quote by Jack White, "That's what happens nowadays with people working on computers. They can so easily fix things with their mouse and take out all the, 'Oh, somebody coughed in the background; we need to take that out' - or somebody hit a bad note. Those are all the best moments," reflects a critique of the modern approach to music production and digital editing. White is expressing his discomfort with the over-editing and perfectionism that technology allows in the music industry. He suggests that by easily removing imperfections—like background sounds or slight mistakes—something essential is lost. For him, these imperfections represent the authenticity and character of a performance, which can be more valuable than technical perfection.

The origin of this quote stems from White’s ethos as an artist and musician. As a founding member of The White Stripes, White is known for his raw, unpolished sound, often embracing imperfections as part of the artistic process. His comment reflects his preference for realness and the belief that some of the most impactful moments in music come from the spontaneity and imperfections that occur during a live performance or recording session.

White is also commenting on how modern technology—particularly digital audio workstations (DAWs)—has changed the way music is made. While digital editing can create technically flawless recordings, it can also strip away the soul or unique qualities of a performance. He points out that minor imperfections, like a cough or a bad note, might actually add to the humanity and emotion of the music, making it more authentic and relatable to the listener.

In essence, White’s quote champions the value of imperfection in music and artistry. It suggests that while technology has made it easier to remove flaws and create polished works, the raw, unrefined moments—those that reflect the true human experience—are often the ones that resonate most deeply with audiences.