Continuous pitch-corrected vocal capture device cooperative with content server for backing track mix

A portable computing device comprising:

• a display;
• a microphone interface;
• a data communications interface;
• code executable on the portable computing device to retrieve via the data communications interface at least lyrics and timing information corresponding to a backing track;
• code further executable on the portable computing device to audibly render a first encoding of the backing track and concurrently present the retrieved lyrics on the display in accord with the timing information;
• code further executable on the portable computing device to capture and pitch correct a vocal performance of a user in accord with pitch correction settings;
• and
• code further executable on the portable computing device to distort the vocal performance capture in accord with an applied effect in correspondence with user interface gestures by the user, wherein a user interface gesture dynamically switches back and forth between melody and harmony note sets as operant pitch correction settings.