@ Phillip:
I don't know if you can because it's inevitable that you'll be stereotypical somewhere to somebody.
Didn't Cher "invent" AT? Then Madonna used it -- now
everybody is using it. See the problem?
Everybody doesn't want to be the same; yet, try to hard to be different to where actually doing so is impossible.
Everyone wants individuality, yet don't wanna look for it -- let alone appreciate, when it does exists.
It's like the kid who sits by him/herself at lunch where the standing out is obvious; however, on-lookers can't or won't try to spot that same person in a crowd because you have to look for what is
not obvious.
Standing out and sticking out like a sore thumb or two different things and from a production standpoint, you don't want to fall into the latter category. I'm gonna use Lady Gaga again, but she (to me) stands out. Not many thought she could sing until she did away with the enhancements, but my goodness and the production behind the compositions (whether you like them or not) Of course, there's her image and it's a shame that overshadows things, but she's a unique individual regardless.
Of course, there are other artists who don't want all of that, but such makes them standout, too The number of pianists (formally trained or not) is astounding, but each is unique is his/her own way though all play the same instrument.
I'm not saying this as a bad thing, but trying so hard to "break the mold ..." Just imagine if everybody who invented things said this: "I blazed a trail. Now, my trail's up in a-blaze."
That's how trends work. Remember the "Rihanna Bob"? Obviously, she didn't start the bob trend nor was ever the first in or outside the industry to wear one, but everybody put her name on it!
If you happen to traverse territory that hasn't been, great; however, forcing it isn't the right away to go about it.
I'm not the first who took a "bright" song and darkened it nor will I be the last; yet, if this idea gets taken to heart by others how ever they go about doing so - more power to them.