Artists spend a lot of time on their devices…the emailing, social media, scheduling…and even songwriting is done with a phone or iPad in hand, laptop on knees, computer at fingertips.
But as songwriting has moved from sitting around with acoustic guitars to Logic grooves and midi…artists literally aren’t spending as much time with their instruments.
So when they get on stage to play their song, instead of having played it a couple hundred times already while writing it (so their hands already have the muscle memory built in)…there is a physical estrangement of artist to instrument.
Sure it’s subtle. But when you don’t play your instrument a lot, there is a physical deficiency.
You can say ‘it’s just like riding a bike, so no need to worry’…but then it’s also worth noting that hopefully you’re not looking to just ‘ride a bike’, you’re not looking to just remember how to do it…you’re a professional and professional bike riders ride their bikes A LOT.
It’s not about remembering how to ride a bike, but riding at an elite level.
It’s not about remembering how to play your songs, but being a world class entertainer limited by nothing.
I’m not saying it’s the end of the world to do your songwriting on computers all day…I am saying that if you’re going to do that, then when it’s time to get back on the bike, you’re going to have some extra riding to do.
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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com