I read an article today about Brian Eno that allowed me to realize why I don’t really appreciate DJ sets and seeing artists perform with a bunch of electronic equipment.

Eno discussed the fact that technology hinders, rather than fosters, creativity, and mentioned that in the second decade of the 21st century, much of the most interesting music is being made on analog instruments. His theory is that “digital technology gives musicians too much choice, whereas a limited tool such as a guitar forces musicians to develop creative solutions as a result of its relatively meager capabilities.” Software allows users to “cover the fact that you don’t have an idea by trying new options.”

Although I do believe that we can also be creative with software, I do indeed believe it hinders creativity. When it comes to a live show, I don’t think there is much talent involved in pressing buttons and playing around with software. You do have to have an ear for music, but it is just not the same as seeing one playing an instrument on stage.

I was talking to a friend the other day, and he said he used to not get down with it, but then he saw a friend perform live. He realized it wasn’t just someone playing back music to you. The person was up there messing around with buttons creating a mix “on the fly,” as he put it. Weeks ago, when Will spoke about that and how he tested things out and created on the spot during the dance nights he DJ-ed at UHall, it gave playing DJ sets a little more validity in my mind, but I’m still on the fence.

I suppose I can understand that there is talent involved, but it’s not my thing. (Which is funny, since over the past few years, I have been listening to more electronic music/music that has been created with the foundation of software, but that’s another story.)