Phantom Limbs: On Tactility In Music
What draws me to music most strongly is the tactile: I simply like the feel of vibrating strings across a slab of wood, and is so much more satisfying than a computer keyboard or a piece of glass. I have my instruments all out of their cases and make a point to play them and incorporate them as much as possible into my songs. (That's why I think country music sometimes gets folded into my music because a lap steel will suggest it). Also, we don't really need that many instruments: Musical instrument collections might have their own Dunbar Number. An instrument only used once becomes more of a passing acquaintance. In my experience, musical ability is more easily attained through just banging on an instrument with little or no knowledge. Computers seem more fragile in a way because you can't bang on them as you can traditional musical instruments. Traditional instruments have quiddity, and are "anti-fragile" in a way, yet are capable of being delicate and more ...
