In the Service of Creativity

 

(Hans Arp Sculpture

Tools are the most basic form of technology, but tools can very often be confused with creativity, or obfuscate creativity. In music, focusing on the gear and the sounds may result in a good piece of music, but creativity doesn’t require that many tools—at least in the beginning. I write exclusively on an acoustic guitar, and sometimes a bass. Anything that doesn’t have to be plugged in. Technology is in the service of creativity once the original idea is being shaped. You might have an idea for a sculpture, make a sketch, acquire the materials, then specific tools may be needed as the piece takes form.
 

The greater the specificity of the genre the more creativity will be at the service of technology. Certain genres of music have equipment requirements, but in my view, the creativity should be less tool-dependent—unless you start with a particular tool and find materials to use it on.