<<Skill - The world is full of marketing departments trying to convince you that equipment and specifications can substitute for talent & hard work. This is not true, the 'performance' transcends the medium every time. The performance includes musicianship, vocals, orchestration, arrangement and the mixing decisions. These are all under your control and have little to do with the DAW software you use or plugins you have. >>

This one cannot be overstated. I own a number of old recordings, where the recording technology was in it's infancy, that are very moving pieces of music - despite the fact that the vocals may be muddy, the guitar out of tune, and there might even be some 'wow' or 'flutter' in the recording.

On the other end of the spectrum, I've heard some stellar recordings of technically competent but uninspired music that I don't care to listen to again.

The gear magazines want to sell you gear - that's all they have to sell.

Music schools want to teach you technique - that's all they can teach.

Taste and musicianship are your gifts. They can't be taught, but only developed. A good teacher will help you develop your inborn talent.

The best situation is when you have a stellar recording of a technically competent player that also has a lot of musical talent and expresses himself/herself in a way that touches your emotional being.

But if I have the choice, I take talent and expression over the rest anytime.

Insights and incites by Notes

Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
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