Originally Posted By: Bass Thumper
MarioD and Mark Hayes,

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Regarding Criteria 1: I don’t doubt that BiaB is powerful (as a novice in music, more powerful than I fully appreciate at this time). But generating chords and a melody doesn’t reach the bar. Where are the lyrics? Where are the vocals? Today’s “Alexa” (or current technology) is not capable of producing them via voice command only but we can assume some future version will.


If you go back and read my message I specifically said instrumentals. There are a number of jazz musicians making money playing instrumentals.

Originally Posted By: Bass Thumper

Regarding Criteria 2: OK, you generated some chords and even a melody, I get that. Now how many Streaming Services are willing to pay you $200 per play? Or even $20 per play? How many news outlets want to interview you about your masterpiece? How many retailers are clamoring for your endorsement because of your work? Again, perhaps one day but not today.


Only a very few musicians, if any, make that kind of money. Most make more money playing live gigs, teaching, writing music books (theory, how to play, etc) etc.


Originally Posted By: Bass Thumper
Someone raised The Beach Boys, their producers and The Wrecking as an example. That team met Criteria 1. They produced complete, masterful songs including lyrics, vocals and vocal harmonies. Likewise they met Criteria 2 of having society value them as evidenced by filled stadiums, record deals, TV appearances, etc. They were a smash live and in the studio.


Yes, one of the few whom made it big time. Note that I am taking all musicians into consideration by that statement.

Originally Posted By: Bass Thumper
What interests me about this discussion is that it’s likely we all come down somewhere slightly different on the spectrum whether we realize it or not; it’s not Boolean or black/white. I suspect there are very few of us that come down “hard-left” (100% human artistic creativity and 0% tech) or “hard-right” (100% tech and 0% human artistic creativity). The debate over creativity vs technology is not new. Bob Dylan “electrifying and plugging-in” vs remaining “acoustic” could be one past example. So one question is where are we on the spectrum? [Not the autistic spectrum, that's a whole nother topic] smile


The people using 100% human artistic creativity are the ones just jamming, having fun, and not recording what they are playing. This of course ignores the technology that made their instruments. If they are recording then they are using technology, i.e. tape recorder, computer, etc.

The ones using 100% tech are using BiaB, Acid, or any other program that one can produce music without singing or playing any instrument. This includes those using manipulating RTs and MIDI until they get something that sounds good. Note I am not knocking those individuals, I'm just making a point.

Originally Posted By: Bass Thumper
Another point of interest for me here is the “conflict” between two very basic human needs; the need to be creative vs the need to build tools. As a race we are tool builders and find joy and expression in creating. In fact, isn’t it true that building tools can be creative?

So was Joe Novice musically creative? Do we even care if he was creative? He certainly didn’t pay his musical dues, he just bought technology and spoke.

This is why I asked “Is this scenario good, bad, fair, unfair, neutral, enviable, distasteful, inevitable?”

I wouldn’t be surprised if there are entire books written on this subject.


I don't think that there is a conflict between making tools and being creative. Being creative has lead to the tools we use today.

IMHO yes Joe Novice is musically creative.

Is this scenario good or bad depends on you. Topics like this, religion, and politics starts wars. Some people think that if you don't know theory you are not a musician. Others say if you don't sing or play an instrument you are not a musician. All I can say is let me hear the end product and I will decide if I like it or not, i.e. I don't care how it was produced.

YMMV

My momma didn't raise a fool. And if she did it, was one of my brothers.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware