If Music and Technology got into a fight, which one would win?

It's not as obvious as it seems, is it? I mean, on the one hand Technology is like the newcomer. He's got a lot of strength and a lot going for him - he seems to be the future, and not much can stop him. On the other hand, Music's got her roots in humanity itself. It's not like she COULD be stopped by anything - she's like nature. She'll always come back, because she's always been there.

Unfortunately, I think this is one of the battles we're facing today. Technology, with all it's flash and marketability, has been pounding on Music for awhile recently, not letting her get her 2 cents in. The overwhelming buzzwords of today are "did you see the new xxx", or "I heard some crazy stuff going on in that song by xxx", or "that band has been totally worked up in the studio". What I'm missing in today's music is "now that's one real cool song".

All throughout my life I have tried to find the proper bridge between music and the tools that make it - whether it's an acoustic OR an electronic instrument - and what's frustrating to me today is seeing that bridge ignored. The misuse of technology is preceded only by the use of technology for the wrong reasons (and no, they're not the same thing). It's an ongoing struggle, complicated by the fact that new tools come around every month, changing everybody's view on how to make music.

I'm reminded of an old law my father taught me: "The right tool for the right job". If the music exists in someone's head, the technology to make it happen will follow. Unfortunately, today we're in a position where a lot of people are doing the opposite - the tool exists, so let's make music with it - not knowing exactly why or how.

Let's get back to the roots here, folks. It's always been about, and will continue to be about, making music with new tools. I've never been one to espouse about using a new piece of gear just because it's there - you have the right to use it when you know what it can do for you and your creation. What the world needs right now is good music, not more gear.