RE: Nothing (Instrumental) by Ed Privat
I concur, in a way.
For me, striving for originality is the fixation. Though it is impossible, especially within rocknroll, to do so. Most if not all riffs and words have been done a million times over.
Your reference to our society's dependence on technology is a good point. At least, I think that's what you were referring to.
We have so many conveniences. We have unlimited knowledge in our pockets. Truthfully, its rare we use said tools to seek said knowledge. It's a very sad thing.
Furthermore, I think it's that fear of failing to produce a unique form of art that causes a hisitance in doing whatever it may be. Lyrics, of course, being the main example for people like us.
It sort of makes me think of Kurt Cobain. He claimed to write most of his lyrics minutes before recording. He later said when he got recognition, people often ask what the song(s) meant. He would assure that it wasn't as profound as one would think.
I appreciate that sort of Punk way of looking at it. But I'm too egotistical to not put my heart and soul into each line and to take a while to finish each songs because I want my words to be remembered.
What you say about Kurt Cobain, reminds me of the "Flow State" or what basketball players call "Be in the zone".
I think it's Jordan Peterson , the philosopher/sociliologist talks about it. Basically, when you perform art, or sport, there's a moment where the universe and everything around you align, this is when great things happen.
The fighter/actor Bruce Lee called it the flow state, it's more about feeling and not overthinking it, be like water.
And I think that what Kurt was talking about, I am sure it happened to you in the past, you're gigging with friends and colleagues, and all of a sudden, everyone is playing at their best, it's almost like a spiritual experience. that transcend music.
It's impossible to be constantly in that state, it cannot be forced, or emulated.
The fact that Kurt was about to record, he didn't have time to overthink about the lyrics.
Some of the best mistakes in music, became trademark songs.
The whistling for the song "Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay" by OTtis Reddin, was a pure accident, he just forgot the lyrics of the 3 rd verse.
Same for the song Ain't No Sunshine, by Bill WIthers. He starts singing repetitively "I know I know I know I know", and he just forgot to write a verse for that part. They kept it and now the rest is history.