Watch now | This week, we talk to one of my besties, Willy Vlautin, a writer and musician I've long admired, with whom I've closed many old man bars in many cities, watched many fights—from Roberto Duran to Bud Crawford—watched spaghetti westerns, talked endless shop, done too many events to keep track of, listened to and shared a ton of music, and whom I just love hanging out with.
So.... in defense of musical virtuosity. I feel like you two were making one argument - great music does not require great chops - that I could dig. Then you turned around and kind of threw musical virtuosity under the bus. And that lost me. The first part - virtuosity is not the only path - is inarguable. The second part - virtuosity loses authenticity - is crap.
To me, music is transcendental. Sometimes that comes from a simple message, brilliantly delivered. And sometimes it comes from being transported by the ineffable skills and complexity that seem to literally touch the divine (however you see that). And maybe that sort of thing doesn't touch you the way it touches me. That's cool. But I think the transformative power is the same.
We may "drive different cars". But I assure you, the destination is the same.
The idea here that you're not a loser if you're still pushing forward resonates. It's the message you wish you could convey to your older brother. And to everyone else that needs to hear that they are good enough just as they are.
BTW, you are totally blowing up my book buying and TBR stacks. From Supersonic to So Far Gone and now Horse. Damn. By which I mean thank you.
Super enjoyable chat. I’ve read horse and motel; just ordered northline!
So.... in defense of musical virtuosity. I feel like you two were making one argument - great music does not require great chops - that I could dig. Then you turned around and kind of threw musical virtuosity under the bus. And that lost me. The first part - virtuosity is not the only path - is inarguable. The second part - virtuosity loses authenticity - is crap.
To me, music is transcendental. Sometimes that comes from a simple message, brilliantly delivered. And sometimes it comes from being transported by the ineffable skills and complexity that seem to literally touch the divine (however you see that). And maybe that sort of thing doesn't touch you the way it touches me. That's cool. But I think the transformative power is the same.
We may "drive different cars". But I assure you, the destination is the same.
The idea here that you're not a loser if you're still pushing forward resonates. It's the message you wish you could convey to your older brother. And to everyone else that needs to hear that they are good enough just as they are.
BTW, you are totally blowing up my book buying and TBR stacks. From Supersonic to So Far Gone and now Horse. Damn. By which I mean thank you.