Craig Anderton's Open Channel: The Compulsive, Dopamine-Fueled Obsession with New Gadgets and Equipment
In the realm of consumer goods, few items spark as much passion and obsession as musical equipment, often colloquially referred to as "gear." While one might associate such fervor with luxury items like cars or designer clothes, a computer or even a big-screen television seems to fall short in comparison. Rather, the term "gear lust" seems to be uniquely associated with the music industry.
To delve deeper into this observation, an inquiry was initiated to find instances of consumers using the terms "computer lust," "big-screen TV lust," or similar sentiments associated with other products. However, these efforts were met with little success. The closest match was found to be "shoe lust," but even this term appears less prevalent among musicians in comparison to "gear lust."
So, what accounts for this unique phenomenon? Is it merely a catchy phrase that caught on, or is there something more substantial at play? Upon further exploration, it appears the latter may be true, as the allure of new equipment and music share a striking resemblance in the brains of musicians.
This connection may help explain why musicians can't resist downloading just one more compressor plug-in, despite already owning numerous compressors. It may also shed light on why hours are spent debating the merits of different gear on forums, rather than focusing on perfecting a song's mix or honing one's instrumental skills. In some cases, it seems the quest for gear can even come at the expense of music-making itself.
Understanding this connection involves acknowledging the role of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and reward. In musicians, the pleasure of acquiring new gear or creating music activates the brain's reward system in a similar manner, fostering a desire for more.
However, economic factors also play a role. As a capitalist industry, the music world thrives on growth, and manufacturers are incentivized to introduce new products, promising these new features as necessary for success. Some even resort to fear tactics, suggesting that a lack of certain gear will lead to failure or embarrassment.
Despite these factors, it is essential for musicians to recognize that gear is a tool, not an end in itself. The ultimate goal is the creation of music, not the acquisition of gear. While the two are closely intertwined, musicians should strive to prioritize their artistry over the allure of new equipment.
In conclusion, the phenomenon of "gear lust" among musicians is a complex interplay between creativity, social influence, technological advancements, emotional connections, and marketing strategies. Understanding this dynamic can help musicians navigate the industry and make informed decisions about their equipment, ultimately allowing them to focus on what truly matters: the creation of music.
- Musicians are drawn to the allure of new audio equipment, which triggers their brain's reward system in a similar way that creating music does, fostering a desire for more, a phenomenon often referred to as "gear lust."
- This fascination with equipment can lead some musicians to spend hours debating the merits of different gadgets on forums, rather than focusing on perfecting a song's mix or honing their instrumental skills.
- In the music industry, the quest for new gear can sometimes come at the expense of music-making itself, as the industry thrives on growth and manufacturers are incentivized to introduce new technology.
- To create music effectively, musicians should recognize that gear is a tool, not an end in itself, and should prioritize their artistry over the allure of new equipment, understanding the complex dynamics of creativity, social influence, technological advancements, emotional connections, and marketing strategies that contribute to "gear lust."
