Ever since I was a kid, I have always been obsessed with music. As I got older, I began to learn to play and create it myself, as well as to appreciate the artistry, creativity, and technical skill that went into a musical composition.
After awhile, I grew so consumed with only listening to the technically "best" music and working hours every day at the age of 13 to master as many complicated riffs and techniques as I could based on everything from Hendrix to Satriani. Eventually, I reached a point where I was highly critical of anything that wasn't complicated or difficult to play. I looked down on it for being mediocre and looked down on those who listened to it for not being as technically minded as myself. I had become a musical elitist. And frankly a bit of jerk to those who didn't look at things the same way I did.
Eventually I was introduced to some of the greatest compositions I had ever heard. These pieces primarily consisted of baroque era classical music, many of which were by J.S. Bach. And then something occurred to me: this is actually the "best" music I have ever heard, yet I still love Hendrix, and several other musicians who are amazing, but weren't as good as Bach. Even Wagner, who is one of my favorite composers, couldn't hold a candle to The Art of Fugue.
I realized in that time that music does not have to be complicated in order to be good. It just has to resonate with you. I've listened to plenty of jazz that was incredibly hard to perform that I found painful to listen to. Now a good portion of the artists I listen to on a daily basis aren't the most technically proficient musicians out there. Frankly I'm a better player than at least half of them. But I still enjoy them, and that's what matters.
What makes art good art is its ability to connect with its audience. Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. I don't enjoy all music by any means. Country music to this day makes me want to claw my own ears out. But if someone else connects with it, that's just fine.
Technicality should be appreciated and respected, but it isn't everything. Buddy Guy once said, "you don't have to be the best, until the best comes around". I believe that's incredibly true. Being "the best" is relevant, but it doesn't make everything else garbage.
Art exists for two primary purposes: communication and enjoyment. If it communicates the intended feeling/idea, and is enjoyable to the intended audience, it is good art.
