What Does It Mean to Make Music?

On this episode of The Tangent Gentlemen, Scott and Brad are joined by musician and producer Neil Johnstone for a deep dive into a deceptively simple question: "What does it mean to make music?"Is music defined by the hands that play it, the heart that feels it, or the tools that shape it? Together, the trio explores the evolving landscape of sound—from acoustic instruments and live performance to electronic production, MIDI sequencing, looping, and AI-generated compositions. When a machine arranges a melody or suggests a chord progression, is that creation, collaboration, or curation? And does intention matter more than execution?Drawing from Neil’s experience as a working songwriter and producer, the conversation wrestles with whether authenticity is tied to human limitation, whether technology expands or dilutes artistry, and how we might distinguish between performance, programming, and genuine musical expression.It’s a thoughtful, occasionally provocative discussion about creativity, authorship, and the shifting boundary between human and machine—one that might change the way you listen the next time a song comes on.Next week’s tangent? You’ll have to listen to find out.