Artists who can't play any instruments?

[Nyte]

Besides voice, of course. To me it seems a bit odd to be into the world of music and not be able to play a single instrument, but still they are out there.

Lorde is the first one that comes to mind in recent years. She actually refuses to learn how to play any instruments because she wanted to focus entirely on singing. I'm not sure exactly what her reason is, but she said she didn't want to be one of those "female musicians that try to half-heartedly play something on stage to look like they can play something". Not trying to knock on her, because her music is great.

[Caviar]

I don't see anything odd about being an artist and not playing an instrument. While you can certainly better brand yourself as an "artist" if you play an instrument it doesn't mean automatic success or you're better than anyone else. It's better to focus on one thing you're good and be the best instead of doing something you're not. Some artists are better vocalists, some songwriters, or some dancing but that doesn't make them any less of an "artist" if they don't play an instrument.

My two cents anyway.

[Nyte]

Yeah I know, I just think it seems odd to be in the music business and be unable to play an instrument. It's like a handicap.

Anyways, back on topic. What are some artists that are unable to play any instruments besides their voice?

[ritymeez]

The lead singer of my favorite band, Florence + the Machine, can't really play instruments (www.express.co.uk/dayandnight/142687/Florence-Welch-admits-she-can-t-play-an-instrument), but I still love Florence Welch. Some people just have a knack for certain things and others don't.

[Linnethia Monique]

Feb 4, 2016 19:11:39 GMT -5 Nyte said:

Yeah I know, I just think it seems odd to be in the music business and be unable to play an instrument. It's like a handicap.

Anyways, back on topic. What are some artists that are unable to play any instruments besides their voice?

How is it a handicap if the focus is on your voice? The voice is an instrument within itself.

[Deleted]

Although I prefer artists who are multi-talented and can play their own instruments, not doing so by choice doesn't automatically invalidate their artistry.

As long as the artist proves that they're talented in some areas (dancing, singing, performing, etc), I don't have a problem with someone who doesn't feel they have the skill, knowledge, or interest in playing an instrument just for kicks.

Frankly, it seems like being able to play an instrument is something that's treated like an accessory that's trotted out when artists want to be seen as credible musicians, which is a bit disheartening.

I would much rather see an artist not choose to play an instrument and focus on their strengths if that means they aren't going to trot out an instrument and pretend to play it.

If an artist is naturally gifted, it's a given that will be a huge element in their music. But some artists choose not to focus on that or feel it's not a strength, which I don't have any qualms with.

The package of artistry manifests itself in dozens of ways; I'm not going to say someone is an artist because of "x y and z" as long as it's obvious they have some form of musical talent.

[seaguy27]

I will say this....I think artist come in all forms, some have huge voices, some have good voices with a signature style, some are great performers and have messages, some play instruments etc. or a combination of things.

While one does not make someone better than the other (just maybe more appealing to different people depending on their personal taste) I do like singers who have involvement in the crafting of their songs rather it be heavy production input or writing or co-writing then singers who show up and simply lay down a vocal. You can almost always tell when it is an artist who is heavily involved in the song crafting because they seem more connected to what they are singing!

[Nyte]

Well this has veered off-topic. The purpose was to list artists who can't play instruments, not to spark a debate as to whether it's credible or not.

[YourFaveIsAFlop]

It depends what your definition of "play" is. Most artists can at least fake it a little for a TV performance or on tour. Is tapping out a melody on a piano the same as "playing" piano?

[Linnethia Monique]

Feb 5, 2016 8:19:42 GMT -5 YourFaveIsAFlop said:

It depends what your definition of "play" is. Most artists can at least fake it a little for a TV performance or on tour. Is tapping out a melody on a piano the same as "playing" piano?

When Beyoncé made that ode to JAY-Z

[Deleted]

Feb 5, 2016 8:05:22 GMT -5 Nyte said:

Well this has veered off-topic. The purpose was to list artists who can't play instruments, not to spark a debate as to whether it's credible or not.

With all due respect, a thread like this is bound to go off-topic.

If people had listed musicians who can't play instruments, it probably would have turned into a debate/breeding ground for negativity, anyway.

You asked the question, and then you went on in subsequent posts to make it clear that don't understand/respect artists who don't play instruments.

You were asking for trouble, and you seem to insist that people agree with your opinion. This is a discussion board, and if you were going to open a thread like this (and respond the way you have), be prepared for the backlash.

Pulse isn't ATRL. Threads like this that are asking for trouble are not taken to kindly.

[Rose "Payola" Nylund]

That and you didn't ask for a list. You started with a comment in a discussion-format. Plus, this topic actually has potential to be an interesting discussion.