My writings about 20th century music will mainly focus on those who’ve sought to invent one’s own technologies, to forge a new method of creation, and in so doing, provide a model for modern DIY folks.  There’s something monomaniacal and brilliant about this kind of vertical integration — a human composes work on an instrument that he himself has created.

To start with: Les Paul.  American ingenuity at its finest.  Invented tape echo and multi-track recording out of his garage and then topped the charts with insane, inimitable multi-tracked vocals and guitars.  Did I mention he invented the hollow body electric guitar?   Hell of a player too.   His work is really great combination of engineering and artistry.