I was using computers for music in the '70s, '80s and '90s, and people didn't get it. They thought you should only use computers for your taxes and making pie charts.

In this quote, Buffy Sainte-Marie reflects on her early use of computers in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, particularly in the realm of music. She notes that at the time, most people did not understand how technology could be used creatively, instead limiting its use to more practical tasks like managing taxes or creating pie charts. Sainte-Marie highlights the narrow view that many people had about computers, not realizing their potential to revolutionize fields like music and the arts.

Sainte-Marie’s statement sheds light on the disconnect between technology and creativity during the early days of computing. While computers were primarily seen as tools for business and administrative purposes, she was ahead of her time in recognizing the potential for them to be used as a medium for artistic expression. Her words emphasize how technology can be a powerful tool in unexpected areas, like music production, if used in innovative and imaginative ways.

The origin of this quote lies in Sainte-Marie’s pioneering role in incorporating computers into music during a time when such practices were unconventional. As a singer, songwriter, and activist, she embraced emerging technologies in her work, and this early adoption of digital tools in music production was part of her effort to push creative boundaries. Her forward-thinking approach to music technology helped pave the way for later generations of musicians to explore digital audio and computer-generated music.

Sainte-Marie’s experience reflects a broader theme of how technology can be misunderstood or underutilized when people are slow to embrace its full potential. Her use of computers in music challenges the conventional idea of technology as something solely for practical, administrative purposes, showing that it can also be a catalyst for artistic innovation. Her work encourages others to think creatively about how technology can enhance and expand their own artistic practices.