Meaning: The quote is from Peter Banks, a British guitarist known for his work with the progressive rock band Yes in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In this quote, Banks expresses his frustration with trying to create a particular piece of music, which he had wanted to do for years, but every attempt at it had turned into another tune. Instead of giving up, Banks and his team took a different approach by incorporating a lot of sampling into their work, including sampling bits of "Flash!" - an album released by Banks in 1972 after leaving Yes.

Banks' statement provides insight into the creative process and the challenges that musicians and artists often face when trying to bring a specific vision to life. The quote indicates that the desired composition had eluded Banks for a long time, with each attempt leading to a different musical result. This struggle is a common experience for many artists who often find themselves grappling with the gap between their creative vision and the actual realization of that vision.

Banks' mention of sampling also sheds light on the evolving techniques and technologies used in music production. Sampling involves taking a portion of a sound recording and reusing it in a different piece of music or sound recording. In the context of Banks' work, sampling allowed him to incorporate elements from his own past music, as well as from other sources such as "Flash!", into the new composition. This approach demonstrates a willingness to experiment with different methods and sounds in order to achieve the desired musical outcome.

The fact that Banks and his team were even sampling bits of "Flash!" reflects a sense of continuity and evolution in his musical journey. By revisiting and reinterpreting elements from his own past work, Banks demonstrates a commitment to exploring new creative possibilities while honoring his own musical legacy. This approach also highlights the interconnectedness of artistic endeavors, as well as the potential for reimagining and repurposing existing material in the pursuit of fresh artistic expression.

Moreover, the quote offers a glimpse into the intersection of technology and creativity in music production. The use of sampling as a technique not only showcases Banks' adaptability and openness to new methods but also underscores the impact of technological advancements on the creative process. In the realm of modern music, sampling has become a ubiquitous tool for artists to construct new sonic landscapes by drawing from a vast array of existing recordings.

In conclusion, Peter Banks' quote encapsulates the challenges, adaptability, and innovation inherent in the artistic journey. His struggle to realize a long-held musical aspiration, coupled with the embrace of sampling and reimagining past works, underscores the dynamic nature of creativity and the ever-evolving landscape of music production. This quote serves as a reminder of the complexities and triumphs that characterize the pursuit of artistic vision, as well as the transformative potential of embracing new techniques and technologies in the creative process.