Q: I don't mean your songwriting or production skills, but from a 'technical'/playing standpoint. Like, do you think you could play some things relatively easily now that would've been challenging for you to play say 5 years or so ago?
A: no, but if there's a particular challenge that needs to be accomplished i can take care of that any time. but the essence of music usually does not hinge upon challenge (unless you're doing it as a sport). the world of creativity follows much more mysterious rules