Why The Older Generation Hates the Newer Generation’s Music
I was hearing the latest songs on radio recently, and I thought:
‘Wow, this stuff sucks!’
I remember back in my days when music was good.
2005 was the golden era.
There were great rappers and rock bands.
Nowadays, it’s hard to tell which is which.
Rappers sing like emo singers.
And emo singers attempt to rap.
So much mumbling going on as well.
What happened?
Back in my days, music was good!
Wait a minute…
What’s going on?
I’m talking like one of the old men who used to hate on my generation’s music.
Why We Don’t Like the New Generation’s Music
The reason we don’t like the new generation’s music is because of different styles.
Something cannot remain cool forever.
New styles emerge in any artform.
The fact that there are multiple artists adopting a new style means there is demand.
We often think:
‘Why would anyone willingly do mumble rap? The purpose of rap is to make the lyrics heard!’
The reason people do mumble rap is because there’s demand for it.
So, just because you dislike mumble rap doesn’t mean others do too.
You’re the outlier, not them!
Whenever we dislike a music style, we overestimate how many people agree with us.
Other than people from our own generation, most people disagree with us.
This is a humbling experience.
Either listen to the new music or realize that your opinions are futile.
Music is not going to revert back to what it once was.
The Truth about Nostalgia
When I hear “In da Club” by 50 Cent, I don’t just think of the song.
I think about how I used to sit by myself on the bus and listen to that song on my iPod.
Before, I would wait for that song on the radio.
But once the iPod came out, I could listen to that song whenever I desired.
That song was more than a song.
That song also represented:
- My transition from radio to iPod.
- How I could download any music I desired.
- Finding solace in music as I sat by myself in the bus.
The bullets above are the nostalgia I experience whenever I think of the song to this day.
When I listen to the new music, I don’t experience the same nostalgia.
Instead, I am more practical.
Is there any new music that I like?
Of course!
However, the new music doesn’t hit like the old music.
It’s not just about the music though…
It’s about who I was when I listened to the music.
Nostalgia influences our artistic preferences.
Focus On What You Can Control vs What You Can’t
We forget that streaming services exist.
I rarely listen to the new trash nowadays.
I listen to the 2005 to 2013 era.
If you hate modern music, then start creating playlists that you like.
Quit relying on the radio.
Unlike with technology, we have control over our music.
If your company is adopting a new tech, then there’s not much you can do about it.
Either deal with it or quit.
While with music, you can still organize the playlist that you want.
You have more control than you think.
Don’t Rule Off New Art So Soon
Don’t be a victim to your nostalgia.
It’s easy to demonize new art just because it’s different.
Give different art forms a chance before you offer concrete opinions.
You may be surprised to see that there is music that you resonate with.
Every now and then, a new artist takes a blast to the past.
They make their music sound like the 2005 era.
You know…the best era.
Experience the new generation.
Give them a fair shake.
You grow when you give new artforms a chance.
What Music Says About Content Creation
Content creation never stands still.
Remember the era of YouTube where there were tons of jump cuts and outrageous thumbnails?
Those videos seem like something of the distant past.
Back then, we found them entertaining.
Nowadays, they seem cringe.
There are new creators who don’t do any jump cuts.
They just talk in front of a camera.
People went from wanting dopamine filled content to nuanced discussions.
Just like that, the public perception of content creation has changed.
That’s how it works with art in general.
Change is the only constant there is.
My takeaway is to create the art that feels the most authentic to you.
You can never please everyone and you can never be hated by everyone.
You know the music that you think is awful?
Well, there is a person on the planet who loves that music.
Now multiply that person by millions.
No art can fully be hated.
No art can be fully loved.
Lesson?
Create what is the most authentic to you.
The Newer Generation Hates the Older Generation’s Music Too
I was talking to my younger cousin one day.
50 Cent came up.
I said:
‘I used to listen to 50’s music all the time!’
She asked:
‘Wait, 50 Cent used to rap?? I thought he was a filmmaker??’
Huh??
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing!!
‘You had no clue 50 Cent rapped?? Sit down kiddo, let me put you on.’
I started playing tracks from the Get Rich or Die Trying album.
My cousin listened.
After hearing a few songs, she said:
‘Now I see why he switched to film. His music sucks!’
I couldn’t believe what she said.
Is someone from the new generation saying that 50 Cent sucks?
He was the biggest artist in 2003!!
That’s when I learned that the torch had been passed.
I don’t have a monopoly over what people like.
Just because I like something doesn’t mean others will.
And vice versa.
You’re not in a land of your own.
We will always hate the new generation’s music taste.
Here’s the irony.
They will hate our generation’s music taste as well.
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