Types of People that Genres Attract???

y2kwizard · Post by **y2kwizard** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 6:39 pm

Hey, all. I have what might be considered by many to be the dumbest question ever asked by a human being. But I'm going to ask it anyway.

Does it seem to you that certain genres, speaking generally, attract different types of people? Or do they draw from every social group, race, religion, etc. etc.?? Is there a music that attracts people who seem to be smarter than the average music fan? Does classical music attract a more intelligent audience than, say, punk rock? Or are th epunk rockers the smarter ones?

Just wondering what you guys think.

starwire · Post by **starwire** » Wed Jan 01, 2003 4:21 pm

Sure, different types of music are going to attract different kinds of people. Who's more likely to listen to Eminem, a 76-year-old grandmother or her 14-year-old grandson Tommy? Who, would you guess, is the Toby Keith fan? White people in the southern US, or black people living in the inner city? Kind of obvious, but yeah, age, race, locale...all factors that shape a person and their worldview, and musical taste is a part of that.

But it's not always absolute. Look at hip-hop. Most hip-hop albums are purchased by white people. Look at the Beatles. They haven't existed for nearly 35 years, but kids are still listening to them, discovering them and enjoying them just like their parents a generation ago. Look at Michael Jackson. He's popular all across the world, even in poor third world countries, much more than he is in the US.

But don't bring intelligence into it. That has absolutely nothing to do with what music a person listens to. The belief that people who listen to classical music are more intelligent than the average person is a total myth. Same goes for the much-discussed IDM ("Intelligent Dance Music") genre. People that listen to this music are not smarter than everyone else, and you don't have to be smart to listen to it (or "appreciate" it, whatever that means). Similarly, people that listen to pop music or punk rock are not dumb, or any less smart than the highbow classical listeners.

Intelligence might help a person better understand whatever they're listening to, and maybe even enhance their listening exprience. If anything, it should (1.) make them seek out other kinds of music, and (2.) help them to realize that judging people by what they listen to is stupid. Now I tend to think that I have "good musical taste", but as time has passed I've noticed that everyone thinks this about themselves (just like nearly everyone with a driver's license believes they're a better driver than most people). In the end, I think it's better to just listen to whatever you want to listen to, but keep an open mind and at least try to enjoy other people's music in whatever way you can. Finally, don't stereotype people. Judge not lest ye be judged.

Dannywilson · Post by **Dannywilson** » Thu Jan 02, 2003 4:38 am

I don't think that a specific genere attracts more intelligent people, but more a love for all genere's and an eclectic taste in music is a trait of the intelligent. Some of the most intelligent music fans that I know personally have literally hundreds of albums and thousands of mp3's. I personally think pidgeonholeing yourself into one genere or subculture shows less intelligence.

BigshotSpike · Post by **BigshotSpike** » Sat Jan 04, 2003 4:23 am

Well, I've never seen a black guy who was a hard-core punk rocker, but there might be some around...you never know.

As far as I'm concerned, most people into IDM are into computers and programming and...stuff. So basically, they're geeks. But hey! There's nothing wrong with that. You can be geeky but still be cool 8)

Dannywilson · Post by **Dannywilson** » Sat Jan 04, 2003 12:48 pm

BigshotSpike wrote:Well, I've never seen a black guy who was a hard-core punk rocker, but there might be some around...you never know.

You need to meet my best friend Darren... The fist time you see him in studded spikes with his dyed hair, you'll be all like "The hell?"

NME · Post by **NME** » Sat Jan 04, 2003 11:36 pm

Fuck Labeling of people into groups because of music taste.

'IM A RIVETHEAD AND A GOTH OMG IM SO COOL.
WE'LL IM A SKATERPUNKPREPPIE. OMG WELL IM A GANGSTA MOFO. IM A METALHEAD. IM A EUROLOVER.' It all reeks of stupid fucking idiocy. (yes that exists) the next person who says they're a _____ to me gets an object stuck up their ass. Maybe my foot. MAYBE a HOTDOG BUN. Whatever happened to liking music and JUST liking music. Not having to be such a fucking dumbass and dress up like something. If they wanted you to dress up like them or act like them they'd tell you so.

Anyway. I had this teacher who thought the only intelligent people in the class we're the ones who lived classical.

I agree with Danny. Theres no point to shelter yourself into one genre, because you miss so much that way. I'll listen to anything. I like almost everything. Music is a huge part of mine and others lives. I think the group of people whos lives its a big part of, live a much more fulfilling and enjoyable life. I might be wrong because I need some more.... peanutbutter jelly time.

FATTY_VM · Post by **FATTY_VM** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 1:38 am

my god .. nme that post ... was great! it actually had context ... and i for one will listen to anything that can keep me entertained ... i like forms of classical techno urban rap .... rock ... its all good .. it has a beat ? good lyrics? im their.

Dannywilson · Post by **Dannywilson** » Sun Jan 05, 2003 5:08 am

Heh. Good post NME... I agree with with your points. If youre gonna dress, dont dress for a specific crowd, and don't listen to music for a specific crowd. Dress in and listen to what you like, and don't let any motherfucker tell you otherwise.

CaTaClYsM · Post by **CaTaClYsM** » Mon Jan 06, 2003 2:19 am

Yes, there are crowds, and certain types of music CAN atract certain kinds of people. ( From what I have seen, but if you ever see a goth listening to house of pain, or something along those lines please post it and correct me.) but this is a gross generalization. You also have to take into acount how much a person LIKES a certain type of music, what else they listen to and so forth. A person can listen to meralyn manson and mozart. What does that say about them? what group would they be in? what I am gettign at is that your question is a bit to vauge to answer, are you speaking of hardcore fans? casual listeners? or something inbetween?

Zerophite · Post by **Zerophite** » Mon Jan 06, 2003 11:10 am

Nice NME, you said it all...and a little more that really wasn't needed, but gave it a good, angsty feel