What Your Favorite Music Genre Says About You

I am fortunate enough to have known an incredibly wide genre of individuals with a variety of backgrounds and musical tastes. I, like anyone else, have my own favorite genres as well as my own biases. To avoid any sort of bias, I relied on the input of over twenty individuals. I used social media apps to reach a variety of individuals that I otherwise would not have access to. I wanted to do my best to avoid having opinions coming from one niche collective of peoples.

“Our musical tastes are shaped by a number of external factors — exposure, peer and family influence, the activities we listen to music during — as well as internal preferences we have for rhythm, harmony, timbres, structure or lyrics.”

-Ricky O’Bannon, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra [BSOMusic.org]

Pop

Ah, yes. “Pop.” Short for “popular music,” a wide cover-all blanket used to refer to any music with an upbeat tempo and a pretty sounding composition. You’re tired of hearing your music referred to as “people music” as you understand that there is more to this genre than what is played on the radio. You know the B-side of pop albums is where the true art is found, and for you, half of the fun is listening to songs created by popular artists that aren’t meant for mass consumption.

Hip-Hop/Rap

You’re used to biting your tongue at disrespectful remarks, but seeing these two genres put together might push you over the edge. You know that Hip Hop is a cultural way-of-life, and rap is nothing more than a form of lyrical delivery. You’re also tired of this genre being referred to as “easy” or low effort music. You know that sexism, drugs, and violence are in the minority of real music in this genre and that unfortunately, these vices are highlighted in the charts due to their ease of access and party-like nature.

Rock

The classic modernist. You have a **** ton of respect for Buddy Holly. You belonged to either one of two groups: You loved Nickleback, or you loathed Nickleback. Either way, your passion for Avril Lavigne runs blood deep. Your opinions regarding Tool are…unique.

Dance & EDM

You’ve spent a cumulative total of months of your life at music festivals. You’re adventurous, and love “fun substances.” You know that your genre is more than electronic noises, and you also know that the composition of EDM requires a masterful understanding of music theory and technical ability. You’re fun, open-minded, and very likely the life of the party. #goodvibesonly

Reggaeton

No one knows a party like a Latino or Latina. You are filled with passion, not only for music but for life as well. You live for the beat. It drives you, it inspires you. And while you know this genre is far more than parties and sex (despite the music videos, those deserve an article all to themselves), you know that this music has a plethora of cultural and political undertones masterfully masqueraded by beats to dance to.

Indie & Alternative Rock

A beautifully broad (and slightly ignorant) way to refer to a particular style of music. You don’t necessarily like Indie or Alternative Rock, but through these broad strokes, you were able to stumble on a niche that speaks to you. You know the band members by heart. Their names, their likes, dislikes, and everything in-between. You’re used to attending muddy fields to hear them live, and you likely own an amount of band merch that you know you cannot responsibly afford. And yet, another shirt is on its way. Don’t forget to practice guitar today.

Classical

It started with piano lessons and long nights of study, and now it plays throughout the day, both in the background and the foreground of your life. Your refined taste allows you to dissect each composition down to its bare bones. Half of the fun for you is researching what makes each composition special. You are a lover of history, and possibly spend too much time watching period pieces on Netflix.

K-Pop

At least you’re open-minded!

Country

No matter where you live, the duties of the range call you. You have conservative values but are progressive enough to recognize your passion for music. You know your genre is misunderstood. You know your genre sings of love, desire, responsibility, and duty. You are a consistent, hard-working, and reliable person.

Metal

The genre of a thousand subgenres. Your taste varies, and nothing sets you off like the words “Metal is all the same.” Your significant other will always have to compete against James Hetfield, and your altar dedicated to Ozzy Osbourne sits atop a pile of destroyed religious texts. Just don’t mention Nu-Metal at the family dinner.