By KATIE KIERSTEAD
Arts Editor
There’s been an opinion article popping up in my Facebook feed lately: “Why Are SO Many Millennials SO Uncool?” Lots of my friends are sharing this thinkpiece with wildly different reactions: some are praising the author’s stance while others attack it and counter with their own argument. I’m writing to offer my viewpoint.
The gist of the article, published Nov. 2015 by Tumblr user powerevolution, is that modern popular music is not “real” art. Today’s music does not have its own distinct culture like the music of the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s did, and it has been commercialized to the point of devaluation.
The writer says of contemporary artists: “Their music is not based on life experiences, hard knocks, or political and social themes. It is self-absorbed, mindless drivel that would make John Lennon blush with shame for the human race.”
Multiple times in the article, the author juxtaposes today’s artists with classic rock icons- Grace Slick vs. Beyonce, and Kurt Cobain vs. Adam Levine, to name a few completely mismatched comparisons- in an effort to somehow prove that the stars of the ‘00s are quintessentially “uncool” because they are fueled by corporate power and their products are mindlessly consumed by the masses, not because the music or art they release boasts any sort of relatable struggle.
“Corporate media has made intelligent music scarce, and what does exist is nearly impossible for the masses to hear,” says powerevolution.
Yes, Top 40 music is shoved down the figurative throats of those who listen to the radio. The same handful of songs is often played on rotation for several weeks, effectively brainwashing casual radio listeners. Most modern pop music is not very difficult to understand- it is written to be remembered. Without a catchy hook or easy lyrics, would any song really get that popular?
But who said popular music had to be intelligent? People have different tastes in music. Some like to listen to self-indulgent, complicated, head-y works of art in the vein of progressive rock. But for other people, music plays a totally different role in their lives.
A casual Pandora station could be somebody’s shower soundtrack. The music composed for a kids’ movie could inspire a young child to learn an instrument later on in life. Popular songs could create the atmosphere in a shopping mall or build the excitement at an amusement park. Different genres of music exist for different purposes, not all of them for meaningful soul-searching or political revolutions.
Just because the musical movements of the 20th century were distinct and each had their own characteristics, and maybe the 21st century has not seen that sort of individuality yet, doesn’t mean today’s music is “uncool.” There will always be a bit of corporate influence on what sort of music gets popular and what doesn’t make it. But mainstream media isn’t the only way Millennials consume information. In fact, it may be the exact opposite.
Many Millennials are extremely tech-savvy, using social media like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and other platforms to communicate and exchange news. Social media is, overwhelmingly, how I learn about new musical artists. If I see that a friend of mine has shared a video of a song I haven’t heard before, I’ll take a listen to it.
This is how good music gets spread: recommendations from friends. And now, more than ever, it’s easier to share indie music due to dedicated fanbases on Tumblr, bedroom covers on YouTube, and smart services like Spotify’s Weekly Discover Playlists, among other methodologies of discovery. If anything, Millennials are probably ignoring corporate media’s influence as they form their own opinions based on what their friends share on social media and the things they find by themselves.
I believe if people really want really good music, they will look for it themselves. People have different tastes and they know what they like. I might have a thing for indie music while my roommate is into ‘90s R&B, but my dad is into old country. We all consume music differently but we all know how to find the music we like. Not everyone has to be on the same page.
Also, there are multiple kinds of radio stations. Top 40 is just one variety. Corporate-produced music has its place, but that doesn’t mean every other type of music is irrelevant in this argument.
In addition, the author of the article seems to forget that the music business is actually a business. People need to make money. So what if I write a song that isn’t particularly deep or intelligent? I need a paycheck, and if a shallow, catchy song will get me that, then I’ll settle for it. Somebody will like that song.
Of course, music is an art and it should be respected as such. But anyone can call anything art. Art can be messy and raw and genuine or it can be calculated and intentionally cut like a cookie. These executions express different things.
Not to mention that slandering modern pop music while glorifying successful rock and punk bands of the past is extremely elitist. Those eras had their time to shine, and just because this new wave of popular music doesn’t conform to someone’s taste, doesn’t mean it’s automatically awful. Nostalgia isn’t a decent defense.
Finally, as a musician and long-time songwriter, I actually like pop music. I love a memorable melody more than anything. Writing music that gets stuck in people’s heads is fun! Pop music may be simpler in some regards than other music, but that doesn’t make it intrinsically worse. Simple is good. Less is more.
Another Tumblr user, TheEvilShoeSalesman, reblogged the original rant but added: “Don’t act like the music you like is immune from corporate greed and pop culture bandwagons. How many ‘posers’ or kids have sung ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ at karaoke nights wearing Nirvana t-shirts they bought at JCPenney?”
