1. “I listen to ‘real music.'”
Out of all of my biggest pet peeves regarding music, this is probably my number one. There is no such thing as real music, because there is no such thing as fake music. All music is real music and you do not get to devalue another artist’s music just because it is not something you appreciate yourself. Listening to tUnE-yArDs does not make you better than someone who enjoys listening to Katy Perry. Music is art and, therefore, subjective, which means that you can like it just because you like it. Do not feel ashamed for the artists that you like and never feel like you have to justify the artists that you like.
2. “If you don’t like [INSERT NAME OF ARTIST HERE], then you clearly have no soul.”
This one is partially related to the last point. Not liking a specific artist for whatever reason does not make you a bad person, or less than human. I understand that this statement is a hyperbole and few people literally mean this when they say it. But it is these types of statements that music snobs use to oppress other people with their music. By all means, please share music. I think some of the most beautiful relationships come out of sharing music, that is why I started blogging in the first place. However, please do not shove music that you like down other people’s throats and let them enjoy who they like.
3. “Music is my everything, my soul.”
Okay, I like music. I really do. I hope that the fact that I blog about music is enough validation for you. But, believe it or not, music is should not be the entirety of your life. Music is a great form of artistic expression and by far my favorite, but enjoy a movie, a television show, a conversation with friends. Take the headphones off everyone once in a while and enjoy other experiences. Life has way more to offer than just music, so take it in moderation.
4. “I hate [INSERT NAME OF MUSIC GENRE, MOST LIKELY COUNTRY, HERE], it’s so stupid.”
Now, I say this with a bit of hypocrisy, because I use to say the same thing, but that is why you should not say it. I used to hate the hip-hop/rap genre until I started listening to other artists who mixed hip-hop/rap elements with other styles of music (e.g. Gorillaz). Slowly, I started to understand and appreciate the genre. Now, I am by no means a hip-hop/rap connoisseur, but now I can actually enjoy it. All I am saying is to give an artist a change, and do not write them off instantly just because they play a genre that you do not like.
5. “New music is so bad, only old music is good.”
I like the Beatles (in fact, they are my favorite band and expect a post about them soon), the Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Queen (I absolutely love Freddie Mercury), and other bands and artists from the past. Do not even get me started on 80s music. It is great music, I know. But there is still plenty of great music being made today, you just have to keep your ears open and do some Internet digging. Their are plenty of artists out there still doing big band, psychedelic rock, and other classic genres. Some of them are doing homages to the great artists of the past and some of them are mixing those elements with more modern ones.
In summary, this article is saying to keep open ears about all types of music and do not feel superior because you listen to Artist X. Unless you want to be a jerk, then by all means continue.