I hate the “What kind of music do you listen to?” question. My playlists are all over the place, they have no cohesion, it’s just whatever I happened to be in the mood for at the time a song was added. Everything from Scandinavian metal to Irish folk music to classical to rock to electronica to hardstyle, and I really don’t know how to answer that.
I used to just pick a genre and claim it was that, but then people tend to want to discuss that and what I really want to say is, “I like a broad range of music, but I do not want to discuss my musical tastes with you, nor do I want you to recommend me songs from whatever you’re currently listening to. Please desist.” What’s the proper answer to that question that doesn’t leave me sounding like an asshole, but also doesn’t invite further critique?
Edit: I guess what I’m saying is, I’m the 4th one.
This pretty common now. Streaming and internet in general have made music so accessible (and private) that music-as-lifestyle subcultures are dying off due to genre intermixing.
I’m the 4th guy (love screamo and post hardcore though) but people think “all over” means I don’t pay attention when it’s the opposite.
I get appreciation and love the music of Jack White as much as Mariah Carey. My playlists drive my friends and family wild.
I usually answer the question with questions to describe music I like that’s in the same ballpark as them. My FIL loves CCR and Jimmy Buffett, but about as close as I can get to that is John Mellencamp. We then talk about Johny Cougar and have some good conversations. Sometimes they’ll open up a step after that and we can talk about other stuff.
Say you only listen to Wing as the greatest magnificent singer of all time. You are particularly in love with her interpretation of Beat It where she clearly outperforms the miserable attempt of Michael Jackson.
I guess with such an argument the discussion about your musical taste will not take long to switch to another subject.
And also, I really, love Wing because she sing without any other goal than to make other people feel good. No attempt to be a genius or taking herself too seriously.
I hate the “What kind of music do you listen to?” question. My playlists are all over the place, they have no cohesion, it’s just whatever I happened to be in the mood for at the time a song was added. Everything from Scandinavian metal to Irish folk music to classical to rock to electronica to hardstyle, and I really don’t know how to answer that.
I used to just pick a genre and claim it was that, but then people tend to want to discuss that and what I really want to say is, “I like a broad range of music, but I do not want to discuss my musical tastes with you, nor do I want you to recommend me songs from whatever you’re currently listening to. Please desist.” What’s the proper answer to that question that doesn’t leave me sounding like an asshole, but also doesn’t invite further critique?
Edit: I guess what I’m saying is, I’m the 4th one.
This pretty common now. Streaming and internet in general have made music so accessible (and private) that music-as-lifestyle subcultures are dying off due to genre intermixing.
I think that’s a great thing to happen, because people can now focus on what they really like instead of sticking to one artist
I just say im eclectic, i listen to a lot of random shit at random times and leave it at that
I’m the 4th guy (love screamo and post hardcore though) but people think “all over” means I don’t pay attention when it’s the opposite.
I get appreciation and love the music of Jack White as much as Mariah Carey. My playlists drive my friends and family wild.
I usually answer the question with questions to describe music I like that’s in the same ballpark as them. My FIL loves CCR and Jimmy Buffett, but about as close as I can get to that is John Mellencamp. We then talk about Johny Cougar and have some good conversations. Sometimes they’ll open up a step after that and we can talk about other stuff.
Your best bet is to just say you aren’t into any of it, you just listen to whatever is playing.
Mind you, that comes with its own series of discussion points that will get annoying, but that’s just human interaction.
“Whatever’s on the radio”
Say you only listen to Wing as the greatest magnificent singer of all time. You are particularly in love with her interpretation of Beat It where she clearly outperforms the miserable attempt of Michael Jackson.
I guess with such an argument the discussion about your musical taste will not take long to switch to another subject.
And also, I really, love Wing because she sing without any other goal than to make other people feel good. No attempt to be a genius or taking herself too seriously.