Is it bad I listen to...?

Reading some of the responses to the BRITs on Twitter last week, I couldn’t help but notice the comments directed at the nominees did not entirely reflect the smiling faces and awe filled responses we saw on-screen.  The artists deemed worthy of awards have certainly dominated radio stations and record sales over the past 12 months, but I’m not sure they represent the best that British music has to offer. This kind of programme gives you a feeling of being preached at as to what you should be listening to. Call me mad, but I’m not sure I want music advice from James Corden, suit-clad or otherwise.  

The nominations seemed as though someone had flicked through a copy of NME, and chosen bands at random. The majority of them seemed to fit into the same perfect ‘indie mould’, odd for an awards ceremony that claims to acknowledge artist’s iTunes might class as ‘alternative’. They all seem to produce fairly ‘wishy-washy’ music, that lacks something - not one song that makes you say “yes, I get that song, it really means something to me”. Is this really the kind of music we’re encouraged to enjoy? Songs sung by people in ironic glasses, top buttons practically strangling them and unnecessarily skinny trousers. One particularly cringe-worthy moment, was Dave Grohl saying “long live rock’n’roll” whilst presenting an award to The Black Keys. 

Just like anything else, however liberal or independent minded you consider yourself; liking music that no one else seems to like can make you feel awkward. Or odd, even as though you’re missing something that everyone else sees. One occasion recently where this feeling manifested itself, was at a gig I took two friends to in Shoreditch. I hope they don’t mind me writing about them...though there’s not much they can do about it if they do! Even several pints down, I felt a vague feeling of apprehension as to what they would think. In some ways, what they might think of me for liking such music. The first artist plays somewhat discordant, definitely unique, acoustic music. The second band were somewhere between rock and ‘hardcore’ – not exactly death metal, but my friend’s face mirrored that of a nun taken to a Slayer show.

I found myself nodding in agreement when they mocked the first artist. I’ve seen him before, playing at a gig I consider one of the best music nights I’ve ever had. I genuinely like his music. Then why, did I feel the need to hide this? Am I actually that afraid of what my own friends might think that I’ve lost the ability to express my own opinion?  

I have an issue with label giants promoting a limited amount of artists until they rule the world. I’ll defend independent labels and artists to the hilt. But even I have music on my phone I would be ashamed for others to know I listen to - both people that like rock music, and people that worship the Top 40.  But why should I? Why is it important to have a music taste that ensures you fit in with everyone else? Even within the world of rock music, which is generally thought of as promoting individualism and freedom of thought, there is a great deal of judging going on. I think it’s high time we listened to whatever it is that makes us happy. I’m in my element in a mosh pit, but every so often I’m quite content to listen to some Michael Buble with a nice cup of tea. There, I said it.