Generation Gap?
 

So I was on the road a lot last weekend and had a lot of time to think to myself. One of the little topics I got on was about music so I thought I'd share and see what you all think.

So the thought came from a couple observations I have made in the past couple months. I have gone to a few concerts recently and have noticed that a really high majority of the patrons that attend are of the age range between 15 and 18. Looking at this site's demographics thread, a good majority here are of the same age range. On my station, when a good group of people tune in at the same time, it's many times a group of friends that are again, the same 15 - 18 year old window. This isn't said as a complaint by any means. Truth be told, I think Jibs, Elt, and Alejo rock and they fit into that age range I'm talking about.

So I started thinking, what happens between the ages of 19 and 23 that has people losing that hardcore interest in music? I have a couple theories but I thought I'd see what you all came up with first. I am one of like five people I have noticed over the age of 25 on this site. What's up with that? Xio, Shan, and 2Tone? Have any thoughts? With Rock and Lunch in that middle area... what's it like at your age with your appreciation for music? All your others in the younger bracket? What makes you so interested in music at this point in your life?

Well ive noticed that within the past year and a half since I turned 18, my taste in music has expanded fourfold. From the age of 14-18 i was pretty much just hip hop. But now I listen to Funk, Punk, New Wave, House, Breaks, Jazz, Drum n Bass, Progressive and Rock. I don't have as much knowledge about these genres as Hip Hop, but I enjoy listening to them and finding out more about them. As far as losing that hardcore interest, I don't think i have, I think i'm enjoying hip hop more than ever. I'm digging in the crates more, trying to obtain more rare stuff, i'm going to more concerts and starting to make my own beats. So In conclusion, ive still got that hardcore interest but i recognise that other genres are important.

hmmm, you bring up a good point. although i have a few good friends (all 19-21 years old) who take 14 hour bus rides to go to concerts (heavy stuff too) so its interesting.

i agree.. i also have friends 18 and above that still go to concerts and listen to music a lot... my mom's sisters are 30-40 and they go to country concerts allll the time.

When your 19, you break free of the school world, start working, going to college university, your life is going 200 km/h in the wrong lane. I have not yet reached this stage in my life but I would assume that music takes a second priority.

Anways, for me, music serves lots of purposes in my life and that just why I love it so much. Music can always agree with me. No matter what mood I'm in, theres always something. The other thing about music that really makes me love it, is the diversity. These days, music is so varied, I can't stand how people put barriers in their minds about music. Especially at my age group (14), people assume that because you belong to a certain group or 'cliche', that you have to listen to this type of music, and listening to anything else is totally unacceptable. Thats such a crime to yourself. Music in general is so amazing that I coud never even comprehend doing such an injustice to myself. People put stereotypes into their heads about a genre, and then automatically judge anything in that genre as crap, without even listening to it.

I cant really say much about adults and music, I guess most just assume that whatever they listened to when they were young is the only music out there and, again, dont even give anything else a chance. Thats not true for everyone, however, I have an uncle who was basically my introduction into music, and he doesnt limit himself at all. He listens to everything from Bjork to Bach, no joke. :P Hope I'm like that when I'm older.

^ very well put :) but, i have a friend (21 now) whos a psychology major in university, plus he produces for bands on the side, as well as touring for his own band, as well as going on the road to see other bands that he's really into. on top of that he works at starbucks, which is how i met him, i go there alot and every time i was there we'd talk and he'd give me free coffee :)

Free SB's?!!!!!! Dude! Hook me up, girl!

sometimes gaps are closed by unique artists that diversify their styles into more than one genre or by creating a "new" genre or style

OUTKAST... is everlastin' :D