Ageless Appreciation: Delving Deeper into New Music as We Age
The common perception is that people stop listening to new music around their thirtieth birthday, but is this really true? Our age does not dictate our music preferences. Let's explore the varied experiences and opinions of individuals across different age groups who still enjoy discovering and appreciating new music.
My Journey with New and Different Music
I just turned 62, and it's been a profound journey of delving deeper into new and different music. Before reaching 30, I was somewhat content with the mainstream hits. However, once I hit that milestone, I began to explore genres, artists, and styles that were previously unfamiliar to me. It's interesting to note that over the years, there has been a significant rise in genres, artists, and styles that have captured my attention. It's a testament to how music continues to evolve.
Music Beyond 30
Music is a universal language that transcends age limits. Some, like 85-year-old Hannah, continue to listen to a wide range of music composed prior to 1900. Bob mentions that his father, around 40, still listens to modern music actively, dispelling the myth that people stop discovering new music at 30. On the other hand, Steve, aged 18, expresses that he rarely finds new music, suggesting that it's more about individual tastes and playlists.
New Music That Grabs Our Attention
Several participants shared examples of new music that caught their attention. Girish drew a parallel between popular music and new music, stating that new music has largely influenced the Japanese metal rock scene. Bands like LoveBites, Band-Maid, Maximum the Hormone, Trident, Hagane, Hanabie, Nemophila, and Glim Spanky, as well as newer hard rock and AOR (Adult-Oriented Rock) from Europe like Ginerva, Arc of Life, and Sunstorm, have managed to pique his interest. These bands are often seen as throwbacks to older styles, but they still offer authentic and emotionally resonant music.
Continuing to Expand Taste
Jack, at 34, disagrees with the notion that one stops discovering new music after 30. Instead, he believes that as people get older, their musical tastes expand. This is not just a personal experience but also a broader trend. Just because someone hits 30 and their favorite artist releases a new song, it doesn't mean they won't enjoy it. Music has the power to be timeless, and even within a single decade, new music can be thrilling and engaging.
For instance, if someone is a Beyoncé fan before the age of 30, they might enjoy her new songs even after turning 30. This is a reminder that music appreciation is about personal connections, not just chronological age.
Moreover, if a friend introduces you to new artists like Joe Bonamassa or Beth Hart, regardless of when they were active, it can open up a whole new world of music that you might have otherwise missed. This act is an exemplification of the continuous process of music discovery, reflecting the dynamic nature of music preferences and the joy it brings to our lives.
Ultimately, the question of whether one stops discovering new music after 30 is a subjective one. Taste and preference are deeply personal, and they can evolve over time. It's about embracing the sounds, the stories, and the emotions that music brings, regardless of the age at which you first heard them.