Why aren't most Zoomers into progressive rock?

Edited by David_D - January 23 2024 at 05:34

Jaketejas wrote: If all one is listening to is the 3 minute pop music format of today, which often has a highly produced (maybe overly produced?) sound, auto-tune, and the focus is mainly rhythm, then it could be a challenge for the ears to listen to something more organic like Prog. Not an Eagles fan either. Hotel California is another song that makes me run the other direction. Probably because they ripped off Jethro Tull. But, that’s for another thread.

Yes ...actually because of the restrictions in the music business there is the existence of a handpicked list of songs recorded by a list of usual suspects. The famous concept ..."Give the people what they want" is a trick. A means of convincing all artists they must do that and perpetuating an idea for profit instead of just allowing music to be an art form. Or promoting the idea of musicians being inspired by the music...which instead music generally becomes contrived in the business. It becomes forced.

You practice 8 or 10 hours a day all through your youth so when you hit age 18 you can become a person/musician that wants to make sh*t up and force music to be something that it isnt.

You become very skilled and you're just going to throw it all away by playing music that you dislike. Does that even make any sense? You practice and become very skilled so that you can turn professional and play the same chords ...the same songs over and over again. A total redundancy. That's ridiculous. It's compromising right? And everybody is happy except you. They need a skilled player to perform boring music that is overrated.

It wasn't quite like that in the late 60s and early 70s. People didn't pack the Spectrum in Philadelphia to see TEN YEARS AFTER just because the newspaper and the radio directed them to. People liked Ten Years After, Johnny Winter, Rory Gallagher, and Free because of their musicianship in Rock. There was no particular thing which people wanted. They liked Rush and Blue Oyster Cult because their albums were decent and they were great to see live. A lot of these bands proved themselves to the youth. It was more sincere and less shallow than how Rock Music was perceived in the 1980s.

Today the music business promotes the idea of handpicked song lists and usual suspects and that sweeps all the other bands under the rug...and the original response those bands received is erased by stuffing chosen band names down the populations throat. It's just such a lie . Everyone having this certain image of the golden age of Rock which is completely shallow and opposite of how it was defined in the mad times.

^ It’s a sad state of musical affairs. This is a good place to discover music. But, I feel bad for the needle in a haystack artists. It is hard to turn a dime even if you are at the top of your game in Prog. There are some who make a living out of it. But, for most, it is don’t quit your day job. And I want to hear good Prog song writing rather than audio experiments.

The chatbot is making me feel guilty, but it’s difficult not to poke a little fun at Zoomers. Gen X at least sounds halfway decent. Boomers does too. The Greatest Generation sounds like the cat’s meow by comparison. But when your generation is named after an annoying computer program … that’s a little sad.

i often see the youth of today permanently attached to ear bud. I like to think to myself they are listening to some 30 minute prog epic - but it's more likely to be Ed Sheeran.

I'd venture to say most Gen Z folks have never really heard good music. As Steven Wilson said:

David_D wrote: Actually, I find this question more interesting: What does it require of young people today to be fond of Progressive Rock?

Perhaps it's the writer in me, but I love prog because the music is actually meaningful and a lot of the lyrics tell stories. I love the music because it's inspirational, I've wrote so many short stories and poems based off prog songs it's wild.

Hugh Manatee wrote: OK, so I punched this question into a chatbot and got this response which I think just about covers the question: "The reasons why certain genres of music, such as progressive rock, may not be as popular among Zoomers or the younger generation can be attributed to several factors: 1. Cultural Shift: Musical preferences often reflect the cultural trends and experiences of a particular time period. Progressive rock emerged primarily in the late 1960s and 1970s, and its complex song structures, lengthy compositions, and instrumental virtuosity were in line with the artistic trends of that era. As cultural tastes and trends have evolved, different genres have gained prominence, which may not align with the characteristics of progressive rock. 2. Accessibility and Exposure: The availability and accessibility of music have expanded with the advent of digital platforms and streaming services. This has led to a wide range of musical choices and increased exposure to various genres. Popularity often builds around music that is easily accessible, heavily promoted, or frequently heard on the radio, which may lead to a larger following for those genres. 3. Evolving Musical Styles: Musical aesthetics and styles have continued to evolve and diversify. Many younger artists may draw inspiration from a wide range of genres but reinterpret them in a contemporary context that resonates more with the current generation's tastes. The focus on concise songs, catchier hooks, and a more instant gratification experience in the digital age might not align with the longer and more intricate compositions commonly found in progressive rock. 4. Peer Influence and Social Dynamics: Musical preferences can be influenced by social interactions and peer groups. Younger individuals tend to develop their musical tastes based on what they are exposed to within their immediate social circles. If progressive rock is not widely appreciated or popular among their peers, it may not gain as much traction or resonance with the younger audience. It is important to remember that musical preference is highly individual and subjective. While progressive rock may not be as popular among Zoomers or the younger generation as it once was, there are still individuals within that age group who appreciate and enjoy the genre. Taste in music varies greatly among individuals, and it is important to respect and embrace diversity in musical preferences."

Edited by cstack3 - January 23 2024 at 21:04

Cinema wrote: I'd venture to say most Gen Z folks have never really heard good music. As Steven Wilson said: Hear the sound of music drifting in the aisles Elevator prozac stretching on for miles The music of the future will not entertain It's only meant to repress and neutralise your brain