Boredom, apathy, sluggishness, monotony. That’s what we feel when we’re disenchanted with certain aspects of our lives, but despite all that, we stay right where we are because it is easy and we are just too lazy to move. The same happens with music. How many new artists do you listen to and how often? Do you listen to the same artists everyday? Do you still listen to the same song that you used to listen to in high-school? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you’re probably trapped in a musical rut and you’ve probably asked yourself, “do I have bad musical taste?” Don’t worry, you can still break the routine. Don’t be like those narrow-minded people who just can’t enjoy new musical experiences. Escape from your musical comfort zone. Maybe you’re just one click away from discovering your new favorite song or artist!
There’s a beautiful and diverse musical universe out there. Now with the Internet it is possible to listen to new musical projects from any part of the world and different genres. You just have to be willing to open your ears, explore, and make a little change. There’s nothing wrong with realizing that you’re trapped in the same musical routine. This is the first step to change. The following signs will tell you if you’re trapped in musical monotony.
1. Your monthly playlists hasn’t changed in years
Have you include new music in your playlists in the past month? If you haven’t listened to at least one new artist, chances are that you’re trapped in your playlist. Don’t worry, it’s not that hard to break away from it. You just need to set yourself little goals. For example, you can commit yourself to listening to at least an album or the singles from a different artist each month. Just set a goal that is possible for you and be constant. Don’t give up if you don’t like one of those new artists, there are many more.
2. You’re stuck in time
How long have you been listening to the same songs? There’s nothing wrong with having favorites, but you’re not the same person you were in high school. Learn to let go of that song that reminds you of your first relationship, or that punk band that you listened to when you wanted to act like a rebel.
3. You’re afraid to explore new genres
Well, this point doesn’t have anything to do with being extremist. You don’t need to move to the opposite spectrum of what you’re currently listening to. What I mean with exploring new genres is being open-minded, without putting labels to every song you hear. Music has evolved so much that everything has influences of many genres and styles! Isn’t that awesome? Now there are no restrictions, we don’t have to listen to the same songs with the same musical structure, the same chords, and the same instruments. Any good artist tries to enrich their music with many different elements to stand out from the rest. Just enjoy all of them, and you may even find a genre you didn’t know you liked.
4. You’re just too lazy to make one click
How many times have your friends sent you a link with a musical recommendation or a music video and you just give it a like without even clicking on it? Months go by. Although they thought you may like the song, you still haven’t heard it. Why would anyone do this when now we have so many musical options in the Internet: Facebook, YouTube, Spotify, Apple music, Google Play, Last FM, Tidal, Soundcloud, Bandcamp. So many platforms offer hits and classics of all genres, and also the opportunity to know emerging bands from every part of the world.
5. You don’t go to concerts anymore
If you’re invited to a concert but you don’t know any of the bands that will be there, do you say “no”? If your friends convince you to go with them to a festival, do you show up until the bands you like go on stage? If you answered “yes,” you’re definitely trapped in a musical loop because of laziness. I’m not saying that you should spend all your money on attending every single concert in your city, but there are many events you could try, like independent concerts or festivals that are cheap or free. If you refuse to go just because you don’t know the bands, you’ll never know if you could actually like their music.
6. You’re not following the projects of the members of your favorite band
We’ve all gone through the same depressing situation: your favorite band announces its farewell tour and then each one goes their separate ways. It’s really weird to see the members of your favorite band start a solo career or a different project with other musicians, but just give them a chance. They might surprise you later on! Don’t stay there crying and drowning in nostalgia while you listen to an album of a band that will never come back. Why not think: what would have become of The Smiths without Morrissey? What would have become of the Beatles without Paul McCartney and John Lennon?
As part of the audience you have the power to change the course of music. It can be by liking their page or clicking on a video. Open your mind, share your music, and support those bands that deserve it. Remember, music is the spirit of the times, so you will surely find a band that will understand your feelings at this moment.
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Translated by Andrea Valle Gracia
