With our generation, there is a constant need for musical supremacy. You are not “in” unless you listen to various obscure bands with five followers on twitter. Why this mentality has taken over is something that I do not understand. While there is no problem with liking these underground bands, it is 100 percent okay to listen to Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, One Direction, and any other artist that fits your wants and needs.
Back in 2011, I had been one of the lucky few to notice a small British boy band and though I wanted them to stay as unknown as possible, they were launched into super-stardom. One Direction is now the most popular boy band on earth and with that came a lot of stereotypes associated with them.
One of the most common misconceptions that plagues not only 1D but Beiber’s fan-base as well, is that all their fans are 13-year-olds. While they definitely have a demographic of younger fans, they have plenty of college-aged fans. The original fans do not stay 15 forever, they grow up. While some grow out of the phase, some don’t… and that’s okay.
Personally, I have come to find a place in my heart for both types of music. I love indie music, but still have no shame in claiming that both Bieber and One Direction have come out with some pretty great albums this month. I cannot wait for The 1975’s new album, but also am anxiously waiting to see if One Direction will come back after this hiatus. Music is music and I try to never be ashamed of my various tastes.
As artists and bands age, their music tends to do the same. With Justin Bieber coming back from a hiatus of his own, his new album is more mature and easier for older fans to relate to. The kid has made mistakes, learned from them, and has come back to redeem himself… and he has done a pretty damn good job with that redemption.
One Direction is also maturing and that is apparent with their most recent album. Looking at the transition from "Up All Night" to "Made in the A.M.," they have made it from bubblegum pop to a more folk-rock base. After a rough year, the band is taking a break from music starting in March. Fans are left to hope that they will come back with as great of an album as their first five and continue on with their maturing.
Whether it is Halsey or Taylor Swift, both artists work hard to produce albums for their respective fans. Whether a person is a fan of Halsey’s sultry tunes or Swift’s catchy hits is something that should not place a hierarchy on their value as a consumer. Music is music. Whatever makes a person happy is their prerogative, and not yours, mine, or anyone else’s job to judge. So what if I have One Direction and Avenged Sevenfold on the same playlist? It makes me happy.
