Martes 14 Mar 2006, 12:38

So, my first journal entry on Last.fm, let's see how it goes. (Just a word of warning: I've been told that my 'simple' entries tend to become essays - not boring - just too long)

Last night, in a spat of boredom, I decided to open up the top 20 recommended readings on Last.fm, and spent the required time reading them. Unfortunately, the posts left me with a weird dissatisfied feeling - no, not because about 10 of those posts were "lists," but because a lot of them were plagued with anger and disrespect, of the "OMG I'M SO EMO" kind.

I had a fun debate with a teacher not long ago, about whether media defines us or vice versa. It also involved the idea of "you are what you eat" or "you eat what you like" (eating, in this context, meaning "consuming media") I felt that as an open-minded critical-thinker, I do not let media relentlessly control my thinking, actions and life altogether. I used the example of music in my arguments: I listen to music that I like - to artists that I enjoy - not the "IN" artists. Sure, some of the artists I may listen to happen to be (or become) the "IN" artists, but I don't listen to them just because they have become a trend. (I might sample some of these "IN" artists if I've never heard of them, but if I don't like them, I won't listen just for the sake of being part of the trend). Same goes for TV, books and such.

My teacher felt a little differently (she teaches me world religion, which is irrelevant) I guess with her experience with dealing with kids, and seeing things as a greater picture, she argued that teens are highly influential and that the media controls their whims with an iron fist. Well, I didn't completely disagree - sure, most teens are like that, and many adults as well - if that wasn't so, then the media would be powerless - and we know its not. I guess it's not really a problem to those who know better, but it’s still saddening to see.

So, now off to the whole "following a trend" idea. Trends come in and out of popularity - such is their nature. There's the trend-starters, who are the real 'first ones' who listen to a particular style, and its usually underground. But then, the trend surfaces, and is picked up by some highly influential people, who become the 'trendsetters.' Then the trend becomes popular, and with time, the trend-starters and trendsetters become sick of all the posers and 'hardcore-trendies' that have appeared. The trend starts to lose its allure, and soon enough, is replaced by some new trend.

I might have left many things out (I'm no trend-expert), but this cycle (or something like it) is very popular in the media. The trend may span different lengths, but it eventually dies out (i.e.: stops being trendy). I did forget to mention that after a trend expires, the trend-starters and 'real' fans still stick to it, and with their survival, the trend may resurface after a couple years. Why? Because such is the nature of the trend.

Now, just as a side not, I don't believe listening to what you're friends listen to as being a "trend-whore" - even if your friends are.

Off to a different subject…

It's funny to here about all these "emo" kids and people who hate them, same with "indies," and others. Dang, I wish I still had the links to those posts. Sigh.

Supposedly, since I listen to Matchbook Romance, The Used, Saves the Day, My Chemical Romance, Taking Back Sunday, Fall Out Boy and others, I'm "emo" or an "emo-kid."

In true sense of the word, I am emotional. Yes… *shock* I'll admit it… I am a human being. Then add to that I'm a teen, so I have to live with the swings that biology puts me in.

In the true root of the word, I'm not emocore (i.e.: emotive hardcore) since not a lot of these bands are either. However, like someone mentioned, words and labels change their meanings, so, although emo used to refer to bands like Rites of Spring now it means something else. It has become a trend, and has been raped of its original meaning - live with it!

And then there's Dashboard Confessional, Yellowcard and Something Corporate that fall under the "emo" umbrella - and, personally, I feel that they sound more emotional. Then again, all music has emotion (I'll probably be corrected, so I'll say, most music)

It's all relative. It's all a matter of taste. I like what I like for my reasons, you like what you like for your reasons. Does Last.fm really need a huge disclaimer before logging on that explains this easy fact to all you 'haters' out there? An open mind is a virtue.

And just to finish off, I'll touch back on the emo stereotype - you know: the depressed wrist-slitter. I had the fortune of closely knowing three of them. (I use know, since one of them, well, she's off to bigger and better things… sigh…)

Right, so… one of them did listen to some 'emo,' but it was just a fraction of his wide variety of musical taste. The music didn't make him do it. The other two, sure, they listened to a lot more of it, and one of them closely fit the full stereotype (clothing and all), but the music didn't make them do it.

Just from my experience, I wonder how many of these full out 'emo' kids are 'borderline' or something of the sort. Now, I know that that statement puts me on shaky territory, but cutting isn't a result of your music taste, it goes down to much deeper things. (So, once again, no offence to anyone, it’s just an observation I've made)

So, although I'm not a self-professed emo-kid, and I don't fit the stereotype (I don’t wear the emo get up, don't cut myself, etc.) I'm sure there's still a bunch of people who'd label me as 'emo.' Well, that's not my problem. I think these bands are really great, along with a load of others. It’s my taste, you have yours, so don't bother lecturing me about why Panic! at the Disco sucks, because I like them. You might not, you can voice your opinion, but you don't have to bash others.

I guess that's my plea - and I doubt anyone will listen. Music is meant to be played, listened to… enjoyed… Opinions are meant to be shared… but hate… well, hate is meant to be hated…

(On next week’s episode, the Indie trend…)