Music is a universal language that connects people all over the world and evokes a variety of emotions and memories. Musical taste can provide interesting insights into a person’s character, even if these observations are not really scientifically based and can of course vary greatly.
For example, enjoying classical music can indicate someone who values structure, attention to detail and possibly a deeper emotional intelligence. People who prefer rock music, on the other hand, are often associated with rebellion, independence and passion. Pop music is often associated with open-minded, sociable beings who like to be the center of attention and follow trends.
Hip-hop lovers are often perceived to have a strong connection to creative expression and social criticism, while jazz stands for a creative, spontaneous and open personality. In addition to a social identity, individual musical taste sometimes provides deep insights into a person’s emotional state and coping mechanisms.
Use music according to mood and situation
For festive occasions, there are energetic pop and dance songs that create a happy atmosphere. Soft love songs from the R&B genre are ideal for an intimate time with your partner. Relaxing chill-out music is great for winding down after a stressful day. When exercising in general, energetic rock or hip hop songs increase your motivation enormously and help to maximize performance.
In sad moments or thoughtful times, melancholic music can provide comfort. Instrumental or classical pieces, on the other hand, minimize external distractions and thus promote concentration and productivity. Music is very individual, and it is important to consider your own mood and preferences when choosing the right sound in the background.
Music tastes (don’t) change
Certain songs or entire genres are often associated with special moments in life. Your own memories of them can make you nostalgic or perhaps identify more strongly with the music of other generations. Friends and relationships also shape your taste in music. Changes in your social environment often lead to the discovery of new styles.
While you often pay attention to catchy beats and simple lyrics when you’re younger, more profound styles of music can only become interesting as you get older. Stress from everyday work and family life makes you look for relaxing music to balance things out. Music always remains a dynamic medium, the meaning and effect of which develops over time. It is therefore perfectly normal for your personal taste in music to change over the course of your life.
The popularity of the individual music genres
Pop is likely to make up a large part of the global music market at 30 – 35 percent due to its broad accessibility. The share of rock with all subgenres (such as classic rock, punk or metal) is estimated at around 20 – 25 percent. Extremely popular with younger listeners, the market share of hip-hop and rap has easily risen to 15 – 20 percent.
Electronic music has a share of around 10 – 15 percent. All other genres such as R&B and soul, reggae, classical music and others are below this, if you look at studies on market research for streaming services. When people say in conversation that “they actually only listen to charts”, that doesn’t immediately mean that they have no character or are boring. A conversation about music can be a good opportunity to delve deeper into personal experiences and backgrounds, which often leads to interesting dialogues.
