The Evolution of Pop Culture and Perceptions of Artists
Have you ever found yourself reminiscing about how rock stars and rappers seemed so awesome and edgy during your teenage years, but now, in your 30s, you just see them as typical youngsters trying to appeal to an audience? This is a common observation among older individuals who have gained a broader perspective over the years. As you grow older, the marketing and cultural icons that held sway over you during your younger days may no longer resonate as powerfully.
Understanding the Target Audience in Popular Music
Popular music is largely designed to appeal to teenagers. The performers are usually a little bit older than their fans, old enough to be cool and fascinating but not so old that they've lost their edge. They serve as a surrogate for a person that the teenager wishes they could know. These artists have teenage attitudes but with wider experience. It's a narrative that evolves as you get older: you become less mature but more experienced. This realization is particularly evident when comparing artists from different eras.
The Role of Marketing in the Entertainment Industry
In his famous speech, David Foster Wallace made a poignant observation about how popular culture targets teenagers during their late teens and early twenties. Tastemakers spend billions of dollars treating you as if you're awesome, and a surefire way to do this is by coming up with things that anger your parents and confuse your older sibling. As you age, pop culture stops caring about you, and you become the "old fish" in the metaphorical pond. This shift in perspective is what makes you realize that these artists, who once seemed wildly unique and edgy, are now just trying to connect with a younger audience.
Examples from Popular Culture
Silverchair: Fellow Australians of a certain age might remember the contempt Silverchair faced for being "too young" by those older than them. This highlights the age-based polarization in popular culture. David Foster Wallace's Joke: Wallace's joke about the two young fish underscores how youth-oriented pop culture is designed to fit the mindset of a specific demographic. This targeted approach is a significant factor in how artists and their music evolve over time. Ja Rule's Musical Journey: In the early 2000s, Ja Rule marketed himself as a super macho, edgy rapper. However, his most popular songs often featured sappy pop/RB collaborations, which can be seen as a strategy to cross into the mainstream audience. This reflects how artists often have to adapt their personas to remain appealing to a broader demographic. Billie Eilish: Billie Eilish's music, which was marketed specifically for a younger audience, has sometimes been criticized for its edginess. However, this perception is subjective, and her fans, regardless of age, continue to appreciate her artistry.Perceptions Changing with Age
As you grow older, the music you once thought was so edgy and rebellious becomes a window into the past. You can now see through the marketing gimmicks and the facade of edginess. What once seemed awe-inspiring now appears more like one big attempt to appeal to the current target demographic.
It is important to note that while the music may lose some of its initial edge, it remains entertaining and relevant. For example, even now, you might still appreciate “edgy” songs, even if they are not as rebellious as originally hyped. A prime example is artists like Billie Eilish, whose music, despite being marketed towards a younger audience, continues to find a place in the hearts of fans of all ages.
In conclusion, the perception of artists and their edgy personas evolves over time. The younger they seem to be, the more they are seen as just another act seeking to connect with a younger audience. However, as you gain more experience and a broader perspective, you can appreciate the evolution of these artists and the music they create, despite any perceived changes in their edginess.