Musical apathy- Those giving up music as they reach 30s

[Cambs12]

Interesting article in today's Guardian, about folk giving up their interest in music, and exploring new music, as they reach their 30s.

This thread struck a chord, especially as we debated, recently, whether the music was the main reason for interest in kit, and whether music was our priority, and the kit secondary.

Also, do we have an advantage as enthusiasts of hi-fi kit, in pushing this musical apathy away? And does membership of a forum, and in particular the WAYLTN threads, among others, drive interest, and encourage experimentation with new music and genres?

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2...hy-are-people-in-their-30s-giving-up-on-music

 

[StingRay]

I think it depends what music is available rather than age, I lost interest in music in the 80s, I was only early 20s, not interested most 80s music, also I was renting a room, so difficult to have my hifi set up.
In the 90s did start getting more interested and got into Jazz. Streaming has also helped but finding very little new music of interest in the last year Or so. So my interest is waning again.

 

[Maverick]

mine has never drifted, I am buying more music nowadays due to (1) not travelling Mon-Fri (whoop) and (2) more disposable income
obviously (1) means more listening time available in an empty house

just checked my LP collection and 28% is post 2000

 

[Cambs12]

I still look forward to new release day Friday's on Tidal, among others. With the sheer volume of new music coming out each week, it's impossible to play everything, but I do try and give several a chance each week.

And WAYLTN has also prompted me towards listening to a lot of new stuff, particularly those with interesting album covers. Without a streaming subscription, and also membership of a hi-fi/music forum, this would not be possible.

 

[rabski]

It's called 'life'. For most/many of us, our 30s involved work, bringing up children and keeping a house and home relatively intact. For me, music, hifi and in fact a whole load of hobbies simply got shifted to the 'when there is time' category.

In my 60s, I'm now probably listening to more music than at any time other than my late teens. Basically, because I can. I'm discovering some new stuff and re-discovering a lot of old treasures. I'm only not going to a load of live events because there aren't that many within a sensible distance. At least, not compared with living in North London in the 1970s.

 

[StingRay]

Another change live music going from indoors to outdoor, I always preferred indoors. Outdoors often miles away and it does sound the same. Wish I had seen Led Zepp at Earls Court but could not get tickets. Also many of the big names were past their prime in the late 70s. Records were poorer quality, not just musically.

Yes I look out for new music every week but not finding it this year, 2020 was quite a good year, but not much since.

 

[Maverick]

many of us would suggest that current vinyl pressings are much worse than the 70s in our collection

 

[rabski]

many of us would suggest that current vinyl pressings are much worse than the 70s in our collection

Some are, some aren't.

On the other hand, some of my LPs dating from the 70s also accompanied me to parties in the 70s. This may, in some cases, have somewhat compromised their condition

 

[Cambs12]

Some are, some aren't.

On the other hand, some of my LPs dating from the 70s also accompanied me to parties in the 70s. This may, in some cases, have somewhat compromised their condition

At least you remembered to bring them home!

 

[audio_PHIL_e]

On the other hand, some of my LPs dating from the 70s also accompanied me to parties in the 70s. This may, in some cases, have somewhat compromised their condition

The bloke down the road often had parties (aka sessions), I saw how his records got treated and the state of his stereo. I never took my LPs round.

 

[savvypaul]

If the kids were releasing songs about getting sweaty under your tits in the hot weather, I'd be snapping up their new LPs. But, unfortunately, they just don't talk to me...

 

[audio_PHIL_e]

But, unfortunately, they just don't talk to me...

They "rap" instead

 

[Strider]

I listen to music pretty much every day and at least 5 days a week on my main rig.
I never stop looking out for new music because I'm not one for sticking to music from my yoof, after I reached 12/13 my music tases did a complete right turn from Ska and pop and went straight to early goth, Pink Floyd, Jean Michelle Jar, heavier rock etc.
Out of 10 close friends only 2 sit down and listen to music on their hi-fi, most just have a Sonos or such burbling way in the background.
Being 57 most of my mates are near to my age but they are stuck musically in their teenage years, OK they've all raised their eyebrows at my musical ( who/what/eh/WTF?) taste but I do feel a little sad that once upon a time these were gig mates, musicians and techies that were music and equipment junkies.

Still, perhaps for them sitting down and listing to music (enjoying/critically?) isn't their thing anymore because they fall into the trap of 'all music sounds the same now, it was great in my day...."

 

[Strider]

They "rap" instead

I've just sicked in my mouth.

 

[Beyond you]

I consider myself very lucky that I followed my Father’s interest in music and HiFi. I remember listening upstairs to music being played downstairs with his mates on a Tuesday night in the 70’s and 80’s. Fast forward now I’m part of that group taking it in turn to host a Tuesday night from 7 until 9.30pm.
For me Music always comes first then HiFi, to be honest I’d be happy with a pair of headphones my phone and Tidal, and yes I enjoy all the new releases on a Friday.
I can’t wait too see my Dad tonight Rod and Rich too

 

[rdale]

It wasn’t mentioned in the article but I wonder if the quality of music reproduction was a factor in people losing interest in music.

If I’m listening to a crap Bluetooth speaker or earbuds I can tell the difference compared to a higher quality source, and if that was a problem I would just upgrade the kit to something better. But maybe most people don’t know the difference and just get bored of listening to music because whatever they are using sounds like rubbish and they don’t know any better.

 

[George 47]

Not so gloomy here. I really enjoyed music when at Uni as I had a friend who booked good bands and I got to see them live and some from the stage including Yes, Metallica, Floyd (Crystal Palace), Groundhogs etc. As I started work then all I could do most times was to have my music with me. I managed to continue to go to live concerts but with a wider range of music.

And more recently I have enjoyed a wider range of music and had a second burst with big concerts (before Covid). Maybe the last time I saw some of the guys; David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Yes, Supertramp and also bands like Bastille, Claire Teal and some live classical concerts including recordings from Mike Valentine.

Tidal, Qobuz and now Roon have opened whole new vistas. Yea there is more compression, digital processing etc. but access to music has never been better and the Wam has opened doors to better audio and a whole bunch of great people (and some best avoided!!). If you want to hear a Peruvian Nose Flute symphony (sympathy?) then it is all available and there is a hires audiophile version. It is better than sleeping tablets and always works for me, well twice.

Those giving music up in the 30s.....you do not know what you are missing and will regret it later. Turn off the lights....

 

[audio_PHIL_e]

It wasn’t mentioned in the article but I wonder if the quality of music reproduction was a factor in people losing interest in music.

If I’m listening to a crap Bluetooth speaker or earbuds I can tell the difference compared to a higher quality source, and if that was a problem I would just upgrade the kit to something better. But maybe most people don’t know the difference and just get bored of listening to music because whatever they are using sounds like rubbish and they don’t know any better.

A bloke I used to work with didn't know he was listening to crap (and was surprised when I said so). Later on he came in with a story about how he and his GF has rescued her dad's TT & stereo from her loft and what an amazing sound it was.

 

[Brown Bottle]

There was a report not so long ago that said most peoples tastes were fixed by the time the reached the end of their teenage years and that would by and large form the basis for their future listening.

I tend to think of Hi-Fi users being in 2 catergories, those stuck in the 60s and 70s and those who are always searching for something new. If it was a Venn Diagram there would be a bit of overlapping.

The music sections on Wigwam and Pinkfish tend to be quieter than the 2 Channel Sections, which I've always found odd as everyone always says 'Its all about the music'.

I've always found time to listen to music apart from the early 90s when I moved around a lot and my life was all about work and football.

I go to more gigs now than at any time in my life and I'm listening more too. On the downside I've virtually stopped buying vinyl, I just don't see the value in it anymore. I haven't even played a record since I got Qobuz.

Cheers BB

 

[pmcuk]

Well, I was a working professional musician until I was 38, when I re-trained as a psychologist. In my case I thionk I just burned out. I had my own band but organising it was a nightmare so I decided I didn't want to be an old jazz musician and this was a good time to change course. I didn't leave music because I then specialised in musicians. So I've worked with musicians all my life.

I don't think my interest in music ever declined. But as Berlioz said - music, what a wonderful art, what a terrible profession. I wouldn't say the profession is "terrible" as such - it's a whole lot of fun when you're young and keen. But some things wear you down, like the insecurity and poor pay for gigs. And the travel...... unless it's all paid for with nice hotels.

One thing you do need with live music is creativity and renewal. Writing your own stuff. Classical musicians get bored with repertoire and refer to works as "Rach Pag" etc. Jazzers get to hate the obvious standards. If anyone asked me to play Stella by Starlight again I'd probably shoot them.