Gone feral for fame: What’s changing in the music industry?
You will have seen it. The unnecessary days-long campouts for single concerts, coded fit checks specially created to match an artist’s aesthetic, or perhaps the relentless chanting. Either way, Gen Z has transformed pop culture in the music industry into a whole new level of lifestyle, embodying an artist’s persona into their very own lives. Fans have done it in such a way that it almost feels like joining an unnerving cult. If you ask me, it’s a huge red flag on our part.
From harmless fan nature rivalry on TikTok. Some current are Charlie XCX “Brat” coded fans (which I hope is here to stay) promoting idgaf and standing on societal norms for women. Lana del Rey cult babies and even pinball baddies who rock the streets of London in bald caps to his shows.
(Image reference via Unsplash, n.d.)
But naturally, passion can lead to harmless obsession, but with that comes rivalry, which seems to be spiralling out of control. Many differences this generation displays are in numbers—livestream counts, comment sections exploding, Spotify annual wrapped. These elements contribute not only to the success of the artists but war amongst society. This is no longer innocent side quests to win over those who aren’t Swifties anymore; it has become threatening. Don’t believe me? Think about the most heartbreaking and appalling tragedy of Astroworld.
The now infamous and most devastating event in 2021 was recently brought to light in its rawest form in a recent Netflix documentary, revealing how hundreds of beings, human beings which were harmed and ten unfortunately lost their lives to. All due to the persistent nature of fuelling and provoking fans into these cult-like behaviours for artists such as Travis Scott.
If this wasn’t a wakeup call to the music community then I fear, we as a society have lost the morals and empathy which is what made us special to begin with as a species.
But how can we recover from this without change? Will Gen-Z continue to fill a room of vocal art with rage-filled chaos? Is it still to be glorified or will they decide for themselves whether music’s purpose was to evoke aggression? Gen-Z has the ropes and ties to now change this into harmony again, bringing back music culture to a loved filled community and demand to move forward and actually care. Evolve into safer environments. After all there would be no show if there wasn’t an audience to stand by it.
Gen-Z may have rescripted some fandom laws. When the highs are at its peak it is a sensational phenomenon but when they are at its lows, they can cause absolute turmoil. And for the future of Music, you may ask yourselves? Well, that my friend lies in your hands- choose the heartfelt and grounded nature over more heartbreak.
Emily Ayse Jemal.
