Why Genre Matters Less In Music Today

When I ask a new younger student (think, Gen Z) what kind of music they listen to, I usually get a funny or curious look, as they ponder how to describe the vast array of styles they run into when they activate their streaming apps. To explain the many musical rabbit holes they dive down. How they employ the “If it sounds good, it is good” phrase coined long ago by Duke Ellington.

When I was a younger musician (think, Gen X), I was constantly criticized by other musicians or the self-appointed advice givers for being so “erratic” in my musical choices. Both in the original tunes I wrote and the covers I would choose to play. But a funny think happened on the way to the third decade of the 21st Century. People stopped caring as much about the genre.

What is a musical genre? Many things. But to visit a couple; It’s a way to compartmentalize styles of music for easier marketing. Now we use “sounds like” in the searches. It’s also been a means to define cliques and give folks a sense of who they think they are (Cowboy, Rebel, Savior, Sinner). And I’m not trying to take anything away from these uses.

When I’m marketing myself, I admit it’s tricky to define my style. Since “singer-songwriter” has a broader definition nowadays, I often pick this. But I also use “progressive folk.” Using the “sounds like” approach is tricky, too. But I…