← archive index · live page · raw markdown

Genre Isn't Real — or Is It?

Metadata

title
Genre Isn't Real — or Is It?
description
What makes a sub-genre? Should an artist stick to what they're known for? Is it a burden to invent a genre? I just got back from a Cro-Mags show, had a great time, and have a lotta takeaways about dance, movement, and how limiting (yet valuable) labeling music can be.
status
complete
date
2025-07-01
kind
solo
guestSlugs
listenUrl
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lovemusicmore/episodes/Genre-Isnt-Real--or-Is-It-e34o7gk
appleUrl
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/genre-isnt-real-or-is-it/id1567355195?i=1000715254376&uo=4
spotifyUrl
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Zmv9XYO5apt6tplFRANPV
topicsDiscussed
  • Genre
  • Music classification
  • Artist identity
  • The evolution of rock
  • Dance and music
  • Marketing and branding
  • Audience interaction
  • Emotional impact of music
hostNote
In this thought-provoking solo episode, I dive deep into the complexities of musical genres and their impact on artists and audiences alike. Drawing from his recent experience at a Cro-Mags show, I explore how genre classifications can both guide and limit creative expression. By the end of the episode, Expect to ponder the role of classification in music, how it shapes our listening experiences, and whether or not it's time to redefine our approach to genre altogether. This episode invites you to open your mind and embrace a more fluid understanding of music's potential.
selectedMoments
  • label
    Introduction to genre discussions
    startSec
    63
    note
    I kick off the episode by sharing his thoughts on genre and musical classifications.
  • label
    Rethinking rock music
    startSec
    139
    note
    Discussing the fuzzy boundaries of rock and how classifications affect musical history.
  • label
    Harley Flanagan's concert moment
    startSec
    182
    note
    A pivotal moment from the Cro-Mags concert illustrates the fluidity of artist identity.
  • label
    Genre as branding
    startSec
    230
    note
    I share my central thesis that genre serves as a branding tool for artists.
  • label
    The state of modern music
    startSec
    317
    note
    Explores the idea that while people claim genre is dead, it is actually evolving.
  • label
    Challenges of genre blending
    startSec
    498
    note
    I discuss the risks artists face in straying from established genres.
  • label
    Dance as a universal element
    startSec
    590
    note
    Emphasizing that all music can evoke movement and engagement.
  • label
    Conclusion on genre limitations
    startSec
    856
    note
    I wrap up with reflections on the importance and limitations of musical classifications.
excerptQuotes
  • text
    There's always been crossover. There's a difference though in the modern era where you have a lot of different playlists, but fundamentally there are some playlists that are way more powerful than others.
    startSec
    361
    reviewed
    true
  • text
    Because like Harley is a really good example of he crushed that... he crushed the Ramones style song, it sounded awesome. I want more of it. It's kind of the music that's in his soul now.
    startSec
    406
    reviewed
    true
  • text
    And all music is dance music every bit of it because... that was dance too. And when I saw Cro-Mags, that was dance.
    startSec
    595
    reviewed
    true
  • text
    If you think of genre as the way it makes you move, then you can think of all of this different stuff. And as an artist, that's your canvas.
    startSec
    633
    reviewed
    true
  • text
    Classification is important. It is its own sort of inspiration, but it cuts both ways.
    startSec
    859
    reviewed
    true
faq
  • question
    How does genre affect musical expression?
    answer
    Genre can both guide and limit how artists create music, shaping their identity and brand.
  • question
    Is genre classification still relevant?
    answer
    While some say genre is dead, it is actually evolving, and remains influential in the industry.
  • question
    What can we learn from live concerts about genre?
    answer
    Live performances often illustrate the fluidity of artists' identities beyond their labeled genres.
transcriptPublished
false
draft
false

Content

No body content; see metadata above.