“They Are Too Mainstream”: The Reality of Being Shamed for Your Music Taste

collage by HSR

My most recent epiphany has been that people have an affinity for hating on other people in every regard possible. Every single word of hate makes me question the good of mankind, but the one that makes me want to pull my hair out the most is when people hate and shame others for their music taste. The phrase that I hear most often is “Why do you listen to them? They are too mainstream”; this makes me go absolutely crazy. As music is a sector of life that is supposed to be enjoyed without judgement and to one’s personal preference, there is absolutely no reason for people to shame others for their music taste. The thing to remember is that if this person is really telling you that your music taste is “wrong” (which is impossible), then there must be a deeper-rooted issue within them. 

Another thing to remember is that artists that are “too mainstream” deserve no hate; they worked hard to get where they are today. Although their rise to fame may have seemed abrupt, I can promise you that most artists have been working for years to gain recognition. For example, Lizzo, who is one of the biggest artists in the world, had been trying to book gigs since 2011 when she was in an RnB group in Texas. She released one of her most famous songs “Good As Hell” back in 2016 and the song did not gain popularity until three years later in 2019 after she performed at Coachella. Now she is a chart-topping artist who has won three Grammys, has a platinum-selling album and is beloved throughout the world. An additional example is Doja Cat, the 15th most listened to artist on Spotify. She released “MOOO!” in 2018 and gained some fame, but then shortly fell out of the public eye. Since returning to fame with the help of TikTok and ‘Say So’, she has been working day and night. Doja has been featured on countless songs, performed at numerous award shows, and released new music on her own. Both Lizzo and Doja are mainstream artists that had been tirelessly working to reach the top, and now that they are there, their effort did not stop. 

It is also very important to remember that artists gain popularity because the music resonates with people. The most prominent example of this is the queen of the world, Billie Eilish. When she began her rise to fame with “Ocean Eyes”, everyone began gatekeeping her music because Billie was rare, unique, and exclusive. As she began to grow in popularity I heard countless amounts of people saying “I liked her music better when she was less famous” and “I wish she was still a small artist”. It is very important to remember that musicians are people and their art is made by their experiences. Sixteen-year-old Billie Ellish who was in high school, suffered from depression, and spent her days hanging out with friends is obviously going to write different music than nineteen-year-old Billie Eilish who won nineteen Grammys, toured the world, and is endorsed by Gucci – expecting differently is frankly silly. Artists like Billie gained their fame because people felt heard by their rhythms and lyrics. If an artist resonates with you, spread the word because they will most likely resonate with others as well. Most very mainstream artists are incredibly talented, so instead of bashing them for their fame and success, realize how much hard work went into such immense fame. 

Now that I have aired out all of my anger, let me help you combat those disrespectful music shamers that are making you feel like your music taste is not up to par. The most simple thing I can tell you is to tell them to mind their own business, out loud or in your head. Acknowledging that their insignificant opinion will give you the ability to conquer the world and disregard any hateful opinions. Even if you think this and do not fully believe it, it will help, I promise. Another reliable option is to tell your music shamer that you like their music and you do not care if they are too mainstream. 

Here is a sample conversation

“You listen to __________ (fill in with “mainstream” artist)? They are so mainstream! You shouldn’t listen to them. I only listen to underground artists like Tame Impala.”

“Yeah they are pretty popular, but their music is good so I like it. And I’ll be sure to check out some smaller artists too!”

Take the high road! People are mean and oftentimes do not realize how hurtful something that they are saying can be, especially around a seemingly unemotional topic like music. To many people, music is their escape, their life and their joy so criticizing one’s music taste can be extremely hurtful. The most concrete solution is taking the high road and being kind. If someone tells you that an artist is “too mainstream”, do not jab back at them and tell them that someone that they listen to is “too mainstream”. You liking them is justification enough, there does not need to be any more pettiness or explaining besides that fact. “Mainstream” artists are incredibly talented, make soundtracks to our lives, and give us so much more than we even notice. So next time someone tells you an artist is “too mainstream”, remember that no music taste is bad, but from me to you, yours is perfect.