Of late fear seems to be edging its way into the minds of many rock and metal fans as the question of whether the rock world is under threat has been a hot topic of discussion. Lately the discussion seems to have peaked with many music fans appalled by this year’s Reading and Leeds line-up, featuring headliners such as Eminem, Kendrick Lamar and Panic! At the Disco, with many asking, “Where are the bands?” or making statements such as, “I thought this was a rock festival,” and “Thank God for Download.”
This year we will also be seeing the end of the Vans Warped Tour which will be having its final run of the United States this summer, ending an era. Since being founded by Kevin Lyman in 1995 the festival has travelled around the States with a colossal and diverse line up of acts and ever since has been one of the most well known music festivals across the world, even being name dropped in Blink-182’s The Rock Show.
Are we seeing the end of an era or the end of a genre?
This idea has been circling for a while now as the music world is changing with many beloved bands moving toward what is known as “the mainstream.” Yet, what is “the mainstream”?
No one really knows…
Does it necessarily mean pop? No, I don’t think so. I see it as the combination of many things. The things people want to listen to in that moment. Something which changes constantly. Yet, this is something that bands and artists have to take into consideration when writing their music.
Over the past year or so we have seen bands take the leap into the dreaded “mainstream” with one of those examples being Paramore who surprised many fans with their new look and sound which differs greatly from darker notes which can be heard on tracks such as Ignorance or Misery Business. We’ve even had Bring Me The Horizon’s front man Oli Sykes hint at a possible move towards “the mainstream” on their next upcoming album which the guys are currently working with and experimenting on. And, this is something we must note- bands are allowed to experiment with their sound, because that’s one of the things that makes music what it is. So, if they want to should we not just just accept that instead of hiding under the covers? I mean, it’s not like their music is going anywhere, it’s still there for us to listen to, or not. That’s the industry, baby.
Nevertheless, people are still scared.
Fear not sweet headbangers.
There are many bands out there who are faithful to their roots and sounds such as Foo Fighters and Green Day. I must point out as well we are seeing one of the big daddies of the rock world headlining Download this year, Guns N’ Roses. There are so many acts currently embracing their sound such as Marmozets, a female fronted band who can not be compared to other female lead bands such as Paramore or Evanescence as they have their own unique sounds filled with energy and some raspy screams.
Over the years we have seen the rise and fall of various genres, but rock will not be one of those. There are so many sub genres in the rock world supporting it and holding it up, how could it?
Music has the ability to grow and change and that is all that it is doing right now. If we didn’t see change from the rock world fans would grow bored and begin to crave something new. Just because it doesn’t sound quite the same as it once did doesn’t mean it needs saving.
Let’s just keep allowing artists to do what they’re doing and listen to the music we love. In the meantime just sit back and relax. Rock isn’t going anywhere.
Peace and love xo
atlantisisfalling 