Where Music Meets Ego

[emanresu]

At a genre’s summit, pretentiousness reigns. Complexity and obscurity become badges; music is no longer about sound but proving importance. The higher you climb, the more it’s about statement, not enjoyment.

[emanresu]

This was my thought rephrased by chatbot.
I think it is "what's wrong with jazz these days"

[emanresu]

This is my all-time favorite start of a gig, and there is nothing close to that:

Just to give the vibe of what jazz SHOULD have.
It is unique, positive, confident. All that.

Instead, we get topics "why isn't jazz popular" - @#$%#^$ that.

[James W]

At a genre’s summit, pretentiousness reigns. Complexity and obscurity become badges; music is no longer about sound but proving importance. The higher you climb, the more it’s about statement, not enjoyment.

I greatly enjoy the sound of a lot of complex and obscure music.

[brent.h]

I greatly enjoy the sound of a lot of complex and obscure music.

I used to like a lot of it when I was younger. Not sure what happened, but now the complex or difficult stuff just starts irritating me. Even when I give it a try now, not even 2 minutes in, I'm thinking, "I need to stop this madness and play some sane music." Then I just go back to 1920s trad stuff. (shrugs)

[Eugle]

Yeah I get what you mean. At a certain point it can feel more about proving something than just enjoying the music.


But I think sometimes it’s just people going super deep into their niche, and it ends up a bit insular. Kind of like when you read Mindvalley reviews. Some people love going that deep, others just find it a bit much.


Not everything at that level is really meant to be easy or fun for everyone I guess.

[DawgBone]

At a genre’s summit, pretentiousness reigns. Complexity and obscurity become badges; music is no longer about sound but proving importance. The higher you climb, the more it’s about statement, not enjoyment.

I guess I never think about it.

[DawgBone]

IME the most pretentious people are usually a few half assed yokels amongst the local scene, not the guys who've slogged their way to the top.