Music of Yesterday and Today: How Our Approach to Music Has Changed

In everyday life, we often hear the expression " back in my day," a way to emphasize the difference between generations. Those who use this phrase are generally of a certain age, but with age comes experience and life experience. In past years, the approach to listening to music was very different from today. There was greater curiosity and a sincere search for what truly interested us. Today, however, music is served on a silver platter, ready to be consumed effortlessly. In this post, we'll explore how the way we listen to music has changed and what this means for the new generations.

The Age of Musical Discovery: how approach has changed

In the '80s and '90s, listening to music was an active experience. We spent hours in front of the radio with a cassette player, waiting to capture our favorite song. Every time we heard the right song, we'd press the "record" button with a certain excitement, hoping to record it without commercial interruptions. This process required patience and dedication, but it was also a way to build a personal connection with music.

There was anticipation for a new release, saving up to buy the album...

Generally speaking, there's Netflix syndrome these days: let me explain... I remember when the TV series Friends came out: every night at 7 we'd sit down in front of the TV for those extraordinary 30 minutes of laughter, and then off we went to wait for the next day at the same time and on the same channel, after having a healthy and hilarious debate with friends. Now (aside from Friends, which isn't available) you can watch 7-8 seasons of a series over a weekend if you want. All set and no waiting, maybe for popcorn!

Today, however, music is just a click away. With streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, songs are available anytime, anywhere. This has made listening to music much easier, but it has also diminished the sense of discovery and anticipation that characterized the musical experience of the past.

Music has always been an integral part of our daily lives. In the past, listening to music was a dedicated activity, a moment of reflection and connection with emotions. Today, aside from being a background music while we perform certain activities, like working, studying, or even shopping, it doesn't have the almost ritualistic role it once had. In my opinion, it's more of a superficial enjoyment, where songs are listened to without any real involvement, perhaps because we're bombarded by advertisements about the talent of this or that artist.

Nostalgia and the value of music

Despite the changes, there's still a strong emotional connection to music. Songs can evoke memories and feelings, and many people continue to seek out the music that has shaped their lives. Nostalgia plays a major role in this, and people often return to the songs they listened to as young people, finding comfort and familiarity in them.

However, today's music is often perceived as less authentic than that of the past. Many contemporary artists are influenced by commercial trends and produce songs that follow tried-and-true formulas, which can lead to a lack of originality. This has led to a debate about what "music" really means and how we can preserve the value of musical art in an age of consumerism. Music has become a constant source of entertainment, but this has also led to a certain homogenization of musical tastes. With access to billions of songs, it's easy to get lost in a sea of options and forget the importance of exploring lesser-known genres and artists.

A vintage cassette player that evokes musical memories

Technology and the future of music

Technology has had a huge impact on the way we listen to music. From the birth of vinyl, through cassettes and CDs, to streaming, each innovation has changed the musical landscape and the approach to listening. Today, with artificial intelligence and recommendation systems, music is seemingly more personalized than ever. But is it really? Streaming platforms can suggest songs based on our tastes, making it easier to discover new music, but in my opinion, within this tailor-made package, there's no real choice, only a passive predisposition to consume music that perhaps wasn't our taste at other times.

However, this also raises questions about how technology influences artists' creativity. While it offers unprecedented opportunities, it could also limit artistic freedom, forcing artists to conform to what's popular in order to achieve success.

Music as a form of expression

Despite the changes, music remains a powerful form of expression. Artists continue to use their art to address social, political, and personal issues. Music has the power to unite people and create community, and this hasn't changed over time.

New generations, despite their different approaches to listening, continue to find music a way to express their emotions and connect with others. Music remains a universal language, capable of transcending cultural and generational barriers.

Approaching the way we listen to music: were we better off when we were worse off?

In conclusion, the way we listen to music has changed radically over the years. While listening was once an active and engaging activity, today it is often a passive and superficial experience. However, despite these changes, music continues to play a fundamental role in our lives, offering comfort, connection, and inspiration.

It's no coincidence that, aside from the flashes of the moment, most people listen to the great pop and rock classics. And despite some keyboard warriors saying that some veteran bands should retire and enjoy life, they don't understand the essence of music: you can't live without it.

Just yesterday I was listening to the Doobie Brothers and it brought a smile to my face thinking that they're still active more than 50 years after their debut. There must be a reason, right? Not to mention other legendary musicians who, despite being in their 70s, are still strutting their stuff on stage.

The challenge for the new generations will be to find a balance between the convenience of modern listening and the value of musical discovery. Only in this way can we continue to enjoy the beauty and power of music, regardless of the era we live in.