Genre doesn't really exist

As a musician interested in lots of different types of music, I've arrived at the realization that genre - though it may seem like an obvious way of classifying music at first - is actually a counter-productive distraction from other more important aspects of the music, like the harmony, rhythm, melody, or total lack thereof. Genre's main role is for capitalists to be able to sell music more easily, but it often doesn't say anything very reflective about the music itself. Over the last tew years I've completely converted my way of thinking about music to a (relatively) genre-free mindset. Am I crazy? are there other people here that agree? disagree? Your thoughts please...

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caitriawaters
14 December 2005 - 6:58am
I know what you mean. The band I'm listening to right now has been classified as "European Folk, storytelling/goth" and there have been other variations. I dont think the capitalists are getting anything out of that one! I think that genre exists to give potential listeners a general, and I do mean general, idea of what they're getting.
samweb
3 March 2006 - 5:08pm
i know what you mean. some 'classifications' are really strange and show that it is really just for money. Alot of musicians overlap in their 'genres' and further befuddles things. it can be useful, however, if you want to find a specific band, or type of music, and know that it has been classified.
glenn_hudd
8 February 2007 - 6:25pm
i dont think the idea of genre has always been a bad thing, i think classical, blues, reggea etc are all quite righty named.. but i know what you mean in todays world all genres do is make money for the companies with genres like emo and indie. i think it all started with punk.
burnitdown2012
23 October 2007 - 1:14am
For rock, pop, blues, jazz, hip-hop, I agree, for the most part. Death metal, classical, country... these are different types but are closer to each other. Ambient/electronica? It varies, but it falls into either of the above. You could make a death metal tune out of an Autechre tune, but not a Depeche Mode one...

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