In this century, music consumes our lives. We listen to it everywhere — in the car, while doing homework, or even in the shower. Each day, the songs we choose influence our identities. Our carefully curated playlists are a reflection of ourselves. Whether you listen to pop, rap or even country, your music taste can reveal a lot about your personality.
- Pop
Pop music originated from other music genres, such as ragtime, jazz and the blues. It has become one of the most dominant styles of music among teenagers. Nowadays, most avid pop listeners gravitate towards artists like Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Ariana Grande. Those who listen to pop music are often considered to follow aesthetics such as cottage core, ethereal core, and Y2K. People who enjoy listening to pop music are able to enjoy nostalgic feelings through their modern tunes. The music genre encourages a feel-good factor, which makes listeners feel happier overall as they connect their favorite songs to heartwarming memories. Fans of pop are carefree people who appreciate reminiscing on past experiences.
- Rap
In the early 1970s, rap music was born in the Bronx, New York City. It was usually the playlist of block parties at the time. It has since popularized and become a favorite of many high schoolers. Popular rap artists include Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, and more. Affiliated with aesthetics like grunge, minimalist and street style, rap listeners tend to follow current social trends. Although they may be hard to approach when they have their AirPods in, rap listeners are usually outgoing and sociable. While outwardly seeming nonchalant, the deeper meaning of the lyrics serves as a homage to their surprisingly profound nature.
- K-pop
Korean pop, which originated in South Korea during the early 1990s, has become more popular globally throughout the past years. Many who like K-pop listen to artists like BTS, TXT, Enhypen, NewJeans, Aespa, etc. K-pop fans embody the Y2K and soft-girl aesthetics. However, at times, they tend to be maximalists, putting up posters from their favored artists’ albums along the walls of their room and collecting photocards of their bias in the group that they like. Usually, they are nice, bubbly people who enjoy trying new things but will stand up for their music genre when prompted to.
- Lo-fi
Lo-fi music is a form of instrumental that’s laidback and has a slower tempo. Those who enjoy listening to Lo-fi stay focused most of the time, preferring to read books rather than talking to others. It came from the rock music genre during the 1950s, specifically from the Beach Boys, a band that first introduced the genre. Modern lo-fi listeners enjoy Joji and the Lo-fi Girl on YouTube. Following the light/dark academia aesthetic, lo-fi listeners tend to be calm and introverted. Although they are reserved, they might help you with your homework occasionally if you ask nicely.
- Rock
Once the heartbeat of American culture in the 1960s, rock music now holds a nostalgic charm. During its prime, the rock genre was fueled by artists like The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and the Rolling Stones. Those who enjoy rock music are stuck in the past. Instead of listening to social trends like fans of rap, they like to go off on their own, desiring to wear the old money aesthetic and, occasionally, vintage as well. People who like rock usually have memories of electric guitars and live bands.
- Country
With roots in the South, country music was first produced in the 1920s and popularized by artists like Dolly Parton and George Strait. Fans of country music are associated with the aesthetics of Western wear and retro. Those who like country music probably own their own cowboy boots and hats and are likely to move to Texas in the near future. Country fans are also emotionally stable, though they often listen to songs about heartbreak. Due to fear of judgment from others, listeners of country music tend to lie low about their music taste. Overall, they are quiet people who don’t like sharing much about themselves and prefer to stay reserved instead.
- R&B
Rhythm and blues music, or R&B, derived from African American communities in the 1940s. “R&B” was originally a marketing term for African American music that included boogie-woogie, jazz, the blues, and the African American swing. The style of R&B that we know of is still being refined in the present day. Most R&B listeners enjoy artists like SZA, Usher, and Mariah Carey. Fans of R&B are considered to follow the vintage aesthetic, retrieving their clothes from local thrift stores and wishing that they could be transported to the past. Those who like R&B are usually chill and laid back.
Based on your favorite music genre, your disposition can change drastically. Music is only one of the many things that contribute to your identity, but it plays a big role in our daily lives. Though this list might not cover all of your characteristics and personality traits, it can give you a better understanding of how others may perceive you.
