The Decline of Music Genres

Understanding Why Some Music Genres Fall Out of Favour

In this Musing we thought it would be interesting to investigate the rise and fall (well, the fall) of certain musical genres over time. The evolution of music genres is influenced by numerous factors, including cultural shifts, technological advancements, commercialisation, societal change, and subgenre fragmentation (each genre having rapidly developing it’s own subgenres). While some genres fade from the mainstream, others might find new life through revival or niche markets. Here’s some thoughts of why some specific genres have declined, with examples of notable tracks, revival potential, and current applications in production music.

1. Cultural Shifts and Changing Tastes

Reasons for Decline:

Generational Change: Each generation seeks music that resonates with its unique experiences.

Cultural Movements: Genres often reflect the mood and ambience of their time; as cultural moments evolve, so do musical preferences.

Genres notably affected:

Swing Jazz (1930s-1940s): Characterised by big bands and upbeat rhythms, swing jazz was emblematic of the dance craze during America’s Great Depression. Notable tracks include “Sing, Sing, Sing” by Benny Goodman and “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller. After WWII, tastes shifted toward bebop, with artists like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie leading the change.

Psychedelic Rock (1960s): Associated with the counterculture movement, psychedelic rock featured experimental sounds and mind-altering themes. Iconic tracks include “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” by The Beatles and “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix. By the 1970s, genres like glam rock and disco became more commercially viable.

Disco (1970s): Initially celebrated for its danceable beats, disco tracks like “Stayin' Alive” by the Bee Gees and “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor dominated the charts. However, its overexposure led to a backlash, exemplified by the infamous Disco Demolition Night in 1979.

Revival Potential:

Swing Jazz: Revival in dance scenes and films (e.g., ‘The Great Gatsby’ soundtrack) keeps swing alive. Artists like Postmodern Jukebox infuse swing with contemporary hits.

Psychedelic Rock: Modern artists such as Tame Impala and MGMT incorporate psychedelic elements, showing that the genre has not disappeared entirely.

Disco: Elements of disco have resurfaced in contemporary pop music, with hits like “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa and “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd, which evoke disco nostalgia.

Current Use in Production Music:

Swing Jazz: Often featured in commercials targeting nostalgia or celebration, such as commercials for soft drinks.

Psychedelic Rock: Used in films and series that aim to capture the 1960s spirit or surreal themes, like ‘Stranger Things’.

Disco: Frequently found in upbeat commercials and party-themed media, conveying joy and high energy.

2. Technological Advancements and Shifts in Music Production

Reasons for Decline:

New Production Techniques: As music technology evolves, genres that rely on older methods may decline.

Changes in Consumption: Streaming has altered how music is produced and consumed, favouring shorter, catchier formats.

Some examples:

Progressive Rock (1970s): Known for its complex structures and virtuosity, tracks like “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen and “Roundabout” by Yes defined the genre. As tastes shifted towards simpler forms like punk, progressive rock's complexity became less appealing.

Acoustic Folk (1960s-1970s): Once a dominant genre with artists like Bob Dylan (“Blowin' in the Wind”) and Simon & Garfunkel (“The Sound of Silence”), acoustic folk declined as electric instrumentation became more common.

New Wave (1980s): Embracing synthesizers and pop sensibilities, tracks like “Just Can’t Get Enough” by Depeche Mode and “Girls on Film” by Duran Duran dominated the charts. By the late 1980s, grunge and alternative rock’s raw aesthetics became more appealing.

Revival Potential:

Progressive Rock: Bands like Porcupine Tree and Dream Theater continue to push the genre, albeit in niche markets.

Acoustic Folk: Artists like Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes have revitalised acoustic folk, indicating potential for resurgence in indie music.

New Wave: Modern acts like CHVRCHES and The 1975 incorporate new wave elements, ensuring its presence in contemporary pop.

Use in Production Music:

Progressive Rock: Often utilised in film trailers that require a dramatic and complex musical backdrop, enhancing storytelling.

Acoustic Folk: Frequently found in indie films and commercials aiming for authenticity and warmth, such as campaigns for sustainable products.

New Wave: Used in marketing campaigns targeting younger audiences, leveraging its nostalgic yet modern appeal.

3. Commercialisation and Overexposure

Reasons for Decline:

Market Saturation: When a genre becomes too commercialised, it can lead to listener fatigue and backlash.

Loss of Authenticity: Genres perceived as "selling out" can lose their core fanbase.

Examples:

Grunge (1990s): Initially a breath of fresh air, with tracks like “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana and “Black” by Pearl Jam, grunge's rapid commercialisation led to fatigue. The decline was palpable by the late 1990s.

Nu-Metal (late 1990s-2000s): Dominated by bands like Korn and Linkin Park, nu-metal's exposure led to a backlash against its formulaic sound. Tracks like “Freak on a Leash” by Korn and “In the End” by Linkin Park defined the genre but eventually contributed to its decline.

Dubstep (2010s): Emerging from underground scenes, tracks like “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” by Skrillex made dubstep mainstream. However, its rapid commercialisation led to listener fatigue and a decline in its standalone popularity.

Revival Potential:

Grunge: While unlikely to regain its former glory, its ethos lives on in alternative rock. Bands like Foo Fighters incorporate grunge influences into their music.

Nu-Metal: Bands like Bring Me the Horizon blend nu-metal elements with modern sounds, indicating potential for revival, albeit in niche circles.

Dubstep: While standalone dubstep may not return to mainstream prominence, elements are absorbed into pop and electronic music, as seen in tracks by The Chainsmokers.

Current Use in Production Music:

Grunge: Often employed in films that evoke a sense of angst or rebellion, like ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’.

Nu-Metal: Utilised in high-energy media, such as action trailers and extreme sports content.

Dubstep: Common in trailers targeting youth, leveraging its energetic beats and drops to capture attention.

4. Societal and Political Change

Reasons for Decline:

Cultural Relevance: Genres tied to specific movements may lose their significance as social conditions change.

Shifts in Values: As societal values evolve, so do the genres that reflect them.

Examples:

Protest Folk (1960s): Capturing the essence of social unrest, tracks like “The Times They Are a-Changin'” by Bob Dylan and “For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield became anthems for change. As protests diminished in visibility, so did the genre.

Punk (1970s-1980s): Originally a rebellion against mainstream culture, tracks like “Anarchy in the U.K.” by the Sex Pistols and “London Calling” by The Clash exemplified punk's raw energy. As its aesthetics became commercialised, punk lost its edge.

Gangsta Rap (1990s): With artists like Tupac Shakur (“Changes”) and The Notorious B.I.G. (“Juicy”), gangsta rap became a powerful voice for marginalised communities. However, its association with violence and explicit content faced criticism, limiting its radio play.

Revival Potential:

Protest Folk: Modern artists like Hosier with “Take Me to Church” and Billie Eilish with “Your Power” are infusing protest themes into contemporary music, indicating a revival potential.

Punk: Bands like IDLES and Against Me! continue to push punk's boundaries, keeping its spirit alive in underground scenes.

Gangsta Rap: While the genre itself has evolved, elements persist in mainstream hip-hop through artists like Kendrick Lamar, who blend conscious themes with popular appeal.

Current Use in Production Music:

Protest Folk: Utilised in documentaries and campaigns promoting social issues, enhancing emotional impact.

Punk: Employed in high-energy contexts, such as sports promotions or marketing campaigns targeting rebellious youth.

Gangsta Rap: Sometimes featured in media that seeks to convey urban grit and authenticity, often in films and video games.

5. Subgenre Fragmentation

Reasons for Decline:

Diversity of Styles: Genres can splinter into numerous subgenres, diluting their mainstream presence.

Niche Markets: As genres fragment, their core audience becomes more segmented.

Examples:

Heavy Metal (1980s): As bands like Metallica and Iron Maiden rose to prominence, heavy metal splintered into subgenres such as thrash, death, and black metal. Tracks like “Enter Sandman” by Metallica remain classics, yet the diversity in metal styles has made it less cohesive in the mainstream.

Hip-Hop (2000s): With the emergence of subgenres like trap (e.g., “Bad and Boujee” by Migos) and mumble rap (e.g., “Gucci Gang” by Lil Pump), hip-hop has become a broad spectrum of styles, making it harder for any single style to dominate.

Electronic Dance Music (EDM) (2010s): While EDM exploded in popularity with tracks like “Titanium” by David Guetta featuring Sia, its splintering into various subgenres has made it challenging for a single style to maintain dominance.

Revival Potential:

Heavy Metal: Although mainstream presence has declined, heavy metal festivals and niche communities thrive, keeping the genre alive. Bands like Ghost are bridging classic metal with contemporary sounds.

Hip-Hop: Continues to dominate the charts, with new artists emerging from diverse influences, ensuring ongoing evolution and relevance.

EDM: While certain subgenres may decline, elements of EDM have become staples in pop music, ensuring a lasting impact on the broader musical landscape.

Current Use in Production Music:

Heavy Metal: Commonly used in trailers and video games, especially for high-energy action sequences.

Hip-Hop: Widely utilised in commercials and media for its cultural relevance and rhythmic appeal.

EDM: Frequently employed in commercials and media targeting younger audiences, leveraging catchy hooks and danceable beats.

So.......

Music genres fall out of favour for various interconnected reasons, including cultural shifts, technological advancements, commercialisation, societal changes, and subgenre fragmentation. While some genres may lose their mainstream popularity, they often find new life in niche markets, adaptations, or hybrid styles. This cyclical nature of music culture highlights the resilience of genres and the potential for revival, especially when they are woven into the fabric of contemporary society. Understanding these dynamics provides insight into both the past and future of music genres, their relevance, and their ongoing impact in the production music landscape.