I enjoy listening to metal and hard rock music such as Mushroomhead, Drowning Pool, Buckcherry, All That Remains, and such, but my mom and dad absolutely can't stand it! I feel like I'll get in trouble if I start playing the heavier songs on my docking system while they're home.
I want to listen to my own music, but I just don't feel comfortable doing it around my parents. How can I feel OK listening to the kind of music I like?
Hey li'l rocker, it can be way hard sometimes to enjoy your music when your 'rents move to the beat of a different drum. The thing to know about music is that everyone's taste is unique. You shouldn't feel guilty or uncomfortable if your parents don't share your taste in tunes.
Listen to what you like, with respect
That said, I know first-hand what it's like to hear the music of someone whose taste is sooo not the same. My sister would blare her screamo music every day after school while I'd try to do homework, and for a Beatles-lovin' chica like me, it was torture. I learned to tune it out, but my 'ents? Not so much. They demanded she wear earphones.
The best thing about earphones is that you can enjoy your fave soundtrack while everyone else around you can enjoy his or hers. And the
times you want to play your fave bands out loud? Just ask mom and pops if it's OK and keep the volume low. You never know: maybe mom and dad will end up liking one of your fave jams.
Tune into other tastes, too
They may be your parents, but don't be afraid to explore new music together. Your mom and dad lived through some of the best metal and hard rock—The Rolling Stones, Metallica, Def Leppard, you name it—and they might have some sweet picks. Even cooler? Ask mama and papa to bust out their old records for some insight into their tunes. If you end up liking some of their oldies you can bust 'em out on road trips. Sing along, anyone?
Know in the end, your style is your own. Your music taste is going to change a lot. Take my sis for example: her screamo days? Long gone. She's all folk now and shares her fave picks with my parents and even me. She's even influenced what I listen to! I'm indie-pop and some of her picks (Belle and Sebastian and Sondre Lerche!) are on the top of my playlist. When it comes to music, there are tons of hidden gems different people know. Share your fave hits with your 'rents and don't be afraid to take some of theirs too. You never know what you'll dig. And when you're not loving the same songs? Well, earphones and keeping the volume low works, too.
Infinite xoxo's,
Alyssa
ARE YOU THE ONE CAUSING ALL THE DRAMA? CLICK HERE to submit your own problem to be answered on Girl Talk.
BY CAITLIN R. ON 11/2/2009 7:00:00 AM 43 COMMENTS