Music and people

I've always felt that people can be classified based on the type of music they listen to. An article I read today has reinforced my point of view. (By the way, did you know that an average person does 56 per cent of the typing using the left hand). Pop lovers are generally immature, shy young teens. Some are neither shy nor immature, but are emotionally confused. The transition from pop to rock shows that the person is slowly maturing. Now when I say maturing, I mean it in the emotional sense. And also a change in the way of thinking. A change in attitude.

Rap (Hip-hop) lovers are quiet in real life. They don't like any manifestation of aggression, but love it in a song. Generally, they are also a peace-loving lot. The rap lovers in other countries are different.

Heavy metal lovers are the right opposite of the rap lovers. You would instantly associate heavy metal with bikers- speed, adrenalin, aggression, attitude, daredevilry. A heavy metal fan will be crazy about these. Also, you may find hardcore fans of this genre having a passion for Beethoven and Mozart, or for the classical soft music. The two extremes seem to attract somehow.

Now I'm not saying that people won't like both rap and rock, or heavy metal and pop. The people who happen to like two or three genre's equally will possess traits exhibited by fans of all those genre. Based on your mood too, your preferences can change. For instance, when you are angry or upset, you may prefer rap. When you are having a tiring day, a heavy metal song may revitalize you and keep you going. And for a relaxing evening at home, a soothing pop record may be just the thing. Different kinds of music will have different kinds of effects.

I don't think I classify as a music lover. I can go for days, even weeks, listening to the sounds of silence. It is interesting to note that highly creative people prefer to do their work in quiet solitude.

Having stated only the general case, that too from my (perhaps) flawed perception, I am sure there will be many exceptions. Some people like only instrumental music, these are usually the deep intellectuals. Music strikes a different chord in different people. The best that can be said about it is that it is always there- in nature, in religion, in our soul.