Is there a scientific or psychological reason why people enjoy different types of music?
I’m inclined to suggest that it’s not only culture and peer pressure, but there is a certain amount of psychology. Firstly culture wouldn’t explain why MODs and Rockers existed at the same time, or Punks and New Romantics, or a whole range of styles that co-existed. People make a choice, from the available ranges of music, as to what suits their psyche. My brother was definitely a heavy-metal/hard-rock type guy, while I have always preferred the likes of Mike Oldfield and Blackmore’s Night (not something ANY of my friends can understand). So, while I don’t think there is a quantifiable scientific explanation, I do think that a person’s psychology will lead them to a style of music, although this will probably be tempered by the prevelant musical tastes of the time.
No. It all comes down to culture, background and exposure to different genres. For example, if you live in some ghetto slum in the East side of L.A., you’re likely to hear nothing but rap and hip-hop, and most of the people you know will only listen to that type of music. What’s more, most of the record stores near you will be rather limited to those genres as well (their way of appealing to a target audience). If you have a decent education mixed with an alternative lifestyle, however, not to mention an open connection to the internet, you’d likely have a greater exposure to different genres. What’s more, if you regularly use a program like LimeWire, you’d have the oppurtunity to ‘perfect’ your musical tastes into something specific that elevates your taste above that of the average person.
