Tone deaf: Are music critics misunderstood? • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

Rockism: A critical tendency to favor rock music over other genres like R&B or mainstream pop.
Optimism (in criticism): A shift in music criticism towards a more consensus-driven approach, often finding merit in popular music.
Stan: A term originating from an Eminem song, referring to an overzealous or obsessed fan. It has evolved to signify a dedicated fan willing to go to great lengths for their favorite artist.
Self-censorship: The practice of an individual or organization avoiding certain topics or expressions due to fear of backlash or negative consequences.
AI Music: Music generated by artificial intelligence.

The Evolution and Challenges of Music Criticism

This segment of "Scoop" delves into the changing landscape of music criticism, exploring its historical context, the impact of evolving fan culture, and the challenges faced by contemporary critics.

Historical Context of Music Criticism

Past Practices: Historically, music critics, exemplified by publications like Rolling Stone, were known for their harsh and often critical reviews. An example cited is Rolling Stone's 1969 review of The Beatles' Abbey Road, which described the album as treading a "tenuous line between boredom, beetleum, and bubblegum." The New Yorker's recent questioning of whether music criticism has "lost its edge" highlights a perceived shift from this more adversarial approach.
The Rise of "Rockism": The transcript identifies "rockism" as a significant trend in past criticism, where critics disproportionately valued rock and roll while dismissing genres like R&B and mainstream pop.
The Shift to "Optimism": Over the 2000s and 2010s, criticism began to move towards a more consensus-driven model, often termed "optimism," where popular albums were generally viewed favorably.

The Phenomenon of "Stans" and Fan Culture

Definition and Evolution: The term "stan," derived from an Eminem song, initially signified an overzealous fan. However, it has evolved into a badge of honor for dedicated fans who actively support their favorite artists online. Examples include fans posting enthusiastic reactions to Taylor Swift's new releases on platforms like YouTube.
The Dark Side of Stan Culture: The transcript highlights a disturbing escalation of fan behavior, where intense devotion can morph into harassment and threats against critics.
- Specific Examples: Following a negative review of Taylor Swift's album, one user on X (formerly Twitter) wished the critic "a painful long life in some gulag in Siberia." Business Insider reported on fans sending death threats, doxxing families, and making false accusations (e.g., pedophilia) against critics. This behavior is not limited to Swifties but extends to fans of various pop and K-pop artists like Drake and BTS.

The Impact of Fan Backlash on Critics

Personal Experiences: Ming Jay Jung, a pop critic based in Seoul, shared personal experiences of receiving abuse, including unexpected attacks from the Middle East and Africa, constant hacking attempts on social media, and email spamming.
Self-Censorship Concerns: The transcript raises concerns about whether such threats lead to self-censorship among critics. While Ming Jay Jung's approach is to "ignore, wait and see," acknowledging that backlash often fades, the potential for critics to avoid controversial topics due to fear is a significant issue.
Anonymity as a Shield: Some outlets have resorted to publishing negative reviews anonymously to protect their critics from backlash.

The Role and Relevance of Music Critics in the Streaming Era

Arguments Against Critics: The transcript acknowledges the argument that with the advent of streaming services, critics are becoming less essential for consumers deciding on album purchases, as access to vast libraries is readily available for a monthly fee.
Arguments for Critics:
- Navigating the Avalanche of Music: With 3.6 million new tracks uploaded to Spotify monthly, critics are crucial for helping listeners navigate this overwhelming volume. It would take approximately 40 years to listen to all new releases in a single month.
- Providing Context and Storytelling: Critics can offer stories and context behind the music, enriching its value for listeners who are open to receiving it.
- Insight and Perspective: Critics provide insights born from years of research and listening, offering unique perspectives that go beyond just the music itself, often using music as a lens to understand broader aspects of life.
- Preserving Cultural Understanding: John Doran emphasizes that music criticism is fundamental to life and helps contextualize the cultural scene and the modern world.

Challenges and Future of Music Criticism

The "Dying Breed" Debate: Ming Jay Jung acknowledges that critics might be a "dying breed" in terms of their traditional role in purchase decisions but remain relevant for providing context and storytelling.
Emergence of "Instagram Magazines": In Korea, the rise of "Instagram magazines" featuring individuals who interview artists backstage but lack critical depth or historical knowledge poses a challenge to genuine criticism.
The AI Music Question: When asked about reviewing music from an AI band, John Doran stated he would use it as a "Trojan horse" to question the relevancy of AI music. Ming Jay Jung, however, expressed that it is "not music at this time for now."

Conclusion and Key Takeaway

The transcript concludes by emphasizing the vital role of music journalists in providing informed commentary and historical context, countering the notion that their work is dispensable. The quote of the week from The Guardian starkly warns against the "horrible anti-artic behavior" of demanding total consensus, labeling such impulses as "downright fascistic" in the realm of art. The core takeaway is that despite the evolving media landscape and the rise of aggressive fan culture, music criticism remains a crucial element for understanding music and its place in society, provided critics can navigate the pressures and maintain their integrity.