I have always wondered how this affects the band. Before you bitch at me about how all bands appreciate their fans regardless of their gender, I will tell you, "No shit. But let me finish you punk."
Without trying to sound sexist, I will attempt to convey my thoughts. Here goes....
Girls and guys both equally crush on musicians. In my field of research, it appears that a lot females are more open about this type of thing. Proof- Bop, Teen Beat, 15 and Slobbering Over Random Dude publications. There aren't many magazines of this sort marketed towards young males.
Chicks are pretty vocal about who they want to have their babies at shows. Some of them like to shout proclaimations of hotness. NOT ALL....some.
With this all being said, one of the bands I'm going to put this theory to the test with is HANSON.
Yes, Hanson.
Everyone knows the story of Hanson. Most people you bring their name up to will look at you in disgust because of it. But, why?
Let's backtrack....
It's 1997. MMMBOP is heard everywhere. Now, if you think about it, that song isn't so bad for kids to have written. Not only did they write it, but they're playing their own instruments. Compare them to say, the Spice Girls. They play nothing, their songs don't really have deep meaning, and they probably wrote two words worth of their debut album. Now insert "Oh I thought they were girls!" jokes. In all seriousness, if you really thought that the Hansons were chicks, you have terrible judgement.
Now, today. I own each one of Hanson's released albums, and they are pop rock gold. Songs are catchy. Who doesn't love pianos? Taylor has a sweet soulful voice. They're pretty good.
So...what I have noticed in terms of Hanson fans is that majority of them, that I have seen, are girls. I'm not implying that this is a problem. I just wonder if these three dudes ever wish they had a little more of a male fan base. Some other guys who dig their tunes that they can relate to.
But, is this really their fault? Hanson was targeted toward school aged girls. Their smiling yellow haired faces were smeared across many a magazine (I should know. I used to beg the shit out of my parents in the grocery store to buy 'em.)
Still, a lot of bands out there are featured on these magazines. So why no guy fans?
People do not accept change. That is scientific fact. If I wrote the whole equation about that out, it would start massive fires, make babies cry and break the internet, so I will spare you those misfortunes.
Back when Hanson came out, everyone thought they were chicks blah blah blah. I'm sure it was not"totally cool" to listen to them (with that kind of mentality anyway). I believe that, had Hanson not been viewed in that particular way, they would have more listeners. Definitely. And a greater number of male fans. I feel like if I gave someone a new Hanson cd and didn't tell them that it was Hanson-they might actually like them.
People just cannot get over their first impressions of the band. That is very sad.
My point in all of this is- Hanson has a crap load of female fans. Based on that do they think that maybe some of them are there because they are still trying to do them after all these years? Are some of the girls there just to hump them? Is their music being taken seriously? Does music sound better when the person singing it is attractive? Or does it just appeal to people more?
I don't know the answers to any of these questions. But, I remember going to shows as a young girl. I was in love with the music and hoping that bands wouldn't think I was just another stupid girl following a trend and trying to fuck Tom DeLonge (but I was stupid....and trying to fornicate with a certain Mr. DeLonge). I know people assume things, and that maybe in me writing this I am assuming shit about girls. I hate being judged.
But maybe I am wrong. Maybe every girl is there for the music and music only. Not for Taylor Hanson's tight pants. Maybe the mmmbop thing has nothing to do with guys not giving them a chance. I don't know.
This is just what has been in my head for a while and I always wanted answers. Maybe I will get them some day. Or in an mmmbop, they'll be gone. I'm an mmmbop they're not there.
If you're feeling bold and adventurous, please do yourself a favor and check out Hanson's newer stuff. The harmonies are amazing.
ooooooooh oooooh ooh.
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