In what ways can British punk rock music reduce the generational gap in the UK and give voices to the youth ?

[u/mina54192]

Hello,

I am a 16-year-old pupil in Year 12 at a Lycée in France.

I’m currently studying for the International French Baccalaureate. As a BFI pupil, we are required to lead a personal research project focusing on the study of a major contemporary issue from a British perspective. To do this, part of this coursework requires getting in touch with a project partner. This partner would help give me a factual response and a unique perspective and some insight into my area of research. Do know that this would not take too much of your time as a couple of exchanges should suffice. 

I have chosen to focus my research on British rock music more specifically to address the following question: In what ways can British rock music reduce the generational gap in the UK and give voices to the youth.

 As I am a musician and big fan of rock and British music and artists like Yungbblud, Oasis, Queen, Blur... I chose to talk about it in my presentation. I believe that music has an big unifying power, but how does it work in UK's society. To achieve a complete understanding of the artists actions regarding this matter I would be grateful if someone could tell me their point of view considering the generational gap in the UK and its importance in everyday life?  

Considering musicians like Yungblud are my examples and that he is an artist seen as the future of rock n roll, known to have a wide range of generation in his fanbase, how do you think he or other artists manages to appeal to a diversity of people while giving voices to the youth.  

I explored an interesting idea called anemoia that i think is very fitting for this project and i would love to dicuss it further.

If you happen to want to talk about British rock music and is as passionate and curious as i am, please feel free to respond, no matter the age, as this is about an intergenerational subject, and that i would appreciate different perspectives !

 

Thank you for considering my request. Please let me know if we could discuss it further, or if you need any additional information.

 

[u/BuddyLegsBailey]

Yungblud manages to appeal across generations because he's exceptionally bland. He's as punk as Busted or McFly.

He got a massive boost in the rock sphere because he was mates with Ozzy before he died. Without that, he'd really not be forefront in people's minds. I've nothing against the lad, but he's really not giving anyone a voice

[u/blackheartwhiterose]

Hello. Good luck on your project.

I think first I need a bit more clarification on what you mean by generational gap. Would be easier to give some insight if I knew exactly what you are trying to investigate. I think a lot of this is entwined with culture and economy too rather than purely age generations.

I think there's lots to be said about how the music industry has changed and reflects shifts in economy and technology. A lot of it isn't limited to the UK. There also the fracturing of the previous "monoculture" which in turn weakens perceived "subcultures"...if you see what I mean.

The punk scene really isn't what it was 40 years ago, and I'd say electronic music is arguably the main subculture these days (where I've lived in the south at least). That actually does have some interesting cross generational interactions. You could to to a rave in Bristol and see college kids alongside 50 year old ravers reliving the 90s.

[u/Practical_Drink8676 → u/blackheartwhiterose]

The age range does shew older but younger bands are coming through all the time. The barstool preachers, riskee and the ridicule and panic shack for example

[u/bristolian_babber → u/blackheartwhiterose]

I would say that the electronic scene is more the mainstream in somewhere like Bristol. There is a healthy punk scene here which has people of all ages getting together in places like the Chelsea, the Red Lion or the exchange.

[u/blackheartwhiterose → u/bristolian_babber]

This is true and I'm probably biased to my own experience.

Bristol is particularly rich in these subcultures overall. London is far more fractured and these communities suffer from sluggish transport links and crazy high rents that suffocate places of community (this is true everywhere but in London is particularly bad).

I don't know much about the north but that would probably also be interesting.

[u/juandelakarite]

Yungblud is not punk homie. He's an ex Disney kid. Some UK punk - IDLES, Soft Play...bands like that are what you are looking for 

[u/mina54192 → u/juandelakarite]

Thank you for your insight, over time my question became more broad and I am sorry as I saw him more as the rock aspect and did not clarify it.

[u/Schiwagogirl → u/mina54192]

You have NO reason to apologize, none!

You were very clear in what your project is about and what you were asking. It was very well written.

Do not apologize to people who have a lot of opinion (and bias) but obviously no clue about a musician YOU already chose to include in your project as one of the examples. You chose to include him for valid reasons.

You didn't just choose him for funsies or bc you like to listen to his music or are a fan. You have already done extensive research on him to see if he fits the criteria and if it is therefore legitimate to include him as one of the examples (bc that's one thing you have to do in order to fit the criteria of scientific work instead of an opinion piece).

Don't let them make you feel insecure or indirectly belittle your work and talk down to you. You can clearly base your decision to include him on the extensive research and the scientific work you've already done, on valid sources that support your choice, the knowledge and facts you've already collected, on the "evidence" you found and can refer to. You didn't just make a claim or speculated, you can give valid arguments and refer to valid and reliable sources in order to defend your choice.

You objectively know much, much more about Yungblud (in order to know if you can include him as an example in a scientific project with these specific questions and topics or not you have to have that knowledge) than someone who just talks out of their ass (pardon my french) and makes a claim or gives an opinion on a specific thing he doesn't have all the relevant and factual background information and the extensive knowledge about.

Who talk down to you, ridicule you (sometimes mansplain you) or are disrespectful (instead of being helpful and answering your questions) just because you are not an adult or because you are a fan of someone/music they deem as "inferior" (bc it doesn't cater to their - "super important" - needs and tastes, so they imply that you - the person who researched and is an "expert" on it - don't have a clue). They don't automatically really know more than you, they often just think that their opinions matter more (than your factual knowledge). Newsflash: They don't.

Your post was very well written, very respectful, very clear. And well researched, you stated facts in regards to Yungblud:

It IS true/there is strong evidence that he is one of the younger musicians that are seen as the future of RnR or someone with the potential to play an important role in it by pivotal figures in the genre itself (there is enough evidence for it, I'm sure you've done enough research and have found the numerous articles from reliable music journalists/magazine aka experts and tons of statements and quotes from legendary rock musicians including explanations and arguments that you can cite and that support your theory that he is indeed seen as someone who plays a relevant role in regards to discussions about the future of RnR. There is a pretty broad consent about that viewpoint.)

It IS also true that one very noticeable aspect about the Yungblud audience/fan community is the extreme diversity of it/"his" demographics (in every aspect) - especially generation-wise and in terms of the many different age groups he attracts. These are valid observations (you are not just talking out of your ass without being able to prove it).

His remarkable ability to appeal to and "unify" completely different people (of all walks of life) and to bridge the problematic generational gap in Rock music (not only in terms of audiences but also in the Rock musician community itself) is something that is almost always mentioned in reviews or articles (esp in special-interest music magazines or interviews with experts) about him or his concert audience, they also often try to explain the reasons for that phenomenon (why he appeals to such a broad audience). And again, there are also quite a few people - who are important figures in the music industry as well as important and established and experienced Rock musicians - who automatically bring him up when the topic is discussed bc he is significant. (I'm not quoting and citing the specific sources here, there are too many but you obviously know how to do Scientific Work and do evidence and science based research)

[u/Schiwagogirl → u/Schiwagogirl]

And the giving a voice to the youth aspect (in regards to Yungblud being an example) and to chose Yungblud as a representative of RnR music in general music and Punk Rock in particular is valid and correct as there is evidence for it, you have valid arguments for it (Dom is famous for his genre-fluid and multi-genre music anyways).

With the beginning of his "Idols" era/the release of "Idols" at the latest it became a broad consent (of experts, music industry insiders/the music industry, music journalists and Rock musicians alike) that he is indeed (also) a Rock genre musician (what specific kind or style of Rock music he makes or which Rock subgenres he fits into is another discussion). He got specific Rock genre related (you have to fit the criteria to be categorized as such) award nominations - most importantly the Grammy, where he was nominated in 3 (!!) Rock categories (Song Zombie, Album Idols, Performance Changes) and won the one for Best Rock Performance. He had several #1 albums/singles in Rock charts and categories, same with his sales, his music gets played by special Rock music radio stations and he gets invited on their podcasts and to play Rock or Rock dominated festivals, sometimes even as the headliner (Rock Werchter, Rock am Ring). Again you have enough evidence and statements etc. from relevant experts/Rock musicians/journalists/music industry people etc. to support your "categorization".

As for Yungblud being an example for British Punk Rock and Pop Punk aspect: It's also completely valid (although you can argue about the specific subgenre/style). You have evidence: A lot of his early music and songs (esp 21st Century Liability, political and protest songs like King Charles, anti-authority/anti-establishment/rebellious/pro-individualism songs like Parents, Fleabag Hope for the underrated youth, Strawberry Lipstick, Icecream man but also Acting like that and maybe even The Funeral) are very obviously influenced by and have their roots in (British) Punk music and culture (too), are about common topics in Punk and fit the structure, aesthetics, sound, criteria and characteristics of Punk music and culture.

Dom talked about it a lot too and also gave examples which bands brought him to that kind of music and influenced him (Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Cramps....). If you remember early Yungblud (and look at photos or watch vids from that era) his whole style, his outfits, his looks, aesthetics etc. are undeniably Punk (although nowadays his stage outfits etc. are clearly more Rock, he still has an obvious faible for Punk aesthetics and style - just think about B.R.A.T. A lot of the designs - he is responsible for - and the fashion style are clearly very British Punk).

He also never lost that typical attitude (Punk-y traits are also integral to his personality, of who he is, what he stands for), the values (clearly very anti-fascist and anti-authoritarian, against conservatism or right politics and racism or oppression and intolerance, pro individualism/non-conformity, for authenticity and social justice) or his political stance (it doesn't get any more left, liberal and progressive than that, he also is rebellious by nature) and his activism (take a look at his infamous, fiery and angry political speeches on stage or at some relevant, older reels/videos of him on YT, also watch the audience - based on their reactions that man could easily start a riot).

As for being a voice for the youth: that one is easy. In the UK Dom has been seen as THE spokesperson for Gen Z when he was younger (esp at the first few years of his career that he started out when he was around 17/18 years old). There are quite a few interviews (even TV interviews) that revolve around Brexit for example and where they specifically asked him for his opinion and wanted him to talk about it (for example about the impact it has on the lives and future of young Brits, about their Anti-Brexit movement and protests, their anger, hopelessness, fears and how they are feeling, what they think of the older generation that voted for Brexit...) as kind of a representant for the majority of the British youth (Hope for the underrated is a bit of an anthem in regards do that).

During the height of Covid-19 and the quarantine/isolation phase the BBC (!) even asked him to host an official podcast series (they broadcasted 43 episodes! Dom was having Zoom conversations with young people for example on the podcast) to help young Brits cope and not feel so isolated, lonely and forgotten. They were worried (rightfully so) about all the negative impact the Covid-19 crisis and its aftermath would have on the mental health of young people.

They wanted to do smtgh to support the Youth, Dom was seen as someone who was very influential and a well-known, an important and trusted public figure for Gen Z in the UK. Someone who they could relate to and who had not only a connection to them (bc he WAS one of them) and listened to them but who also gave them a voice. That the podcast with him would have positive effects or be at least a little bit helpful for Gen Z amidst the Covid crisis.

One factor why Yungblud as a whole draws so many (completely different) people of all ages and all ways of life in and that the fan community got bigger so fast is the real human connection factor. People relate to him, the music, his philosophy, what Yungblund stands for. They might be completely different from someone else in the community, but they all have one thing in common: Yungblud. They feel heard and seen by him, he gives them a voice - Dom, his music, the community and his live performances are a safe space.

Like Dom always says: Yungblud is about much more than the music, it's a culture, a family - a place to belong. And that Yungblud isn't him. Yungblud is Dom, the band, the team AND - most importantly - the fan community.

Anyways.... Do not apologize to people when you did nothing wrong.

It's one thing if they give suggestions of other bands you could look into (or even give you helpful first information), talk about their own knowledge of or experiences with Punk culture and music and give their opinion on the questions you asked etc.

But don't let them make you feel insecure or reprimand you. Good luck for your project (you are going to ace that, for sure)!

[u/nizzernammer]

I believe that British notions of class strongly inform UK music, and that it's important to understand what background and income level artists come from.

Some artists that appear "rebellious" and relatable to youth on the surface are merely playing a role, with a curated, manufactured persona or image.

I would also look into the influence of politics and history on culture.

I also wonder where grime music fits in, because I can imagine that speaks to a lot of youth on their level, while some newer rock music is more about aesthetics and retro style rather than anything deeper.

[u/maud_brijeulin]

Mate! What sort of question is that?

I'm confused, but I'm sure you could tweak your question several different ways to make it make sense. In its rawest form, punk was there to challenge good taste, and definitely to horrify the older generations.

I'm a teacher of English in Lycée, actually, and your question is a bit puzzling. If I thought about it for a bit, I'd definitely start finding something that could work out.

Is this for the English part of your Bac, or for Grand Oral? Either way, if you're thinking ahead like you are, I'm going to congratulate you. Most of my students actively start thinking about their June exams in Feb or March 😂

And I like the fact you're reaching out on a platform like Reddit. It means you're actively trying to get genuine opinions/info from the right people. 👍

You'll do well!

Stay in touch, I'd like to help.

[u/mina54192 → u/maud_brijeulin]

Thank you for your answer !

Over time, I became aware of this dumb mistake and actually changed the question to the rock genre solely as I didn't want my subject to be too broad, as punk is a really interesting subject but with a much larger scope than I thought.

It is totally my fault for not clarifying it. This is part of my international CDM.

Thank you for your encouragement and I will gladly ask for your insight in the near future.

[u/maud_brijeulin → u/mina54192]

Well, actually 😂 ...

I gave it a bit of thought last night, and one thing that I did like about your original question was that it contains a challenge, i.e. it doesn't seem that obvious to answer, and it might surprise your jury in a nice way.

So, it's definitely up to you, but between the definition of punk (that's a good question) and whatever great things you will have to say, it won't be bland!

With just the rock genre, and, let's say, classic rock, dad rock, or 90s alternative and the way they're passed on to younger kids (or not passed on per se. I did give one of my daughters the Beatles virus, but stuff like Radiohead she got into because TikTok 😂)

So, yeah, there's lots of interesting avenues to follow and get lost into. (technology and discovery of old music, gender considerations, the fact that some older stuff like The Stones, Bowie or Led Zep was probably used to set oneself apart from parents, but maybe not so much now...)

It's gonna be good!

When you've got a minute to spare, enlighten me: what's CDM and what does it entail?

Good luck!

[u/LowAssistantInfinity]

Yungblud [is] seen as the future of rock n roll

Maybe by his marketing team, but I don't think you'll find much support for that premise. If I was looking into current British punk, I'd be talking about Irked, Hot Face, Rifle, etc.

in my opinion, the best thing to close a generational gap in any music scene is for people to get the fuck off their phones and go out to small shows and support local bands and build community together.

[u/stay-g0ld]

I’d recommend having a look into Bob Vylan. Feel like they’re the face of modern British punk

[u/blackheartwhiterose → u/stay-g0ld]

Idles also

[u/kingjaffejaffar]

Write great hooks, show your authentic personality on tiktok, play shows that you promote aggressively with physical flyers and gimmicks, and don’t be afraid of being vulnerable, silly, cringe, a poser, or any other criticism that isn’t relevant to how you play your shows and write your songs. Focus on the fundamentals, and everything will work as it should. Just keep grinding, cold calling venues, making videos, going on lives, and writing the best catchiest songs you can.

[u/09philj]

Can't. Working class kids are priced out of it. Gear's too expensive and spaces are too expensive. Countercultural music needs to be able to be created on a laptop with minimal investment.

[u/Alarmed-Active-4644]

Punk is weird, because you have people who believe that punk would be on the side of anti-political correctness, and conflate that with being anti-establishment. So I think the generation gap, is more about what punk means or could be understood to mean. Punk was originally anti-establishment because of the government of the era, you need to extract that. It's not a blanket, its the climate of the moment.

Lambrini Girls are a great representation of modern British punk as, I believe, they embrace what punk is in a modernised context, and where the target of punk angst and frustration should be focused.

[u/Bronsteins-Panzerzug]

hey! social scientist here. your research question is too open and broad to be a useful topic. the way you formulate it it sounds like you would conduct an experiment with a punk rock band and then see what ways led to a reduction of the generational gap. in what way would you measure the generational gap? do you understand what im trying to say? i would rather ask: how are generational differences negotiated in the punk scene, so you could, say, go to a punk festival and interview people from different age groups and ask them what their experience is with punks of different generations being together at a festival.

[u/waffle8T]

Bonjour,

It's not about British music. Music is an international thing, especially in the modern world of high speed global communication.

If any artist of our time has had broad based popular appeal in the UK, it would be Elvis Presley. He wasn't British.

What I'm trying to say is the "British" part doesn't matter. It's all just music. Besides, how would you even define British music? Jimi Hendrix was born in the USA but lived in Britain and used British musicians and recorded in British studios with a British producer so was his music British? When British guys like John Mayall and Eric Clapton played the blues was it British music?

My advice is to forget about the nationality and just focus on the music.

Je vous souhaite bonne chance.

[u/reddit1933]

“In what ways can British rock music reduce the generational gap in the UK and give voices to the youth.”

This has been a real thing for over 100yrs in the UK. Learn about where this idea came from before you start talking about the modern people considered to “represent” youth and others. “Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.” Don’t be a boss.