Each generation seems to think that the one that comes after them favors music that is just “noise”. But could the music of newest generation in the work force give us insight on what it’s like to be a Millennial?
One of the most popular albums in the US currently is by a very talented young artist who goes by the name of Lorde. Right off the bat, her name tells you she values herself and has quite a bit of self confidence. Born in 1996 in New Zealand, Lorde is younger than our Millennials, but her music really resonates with the Millennial crowd. In case you don’t believe in her popularity, at age 17 she collected her first two Grammy Awards.
Let’s take a look at some of her lyrics, and imagine what it would be like to be in her shoes, or in her young fans’ shoes.
“I was raised up to be adored.”
This is no secret. Millennials were cherished by helicopter parents, and thus exhibit an uncanny self confidence and self-importance. Keep in mind, this energy can be channeled to a positive force in the workplace.
“I want the applause, the approval, the things that make you go yeah.”
Here she outright says that people of her age group are seeking praise. This is a reminder that Millennials need constant positive feedback. They do not operate under the old adage that “No news is good news.”
“I’m never not chasing a million things I want”
Ignore the terrible grammar here to see a common trait in Millennials. While they may come across as lazy in the eyes of Gen Xers and Baby Boomers, they are a determined bunch. They want it all, and they want it now. They’ll do what it takes to achieve their goals, even if they use an unconventional method that isn’t necessarily approved by older generations.
“We’re not very pretty but we sure know how to run things.”
For Millennials, their “peeps” are everything. Whether it be friends, co-workers, or people they have connected with via social media. “Street cred” is important to them, and younger generations like to broadcast in a way that reminds you how important they are. They will share, tweet, and tell anyone who will listen about getting into an exclusive event, getting a VIP pass, getting a great table at a restaurant, etc. It’s very important to them to be involved in the best life has to offer. And to tell everyone about it.
These themes are very different than the music of generations that preceded the Millennials. Popular themes have included love, rebellion, peace, and politics. As you can see, a shift is taking place. Keep an open mind as you hear Pop Music today. Some of the themes may sound outlandish and it might just sound like “noise”. But there could also be a lesson there, and a peek behind the curtain as to what makes Millennials tick.
