Avril Lavigne - The Embodiment of the Music Industry Today

I could care less about what the industry wants me to listen to. That comes with age and experiece.

Is that true? Because I was only sixteen when I realized this...well, with the help of nice people like you.

Now I' m almost twenty, and my taste in music has broadened to a wide array, and for that I am very happy. I listen to what I want to listen to. Not what they tell me to.

At first I was on my progsnob trip, but I' ve learned to let go of that. I' ll listen to Vanessa Carlton because I like the piano and string arrangements, and the female voice. I' ll listen to the Final Fantasy soundtracks because it is incredibly moving sometimes. And I' ll listen to Meshuggah because it' s the most freaky form of music I' ve ever encountered; I don' t know what' s better: actually finding enjoyment in all of this, or seeing the reactions of others when they discover what kind of " freak" I am. They think I either messed up, a " poser," or just...unique. Doesn' t matter to me.

Eh, look at that. I just got all emotional. But music will always be a huge part of what I am. It' s something I discovered myself, and for that I am greatful. And to think it all started when I dug up a crappy copy of Rush Chronicles, Tape 2 in my basement..." what about that ' Subdivisions' song..."

As long as grown-up and somewhat intelligent people like the ones here keep accepting this kind of crap from the music industry, it will exist. And please don' t give me the " it' s for kids" argument. The media keeps bombarding you with those manufactured " stars" no matter what your age is. I' d give my kids some decent music to listen to and none of this teen pop/rock crap that makes your brain degenerate.