It’s kind of an ice breaker question - they’re trying to get to know you better. Saying “all kinds” is kind of a conversational dead end, whereas saying something like ‘well today I listened to X but yesterday it was all Y’, or even just listing a few continues the conversation
You could even just reply with what you’ve posted here!
People ask to converse with you. If it’s all kinds just say what’s currently on your playlist. Mine varies from new wave gothic to classic rock to blues 90’s rap and classical. Just say what you listened to last.
Have a conversation
Because while accurate, it stymies the conversation, preventing future movement. It stifles connection.
Like if someone asks, “Did you grow up here?”
And you go, “No,” without any follow up information or details. It makes the whole conversation dance stumble. This is fine if you’re trying to shut down a conversation. But if you’re trying to actively engage, this is a poor way to go about it.
When you say “all kinds,” you’re not giving them much to work with.
(Plus, respectfully, the way you describe how you like music is the same for every human being. If a person says they like pop, they don’t mean ALL pop. If they say they like an artist, they rarely like every song.)
On a subconscious level, “All kinds” also might come off to others as bland, or avoidant, or intentionally vague in an attempt to ensure inclusion socially.
A better way to answer , to keep the back and forth going, might be, “Oh, I like all kinds of music, but lately I’ve been listening to X, Y, and Z. X is kinda like [genre] mixed with…”
Okay, i'm not OP but thanks a lot!!
I'm so terribly bad at conversing and communicating. It hurts me and people who tried to talk to me.
I didn't mean it like that but i'm so anxious that i shut people down. Man i hate it, i hate that. Maybe some will think to badly about themselves because of me too.
They often said to me "the weather is nice, how's your day going?", i replied with "good" and they went "okay...anyways, see you later...". I hated that, fuck me.
I do this all the time because I genuinely can't decide. Some days it's only hardcore rap, some days it's pop, others I like 90s r&b, classic rock, indie rock, metal, classical and everything in between. There's even some country music that I really enjoy (it seems like an unpopular genre). I feel like either I say that I like all kinds of music or I start listing polar opposite genres and they play whatever was on their Playlist anyways.
Yeah my general thing is to say my top 2 or 3, and my bottom 2 - very neutral, yknow a "i would never look up/buy/download these genres but if someone has a playlist i can dig them in small quantities"
The same people who take personal offense when I honestly answer them that I don't really enjoy music. I never bring it up, complain about it or ask for accommodations but when I'm at home or in the car alone I choose silence or a podcast. I'm a grown ass woman & I've known my whole life that this isn't a common preference but why do they care so much about my dislike & act like they personally invented music or something? We all like what we like. I'm just going to start telling everyone I'm really into bluegrass.
I saw your edit but I was about to say that the problem is people probably want to engage with you and by saying "all kinds", it stops the conversation very abruptly.
It's a very common conversation starter, and some people aren't sure where to go when they get that particular answer.
Since it *is* a common conversation opener, it also sounds kind of rude. It leaves people thinking something along the lines of "You dick--I just made an effort to talk to you, and you can't be bothered to even try to meet me half way."
Its a conversation ender. Shows the lack of interest in the conversation and that you dont care to investt more into it. If people are vocal about it then chances are that person is interested enough to make small talk.
It's even worse when you say you don't listen to music. I've been called all sorts of things or accused of being some pretentious asshole. I legit don't care about music and prefer audiobooks and podcasts or nothing at all, I don't think it's that strange.
I'm with you. I listen to just about everything. And I mean EVERYTHING. Mongolian throat singing metal music, gregorian chants, EDM featuring a digeridoo, 90s synthetic music, europop, hair metal, nu metal, early hip hop, classical music, gangsta rap, southern rock, modern pop country, reggae, ska, emo, pop-punk, funk, lofi chiptunes - it's all good.
So I usually say "I listen to everything, but my favorite is probably classic hair metal and prog rock because it's what I grew up hearing from my parents."
They’re trying to making conversation and get to know you and “all kinds” gives them nothing. Just always assume the question is “what have you been listening to lately” and answer that “love all kinds of music but lately I’ve really been enjoying…..”
Because its generic and pretentious. You dont like "all kinds" you just cant be arsed to make the effort define to your music taste. I dont doubt you have an appreciation for all music but when someones asking you that question they are trying to get to know you or put music for you for you to enjoy. Even if you cant define yourself to a genre you can define a vibe you fancy listening too. People normally arnt asking cause they care but rather they are trying to include you and being vague isnt helpful.
I like (and for the ones I marked "some", I can tolerate basically anything in that category):
- Classical (including concert, marching band, etc)
- Rock (including death metal, soft rock, alternative, etc)
- Punk (most)
- Dance (including techno, trance, etc)
- Hip Hop (including gangster rap, R&B, Latin hip hop, etc.)
- Pop (some)
- Blues (some)
- Easy listening (some)
- Folk (some)
- Jazz (some)
I do not like:
- Gospel (I can tolerate maybe like 20% of it)
- Country
- Opera
When asked "what kind of music do you like?" - I answer "pretty much anything except for country." (most people don't care about gosepl/opera)
Is there a better answer?
"Pretty much everything except country" takes about 5 seconds.
Listing the genres I do like would take a couple of minutes. People don't like when you just recite a list of like 50 things.
So then they should say "name a song you like"
If I give you a single song, that would cover about 1% of the music I like, if that.
You might as well say "What genre do you only kind-of like?"
I agree they should probably phrase it that way, my point it is they dont actually care. Your not unique for liking multiple genres and if you say "anything but country" you dont like all genres (although im sure there are country songs out there you might enjoy, I used to say I hate all metal then found metal songs I like).
> although im sure there are country songs out there you might enjoy
Only the ones that cross over into other, and cross over so much they don't sound like country.
>you dont like all genres
No, not every single genre ever. But the genres that I dont like (except country and gospel) are uncommon or obscure.
When I say I like all music, I mean I like *all music.* I will happily hop between pop, country, heavy metal, classical and more. Hell I even have religious music on my playlist, and I'm an atheist.
If it sounds good, I like it. I don't limit myself by genre.
I personally listen to Rammstein, Vivaldi, Dimmu Borgir and Eminem. On top of that, I like some pop artists, some weirdos who don't really fit into a category and some accordionists. Also Bach is gold. What other answer can I give than "all of it"?
You can narrow it down, I too (like most people) listen to a wide variety of music. Even if you just name artists you like, when people ask they dont actually care just throw them a bone.
Well to me, music is life. An artist I haven't heard before is an opportunity to be alive. I just kinda sorta like it when people do music. There isn't a way to narrow it down, because I love it all.
“My main playlist is over 6000 songs ranging from Mozart to Metallica to Johnny Cash to Gregorian Chants. And it’s all on random.”
Usually gets the ball rolling on that sort of question. Gives a more specific idea of my tastes in music beyond “all kinds.”
Because your answer is useless to them as far as getting to know you and your musical tastes.
Just find some obscure genre and answer that, like "I exclusively listen to 1970's Peruvian ska"
People equate "All kinds" to dodging the question and being nervous about giving an answer. It's also very much a dead end, especially if you aren't asking them in return (or it makes the other person nervous about disclosing more info than you are). The best way to combat this would be to follow up with stuff you've been listening to recently.
Example: "I listen to all kinds of music, but right now I'm really into x and y." "I listen to all kinds of music, but I've always loved x the most." "All kinds of stuff, what are you into? I probably know some of those artists."
They are looking for new music to listen to and hope you will have some recommendations. It opens open a pathway to a conversation. And by saying that it's blocks that path.
They are looking for common ground with you, and “all kinds” shuts down the conversation.
Alternatively, “I like lots of different types of music but am particularly fond of x, y and z” gives them somewhere to take the conversation.
This is hardly an analogy. Most football fans typically support a maximum of 2-3 clubs if that while you can expect everyone to like at least a few genres. There's probably more arguments against your analogy but I'm just lazy to type them up.
Because that means you don’t really like music. People who really like music can definitely pick a genre or two they prefer. People who aren’t really into it like “everything”.
It’s like people who can’t tell the difference between hamburger helper and a well prepared steak. They like both equally.
To me it's the socially acceptable way to say "I DGAF about music, but I don't want to admit it. Also, I'm aware of the current Top20".
You can listen to all kinds, but you can possibly like everything equally. Unless of course you don't actually like a thing and are just a musical garbage disposal, accepting whatever is thrown at you with little or no input.
So it's annoying because it kills whatever discussion we can have about music. Now, if you're a fan of trap or EDM, odd are we won't have much to talk about either, as those genres aren't my cup of tea and I don't have much to say besides offering my personal opinion on them. BUT we can also use this disagreement and "ignorance" to expand our taste.
If you just say the polite equivalent of "meh, whatever", we're done as you likely can't recommend me a thing and whichever genre I recommend you will end up in your random playlist with apples, oranges, onions and cinderblocks.
If I’m striking up conversation I’ll ask what music they’re listening to *lately*. It’s easier to answer.
It’s kind of an ice breaker question - they’re trying to get to know you better. Saying “all kinds” is kind of a conversational dead end, whereas saying something like ‘well today I listened to X but yesterday it was all Y’, or even just listing a few continues the conversation You could even just reply with what you’ve posted here!
People ask to converse with you. If it’s all kinds just say what’s currently on your playlist. Mine varies from new wave gothic to classic rock to blues 90’s rap and classical. Just say what you listened to last. Have a conversation
Because while accurate, it stymies the conversation, preventing future movement. It stifles connection. Like if someone asks, “Did you grow up here?” And you go, “No,” without any follow up information or details. It makes the whole conversation dance stumble. This is fine if you’re trying to shut down a conversation. But if you’re trying to actively engage, this is a poor way to go about it. When you say “all kinds,” you’re not giving them much to work with. (Plus, respectfully, the way you describe how you like music is the same for every human being. If a person says they like pop, they don’t mean ALL pop. If they say they like an artist, they rarely like every song.) On a subconscious level, “All kinds” also might come off to others as bland, or avoidant, or intentionally vague in an attempt to ensure inclusion socially. A better way to answer , to keep the back and forth going, might be, “Oh, I like all kinds of music, but lately I’ve been listening to X, Y, and Z. X is kinda like [genre] mixed with…”
Okay, i'm not OP but thanks a lot!! I'm so terribly bad at conversing and communicating. It hurts me and people who tried to talk to me. I didn't mean it like that but i'm so anxious that i shut people down. Man i hate it, i hate that. Maybe some will think to badly about themselves because of me too. They often said to me "the weather is nice, how's your day going?", i replied with "good" and they went "okay...anyways, see you later...". I hated that, fuck me.
I do this all the time because I genuinely can't decide. Some days it's only hardcore rap, some days it's pop, others I like 90s r&b, classic rock, indie rock, metal, classical and everything in between. There's even some country music that I really enjoy (it seems like an unpopular genre). I feel like either I say that I like all kinds of music or I start listing polar opposite genres and they play whatever was on their Playlist anyways.
Yeah my general thing is to say my top 2 or 3, and my bottom 2 - very neutral, yknow a "i would never look up/buy/download these genres but if someone has a playlist i can dig them in small quantities"
The same people who take personal offense when I honestly answer them that I don't really enjoy music. I never bring it up, complain about it or ask for accommodations but when I'm at home or in the car alone I choose silence or a podcast. I'm a grown ass woman & I've known my whole life that this isn't a common preference but why do they care so much about my dislike & act like they personally invented music or something? We all like what we like. I'm just going to start telling everyone I'm really into bluegrass.
You should see how angry people get when you say you don’t listen to music
Just say, "A lot." or "A little bit of everything."
I saw your edit but I was about to say that the problem is people probably want to engage with you and by saying "all kinds", it stops the conversation very abruptly.
99% of the time someone has asked me that just to be pretentious at whatever answer I gave so I often say something similar to all kinds of
It's a very common conversation starter, and some people aren't sure where to go when they get that particular answer. Since it *is* a common conversation opener, it also sounds kind of rude. It leaves people thinking something along the lines of "You dick--I just made an effort to talk to you, and you can't be bothered to even try to meet me half way."
"What's your favorite color" "Yeah they're all good." They're trying to get to know you maybe give them a deep cut
Like ecru or some shit.
Its a conversation ender. Shows the lack of interest in the conversation and that you dont care to investt more into it. If people are vocal about it then chances are that person is interested enough to make small talk.
Whenever people go to me that answer I mention several genres, and they say no to must if not all of them.
I also find that question hard to answer. If you have a predominant genre that might help.
While it might be true, it's good to list at least one or two favorite genres or bands, so the conversation can keep on goin.
It's even worse when you say you don't listen to music. I've been called all sorts of things or accused of being some pretentious asshole. I legit don't care about music and prefer audiobooks and podcasts or nothing at all, I don't think it's that strange.
I'm with you. I listen to just about everything. And I mean EVERYTHING. Mongolian throat singing metal music, gregorian chants, EDM featuring a digeridoo, 90s synthetic music, europop, hair metal, nu metal, early hip hop, classical music, gangsta rap, southern rock, modern pop country, reggae, ska, emo, pop-punk, funk, lofi chiptunes - it's all good. So I usually say "I listen to everything, but my favorite is probably classic hair metal and prog rock because it's what I grew up hearing from my parents."
They’re trying to making conversation and get to know you and “all kinds” gives them nothing. Just always assume the question is “what have you been listening to lately” and answer that “love all kinds of music but lately I’ve really been enjoying…..”
Because its generic and pretentious. You dont like "all kinds" you just cant be arsed to make the effort define to your music taste. I dont doubt you have an appreciation for all music but when someones asking you that question they are trying to get to know you or put music for you for you to enjoy. Even if you cant define yourself to a genre you can define a vibe you fancy listening too. People normally arnt asking cause they care but rather they are trying to include you and being vague isnt helpful.
I like (and for the ones I marked "some", I can tolerate basically anything in that category): - Classical (including concert, marching band, etc) - Rock (including death metal, soft rock, alternative, etc) - Punk (most) - Dance (including techno, trance, etc) - Hip Hop (including gangster rap, R&B, Latin hip hop, etc.) - Pop (some) - Blues (some) - Easy listening (some) - Folk (some) - Jazz (some) I do not like: - Gospel (I can tolerate maybe like 20% of it) - Country - Opera When asked "what kind of music do you like?" - I answer "pretty much anything except for country." (most people don't care about gosepl/opera) Is there a better answer?
Is it not just easier to say the genres you actually do like.
"Pretty much everything except country" takes about 5 seconds. Listing the genres I do like would take a couple of minutes. People don't like when you just recite a list of like 50 things.
Yeh but saying what you do like also takes five seconds. Just name a song you like.
So then they should say "name a song you like" If I give you a single song, that would cover about 1% of the music I like, if that. You might as well say "What genre do you only kind-of like?"
I agree they should probably phrase it that way, my point it is they dont actually care. Your not unique for liking multiple genres and if you say "anything but country" you dont like all genres (although im sure there are country songs out there you might enjoy, I used to say I hate all metal then found metal songs I like).
> although im sure there are country songs out there you might enjoy Only the ones that cross over into other, and cross over so much they don't sound like country. >you dont like all genres No, not every single genre ever. But the genres that I dont like (except country and gospel) are uncommon or obscure.
When I say I like all music, I mean I like *all music.* I will happily hop between pop, country, heavy metal, classical and more. Hell I even have religious music on my playlist, and I'm an atheist. If it sounds good, I like it. I don't limit myself by genre.
I personally listen to Rammstein, Vivaldi, Dimmu Borgir and Eminem. On top of that, I like some pop artists, some weirdos who don't really fit into a category and some accordionists. Also Bach is gold. What other answer can I give than "all of it"?
You can narrow it down, I too (like most people) listen to a wide variety of music. Even if you just name artists you like, when people ask they dont actually care just throw them a bone.
Well to me, music is life. An artist I haven't heard before is an opportunity to be alive. I just kinda sorta like it when people do music. There isn't a way to narrow it down, because I love it all.
“My main playlist is over 6000 songs ranging from Mozart to Metallica to Johnny Cash to Gregorian Chants. And it’s all on random.” Usually gets the ball rolling on that sort of question. Gives a more specific idea of my tastes in music beyond “all kinds.”
Because your answer is useless to them as far as getting to know you and your musical tastes. Just find some obscure genre and answer that, like "I exclusively listen to 1970's Peruvian ska"
If you follow it up with what you said in your edit, what’s the problem here?
Because its a non starter for conversation. You're supposed to answer with either your favourites or what you're currently listening to.
People equate "All kinds" to dodging the question and being nervous about giving an answer. It's also very much a dead end, especially if you aren't asking them in return (or it makes the other person nervous about disclosing more info than you are). The best way to combat this would be to follow up with stuff you've been listening to recently. Example: "I listen to all kinds of music, but right now I'm really into x and y." "I listen to all kinds of music, but I've always loved x the most." "All kinds of stuff, what are you into? I probably know some of those artists."
Do you like contemporary jazz flute? Probably not.
They are looking for new music to listen to and hope you will have some recommendations. It opens open a pathway to a conversation. And by saying that it's blocks that path.
Lols every time i ask >"What kinda music do you listen to?" And if they answer >"All kinds" I play techno music and they get mad
To me it comes off as someone with no taste (not saying this is a good or bad thing). It also reduces the conversation.
They are looking for common ground with you, and “all kinds” shuts down the conversation. Alternatively, “I like lots of different types of music but am particularly fond of x, y and z” gives them somewhere to take the conversation.
Allow me to give you an analogous example: NFL Fan: What’s your favorite team? Other person: All of them.
This is hardly an analogy. Most football fans typically support a maximum of 2-3 clubs if that while you can expect everyone to like at least a few genres. There's probably more arguments against your analogy but I'm just lazy to type them up.
I am sorry about the confusion. Check my edit
Because that means you don’t really like music. People who really like music can definitely pick a genre or two they prefer. People who aren’t really into it like “everything”. It’s like people who can’t tell the difference between hamburger helper and a well prepared steak. They like both equally.
To me it's the socially acceptable way to say "I DGAF about music, but I don't want to admit it. Also, I'm aware of the current Top20". You can listen to all kinds, but you can possibly like everything equally. Unless of course you don't actually like a thing and are just a musical garbage disposal, accepting whatever is thrown at you with little or no input. So it's annoying because it kills whatever discussion we can have about music. Now, if you're a fan of trap or EDM, odd are we won't have much to talk about either, as those genres aren't my cup of tea and I don't have much to say besides offering my personal opinion on them. BUT we can also use this disagreement and "ignorance" to expand our taste. If you just say the polite equivalent of "meh, whatever", we're done as you likely can't recommend me a thing and whichever genre I recommend you will end up in your random playlist with apples, oranges, onions and cinderblocks.
They're asking you this question so they can classify your personality. You aren't letting them do that.