Episode 114 – Recap

🎧 Songs That Don’t Suck: Why Are Young Men Tuning Out of Music?

Welcome to another week of Songs That Don’t Suck with your host, Mark Bradbourne! Each episode, Mark dives into the latest tracks after combing through hundreds of new releases, all to keep your playlist fresh and introduce you to emerging artists. This week, things got a little heavier as Mark discussed a concerning trend: young men are increasingly disengaging from music. Let’s dive in.

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🎙️ The Growing Music Disengagement Among Young Men

In recent years, a noticeable shift has emerged: young men aged 16 to 24, particularly in Western countries like the US and UK, are distancing themselves from music. Whether it’s streaming less or skipping live shows, they’re opting for other forms of entertainment like video games and social media. Stats reveal that one in six young men didn’t stream any music in the past week. Even more surprising, live music attendance among men under 35 in the US is significantly declining.

💡 What’s Behind This Shift?

One of the key culprits? Social media. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok are seeing a growing gender divide, with more young women engaging while young men gravitate towards X (formerly Twitter). This divide deepens as young men get sucked into the ‘manosphere’—a network promoting toxic masculinity, pulling them further away from cultural experiences like live music.

Another factor is the rise of gaming and video content. Gaming and streaming culture create immersive experiences that are hard for music to compete with. Gone are the days when music was inherently social—shared through drives with friends or local shows. Instead, many young men find themselves isolated, gaming in basements rather than connecting through music.

🎶 The Loss of Music’s Cultural Value

Music’s cultural presence is fading as it moves online. The real-world, scene-driven vibe that once anchored community has dwindled. Fewer venues, reduced music education, and fewer career paths have made music feel less accessible, particularly to young working-class men.

Music has historically shaped identities and fostered community, but losing this connection affects more than just taste—it impacts how young men relate to others. Addressing this issue means revitalizing music’s social value by creating spaces where young men feel included and engaged.

🎵 Fresh Tracks of the Week

Here are the standout songs from this episode:

• “Hunting for Sheep” by Ratoon – A catchy, energetic track from the Welsh band, reminiscent of ‘90s pop rock with a dynamic bassline and sing-along chorus.
• “Never Better” by Wild Rivers – An ear-catching tune that hooks you with clever lyrics and lush harmonies.
• “Breakdown” by Dog Park – Heavy grunge vibes with a modern clarity, pulling influence from the likes of Alice in Chains and Nirvana.
• “Stewart Little Killed God” by Ben de la Cour – A dark, folk-inspired track with haunting vocals and a slinky groove.
• “Don’t Put It All On Me” by Noah Cyrus & Fleet Foxes – A soulful, folk-rock collaboration that melds their voices beautifully.

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📢 Join the Community!

Don’t forget to check out Mark’s curated playlists from seasons one, two, and three on the Songs That Don’t Suck website. You’ll find direct links to Spotify, Apple Music, and more. Plus, sign up for the newsletter and snag some merch while you’re at it!

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, subscribe, and share the podcast on your platform of choice. And as always, support these talented artists by adding their tracks to your playlists. Until next week, keep seeking out Songs That Don’t Suck!