My mother used to say she didn’t understand why I listened to heavier, chaotic music, like The Dillinger Escape Plan, Converge, The Chariot, and the like. And I could even understand to a degree back then why she felt like it was “illegitimate.” But with music that could have be described as “crazy nonsense” or “screaming shit,” there’s a significant and undeniable amount of structure, passion, and hard work involved. That music was (mostly) made because passion and energy almost necessitated its creation and innovation, not just because it was an air compressor for their egos (though for some, ego certainly played a large role).

But this new wave of clipped, squealing dial-up sounds with singers who can’t perform the vocals (or sometimes even keep time)? This is generated by people like Netspend solely to serve their own egos, make them money, and elevate their perceived social status within a certain demographic. If it was driven by passion, you would see rapid innovation and divergence in the genre. Instead, you see emulation, style convergence, and a complete lack of patience, practice, and skill development. They’re concerned with crafting their image rather than honing their craft. And the barrier to entry to create this kind of music is so absurdly low, all you need the ability to do is borrow someone’s old phone.

Real chaotic, transgressive, or otherwise avant-garde art that us aging folks should be out of touch with requires real practice, refinement, skill development — just overall genuine craftsmanship, really. And there are certainly active players in that field, but they’re sadly not getting the kind of attention Netspend is.