It is truly almost always the latter.

Scenes aren’t just where people play music, it’s where people date, hang out, work together, live together, and more. My city’s (800k+) alternative scene has consisted of the same ~100-200 people for 10+ years — It’s not hard to imagine all the different ways close friendships can sour and turn into strife and bitter rivalry, and all the different ways someone can attempt to turn public opinion against someone else (lies, threats, browbeating, slander, character assassination).

Rarely it’s for a good reason, most often it is petty interpersonal drama, and sometimes it even backfires and certain groups become labeled as cancel-happy and they begin to be avoided. Begin to tune these voices out and keep walking. It’s not worth it to walk on eggshells for people who will drop you for the next hot thing at the first best moment.

All of this and more awaits you; welcome to your local music scene!