Music festivals are all the same; the only difference is the music played.
Uh, not completely true. Yes, these festivities may have the same pattern but the songs are different. But there’s one thing more that separates each of these events: the audience.
In a study conducted with more than 30,000 participants, the researchers found out that we share similar traits with people who have similar music tastes. And these traits determine how we behave in music festivals.
So, if you are a newbie going to a concert for your very first time, watch out for these personalities and take note of the music festival etiquette.
Classical
Grandiose and elegance. These two words probably sums up my perception of this type of music and the people who play them. Consequently, I also presume the lovers of this genre are stylish and classy.
Interestingly, the study revealed that those who are into this genre are actually high-earners with high-self esteem. They also seem to be smart (and they see themselves as smart) and a bit older than the metal fans. They may be classified into the ENTJs or “the commanders,” the INTJs or “the architects,” and the ENTPs or “the debaters.”
ENTJs are leaders; INTJs are known to be very strategic; the ENTPs are “the devil’s advocate.” Some people known as ENTJ, INTJ, and ENTP respectively are Steve Jobs, Christopher Nolan, and Adam Savage.
No wonder watching a classical music concert seems to be quiet, with only rounds of clapping after each rendition.
Etiquette for the newbie: be prim and proper. Dress elegantly but not too elaborately. Remember that in a classical concert, the audience is all seated. Don’t wear a headpiece that will block the view of the person behind you. Also, be prepared for some intellectual discussions before, during, or after the festivities.
Dance and Electronic
Unsurprisingly, those who are into the electronic genre are outgoing and sociable. They are also creative and highly determined. The people who are mostly listening to this type of music are the ESTPs or “the entrepreneurs,” the ENFPs or “the campaigners,” and the ENTJs or “the commanders.”
ESTPs are usually the center of attention, and they love being so; ENFPs, on the other hand, are the free spirited. The life of the party. A famous ESTP is Eddie Murphy while a Robert Downey, Jr. for the ENFP.
Etiquette for the newbie: you can be more relaxed when attending a dance music festivity. And there is a high chance that you can widen your circle of friends. Just be prepared for some creative conversations and make sure your dance moves don’t scare people away.
Heavy Metal
If I tell you that heavy metal fans are actually gentle, you may be surprised. It is hard to visualize someone who listens to Death Slayer almost the entire day has a soft spot for cuddles and the like. But that’s what the study said.
People who are into this genre are delicate yet creative individuals. They are also mostly ESTPs, INTPs, and INTJs. INTPs are the so-called “logicians.” They are known to be inventive. Some examples of INTPs are Bill Gates, Kristen Stewart, and, of course, Albert Einstein.
Etiquette for the newbie: You can enjoy coming to this festival as much as being in the Dance festivity, but be extra cautious when throwing jokes at someone. Although these people are well mannered and gentle, they usually have low self-esteem and are reserved.
Hip-hop
Extrovert is the one word that sums up those who are into hip-hop. This comes as no surprise because they have high self-esteem, assertive, and intuitive. They love sharing with others; hence, they prefer carrying a boom box around to using headphones.
Individuals who are into this genre may be categorized into the ESTPs, ESFPs, and ESTJs. ESFP or “the entertainer” are the ones who easily break into song and dance and what others to do the same. ESTJs or “the executives” are the lovers of tradition and order (Surprising, isn’t it?). Popular ESFPs and ESTJs are Adele and Frank Sinatra, respectively.
Etiquette for the newbie: when attending a hip-hop concert, be ready to do what other attendees do. When they ask you to sing and dance, sing and dance along no matter how awkward it is for you.
Pop
Much like the rap lovers, pop music junkies are outgoing, hardworking, and confident. Interestingly, nonetheless, they are also known to be nervous and lack creativity. Could this be why there are pop singers rumored to have composers other than themselves?
Going back to the personalities, pop lovers are usually the ESFPs, ESFJs, and ISFPs. ESFJs are called “the consuls” while the ISFPs are “the adventurers.” The consuls are, unsurprisingly the popular ones—the cheerleaders and the quarterbacks in high school. The adventurers are the ones who go beyond the social convention. A sample consul is Taylor Swift while a popular adventurer is Michael Jackson.
Etiquette for the newbie: when in a pop music festival, keep your mind open to any possibility. Do not box yourself and be as outgoing as the people around you are.
Rock
Easygoing but selfish. These two sum up rock music enthusiasts, particularly the classic rock lovers. They are also hard workers, intuitive, and prospecting. Just like the pop lovers, classic rock listeners listen to their favorite songs to express how they feel inside, hence, regulating their mood.
Rock listeners are usually the ENTPs, the INTPs, and the INFPs, which is also known as the mediator. INFPs are idealists, calm, and shy. Popular personalities under this category are Johnny Depp, William Shakespeare, and J.R.R. Tolkien.
Etiquette for the newbie: scoring a spot in a rock concert may be a bit of challenge given the attendees’ selfish trait. But their being easy going and calm gives you the idea that you won’t probably end up fighting over a seat or something. Just be there to express what you feel and at the same time respectful of others’ personal space.
Overall Music Festival Etiquette Tip
If you’re the type of person who wants to experience different environments of music festivities, be aware that you can be a Greek while others are Romans. “Do as Romans do” is an adage very applicable for you. Just remember the music festival etiquette mentioned above and you’re good to go.
On the other hand, if you are uncomfortable dealing with other personality types, then you have to figure out first which one you really want to be in. The song you are currently listening to may not be the exact person you are. What you listen to is different from what you are into.
If you haven’t figured that out yet, get your best record player and figure out which genre fits you the most or hook up your music player to your soundbar and identify the songs that reflect you.
Author Bio
This guest post was brought to you by Erin. Erin is the founder of YouthTune, a music adventurer. She loves learning about music and audio devices, which she also shares with others so that they too can go on exploring the melodious world of music.
