We’re all here because we love music, and your music taste can say a lot about you. When you have a musical genre that speaks to you, it can become something you want to defend. If you heard someone voice a negative opinion of your favorite musician or band, it can be easy to become offended. A recent study conducted by Prof. Adrian North at Heriot-Watt University concludes that in any ways, our musical preferences are an extension of our personalities, noting “We’re drawn to certain genres because we relate to them in some way.” In this manner, criticism of our musical tastes can become more of a personal attack, rather than just a comment regarding an artist or genre that they may not feel the same about.

Researchers Peter Renfrow and Sam Gosling have matched some common musical styles with characteristics that go hand-in-hand in their 2003 study, “The Do Re Mi’s of Everyday Life: The Structure and Personality Correlates of Music Preferences.” With this they broke music into four categories, Reflexive and Complex (classical/jazz), Energetic and Rhythmic (hip hop/dance), Upbeat and Conventional (country/pop) and Intense and Rebellious(heavy metal/rock). Some different characteristics that go along with these different titles are common and tie the genres together.

The study revealed certain behavioral similarities between these groups.

Energetic and Rhythmic: Confident, liberal-minded, gregarious, athletic, feels attractive

Upbeat and Conventional: trusting, hardworking, feels attractive, helpful, politically conservative

Reflexive and Complex: open-minded, politically liberal, creative, intelligent, tolerant, enjoys aesthetic experiences

Intense and Rebellious: athletic, energetic, adventurous, intelligent, inquisitive


Choosing Audio Gear Based on Your Musical Taste

Hip-Hop/Dance

  • Characterized by drum samples, and catchy beats
  • Achieve a strong low-end with a 15″ subwoofer, capable of hitting lower frequencies and with more impact
  • Increase the accuracy of the vocals with the precise metallic tweeters
  • Improve the bass response when using a factory head unit by adding a bass restoration processor
Rock/Heavy Metal
  • Adding an 8″ or 10″ subwoofer allows for quicker bass response to keep up with fast double bass
  • A sealed subwoofer enclosure would go hand-in-hand for fast bass response
  • Metallic tweeters and a component system are perfect for smooth transition and clean accurate highs

Country/Pop
  • Characterized by memorable vocals, lyrics and beats, with simple catchy melodies
  • A component speaker system would help with adding a better soundstage, and allow you to upgrade to more powerful midwoofers to enjoy a smooth response
  • Composite or soft dome tweeters highlight acoustic instruments and vocals
  • 10″ or 12″ subwoofers will allow for accurate and even bass output

Blues/Classical/Jazz

  • Characterized by dynamic instruments and smooth vocals
  • Bring out the rich vocals and bright horns with the smooth response of a silk tweeter
  • 12″ subwoofers are ideal for bringing out the deep notes of a stand-up bass
  • A quality equalizer will help you fine-tune the system and make critical adjustments
Hopefully this guide can help you be a better you, and enjoy the elements that make your favorite music what it is. No matter what Genre you’re into, there’s something out there that is made for specifically for your needs!

Check out audio gear hand selected by our experts based on your favorite type of music!