Did anyone else ever hide the fact you listened to film scores or were embarrassed to admit it to friends?

[Loert 2,515]

12 hours ago, Manakin Skywalker said:

I remember having a conversation with one of my cousins' ex-girlfriends years ago, she asked what I like to do in my free time, and I said "I often like to compose music". Note that I specifically used the word 'compose' instead of 'write', hoping to avoid some confusion. So she enthusiastically replies, "oh, so you're a DJ?"

 

That's why I do the opposite - I always say I "write" music instead of "compose", because I've found that some people don't really know what the word "compose" means. I think "write" is less ambiguous in indicating that you're "generating" new music in some sense. Usually if they're interested they'll ask something like "Oh, so what music do you write?", whereas I've had people literally ask "What is compose?"

[Tom Guernsey 2,287]

1 hour ago, GerateWohl said:

Counterquestion: What does liking film music have to do with embarassment, confessing or coming out?

Actually, nobody cares.

It is all in our heads, I think.

Nobody has ever really reacted negatively or even been that surprised that I listen to film music, especially these days where John Williams or Hans are fairly well known or at least their music is. I had a colleague who endlessly whistled the theme from Pirates of the Caribbean. I listen to film music a lot at work and usually claim that it’s Mahler or Beethoven when actually it’s Frozen or whatever. If I’m feeling mean I’ll rub it in to all the colleagues who have young kids that I get to choose how often I listen to Let it Go…

[Richard Penna 3,694]

3 hours ago, GerateWohl said:

Counterquestion: What does liking film music have to do with embarassment, confessing or coming out?

Actually, nobody cares.

It is all in our heads, I think.

 

My train of thought is far more this in recent years. I talk to a lot of people in my walking group, and I've only ever had two responses - either it triggers a conversation about the best soundtracks, or they just move on with a lack of interest. I've never had a 'oh that's just weird' type reaction.... and it's because we're all adults. I'm fairly confident that you could reveal some very 'alternative' interests with this bunch.

 

In fact my walking friends know me for three things at the moment: I used to do magic, I like instrumental music, and I'm obsessed with Dua Lipa. Not one single person has ever reacted with anything but polite disinterest or fascination with the first two.

 

Back in school, my niche interests were the cause of a bit of isolation and teasing, but that's kids for you.

[GerateWohl 4,371]

1 hour ago, Richard Penna said:

Back in school, my niche interests were the cause of a bit of isolation and teasing, but that's kids for you.

Right. But that already happens at that age, when you listen to the wrong pop bands.

[rough cut 1,714]

Even though a lot of people here on JWfan have had no bad experience with enjoying film music as a hobby, there are some - more than some I would say - who obviously have had problems with how the environment reacted to their appreciation of soundtracks, any other type of music or their choice of recreational activity.

 

That’s not in their heads, and it’s not up to anybody who hasn’t had that experience to dictate how they should or shouldn’t feel.

[Tom 4,670]

There is an elegant solution to all of this: simply don't have any friends, and then you are liberated and free to be who you are. As a bonus, it frees up time to listen to JW.  

 

 

[Edmilson 7,471]

I think there is a world of difference between friendly banter between friends or colleagues about musical tastes, and being outright bullied by what kind of music you listen (and I mean not just film scores, there's a lot of kids out there afraid of showing their playlists).

 

The lesson we can take out of this thread is that everyone's experience with film music is very different. Some don't care about what others would think about them liking "sad violin music from movies", others do. Some didn't have any problem with "coming out" as film music nerds, others did. 

[mstrox 6,651]

Chatting about music helped me get laid in high school, but never chatting about film music.  Therefore, interest in film music is shameful.

[bruce marshall 1,315]

We're weird.

Let's face it!😅

[DarthDementous 1,059]

15 hours ago, GerateWohl said:

Counterquestion: What does liking film music have to do with embarassment, confessing or coming out?

Actually, nobody cares.

It is all in our heads, I think.

Its only natural to feel embarrassment when you exhibit a trait that is socially stigmatised, it doesn’t matter what it is

 

As to why we care at all it’s likely that left over evolutionary instinct to avoid being ostracised from the group because that used to mean death, which is part of why social anxiety can have such a strong hold on people

[michael_grig 472]

Hmm. Interestingly, I don't feel any sense of embarrassment at all. Actually, everyone in my inner circle knows about my passion for (film) music and it doesn't bother anyone. I even presented my thesis on film music (analysis and comparison of the film music of John Williams and Hans Zimmer) at school two weeks ago, where I really unpacked my nerd knowledge.

[1977 1,743]

On 16/07/2022 at 11:20 AM, GerateWohl said:

Counterquestion: What does liking film music have to do with embarassment, confessing or coming out?

Actually, nobody cares.

It is all in our heads, I think.

 

I agree. If I was a type A personality I wouldn't give a hoot what anyone else thinks about my hobby. Regretably I am not though...

[DarthDementous 1,059]

2 hours ago, Michael G. said:

Hmm. Interestingly, I don't feel any sense of embarrassment at all. Actually, everyone in my inner circle knows about my passion for (film) music and it doesn't bother anyone. I even presented my thesis on film music (analysis and comparison of the film music of John Williams and Hans Zimmer) at school two weeks ago, where I really unpacked my nerd knowledge.

I mean if you're not in an environment where it is socially stigmatized then there would be no reason to feel embarrassment

[Andy 4,141]

For me, I didn't care too much, but for social occasions, I had pop music that I liked as well.  But when my college roommates heard what I listened to, they were very accepting and frequently borrowed my CDs of film music.

 

Isn't it more acceptable nowadays?  I mean it's part of Geek Culture now, which is generally an accepted lifestyle, much more than in the 80s when I was growing up.

[1977 1,743]

4 hours ago, Andy said:

But when my college roommates heard what I listened to, they were very accepting and frequently borrowed my CDs of film music.

 

That's where I draw the line. No one shall borrow any of my CDs ever again. I've been burned before.

[Andy 4,141]

Well, to be specific, this was back before boutique soundtrack labels were a thing.  Every disc I loaned was easily replaceable.  And my roommates were cool.

[Kasey Kockroach 2,344]

Did anyone else ever hide the fact you were infatuated with Bryce Dallas Howard or were embarrassed to admit it to members of a film score forum?

[bruce marshall 1,315]

If soundtracks was the ONLY music you listened to, you would definitely hide this fact.

Pop music was always my first love until middle age

[Brónach 1,302]

 

On 16/07/2022 at 3:21 PM, Richard Penna said:

 

My train of thought is far more this in recent years. I talk to a lot of people in my walking group, and I've only ever had two responses - either it triggers a conversation about the best soundtracks, or they just move on with a lack of interest. I've never had a 'oh that's just weird' type reaction.... and it's because we're all adults. I'm fairly confident that you could reveal some very 'alternative' interests with this bunch.

 

In fact my walking friends know me for three things at the moment: I used to do magic, I like instrumental music, and I'm obsessed with Dua Lipa. Not one single person has ever reacted with anything but polite disinterest or fascination with the first two.

 

Back in school, my niche interests were the cause of a bit of isolation and teasing, but that's kids for you.

 

exactly

[bruce marshall 1,315]

I never understood why adults  like to do magic- let alone make it a profession.

I put them in the same category as impressionists😅

[Brónach 1,302]

On 15/07/2022 at 12:28 PM, GerateWohl said:

When I saw this thread again this morning, I thought, well, interesting how white males like me search for ways to work themselves up into something to also be able to feel a little discriminated from time to time.

But this here is not really an issue at all.

 

You're looking at it from the wrong side. It seems to me that bullies and other people in the playground are very good at spotting autism and queer folk, even if they don't know what they're spotting. These are things that can be unknown to the person, which is why the race comment doesn't make sense.

 

1 minute ago, bruce marshall said:

I never understood why adults  like to do magic- let alone make it a profession.

I put them in the same category as impressionists😅

 

it's fun

59 minutes ago, bruce marshall said:

If soundtracks was the ONLY music you listened to, you would definitely hide this fact.

Pop music was always my first love until middle age

 

As time goes my interest in other music has increased quite a lot instead of film music

[rough cut 1,714]

1 hour ago, Kasey Kockroach said:

Did anyone else ever hide the fact you were infatuated with Bryce Dallas Howard or were embarrassed to admit it to members of a film score forum?

No, there’s been no infatuation of my part -  but then again, it was about 20+ years between when I started talking/caring about soundtracks and when she entered the mainstream consciousness (JP 4).

[Brónach 1,302]

1 hour ago, Kasey Kockroach said:

Did anyone else ever hide the fact you were infatuated with Bryce Dallas Howard or were embarrassed to admit it to members of a film score forum?

 

she was always very pretty

[Bayesian 1,364]

On 17/7/2022 at 1:10 AM, Michael G. said:

Hmm. Interestingly, I don't feel any sense of embarrassment at all. Actually, everyone in my inner circle knows about my passion for (film) music and it doesn't bother anyone. I even presented my thesis on film music (analysis and comparison of the film music of John Williams and Hans Zimmer) at school two weeks ago, where I really unpacked my nerd knowledge.

You must have had good reasons for specifically comparing/contrasting JW and Zimmer in your thesis, but I like to think there'll come a day when Zimmer's name isn't joined at the hip to JW's in academic or nonacademic contexts. Zimmer isn't even nearly at the same level of JW in almost any regard and the more people see the two men mentioned together, the harder it'll be to recognize that disparity.

 

Zimmer's fame is unavoidable, but the coattail-riding legitimacy he falsely earns by repeatedly being mentioned in the same breath as JW is what really sticks in my craw.

[bruce marshall 1,315]

" Legitimacy".

??????!!!!!####????😠😳😳😳😳😳😳

God, I wish I could express how I really feel about that comment.

But, forum rules don't allow it.

 

I'm disappointed Yavar " liked" the above post.😒😣

[bollemanneke 3,350]

I have no time to hide perfectly normal stuff like that. Liking auto-tuned music should be hidden.

[Gabriel Bezerra 302]

20 hours ago, Kasey Kockroach said:

Did anyone else ever hide the fact you were infatuated with Bryce Dallas Howard or were embarrassed to admit it to members of a film score forum?

I can see why...
Yeah, I understand...
Hum, uhum...
Okay, I'm with you.

[Oswin Pond 58]

On 16/07/2022 at 5:20 AM, GerateWohl said:

Counterquestion: What does liking film music have to do with embarassment, confessing or coming out?

Actually, nobody cares.

It is all in our heads, I think.

 

Have you read the answers in this thread? Clearly it's not in our heads.

[GerateWohl 4,371]

16 minutes ago, Oswin Pond said:

 

Have you read the answers in this thread? Clearly it's not in our heads.

I said it before, the reactions and situation described are not specifically rypical for a confession around motion picture soundtracks.

In high school at a certain time I had a Hall and Oates phase while everyone else around me was listening to British independent music like The Smith, Depeche Mode, The Cure, New Model Army, Kissing The Pink, New Order, Sisters of Mercy etc. You should have seen these faces.

So, I personally would exclude that pubertal age for that question when there is anyway a very narrow ground of what is accepted by the majority crowd.

[Oswin Pond 58]

24 minutes ago, GerateWohl said:

I said it before, the reactions and situation described are not specifically rypical for a confession around motion picture soundtracks.

 

It still isn't in our head, no matter if it's typical or not, it's factual. It happened, it's not a hallucination or psychological. And yes people care enough to be mean about it.

 

Quote

In high school at a certain time I had a Hall and Oates phase while everyone else around me was listening to British independent music like The Smith, Depeche Mode, The Cure, New Model Army, Kissing The Pink, New Order, Sisters of Mercy etc. You should have seen these faces.

 

Yeah and you would have been completely legitimate in saying "does anyone else feel ashamed to like Hall and Oates" since you were the only one in this situation around you. What's the problem ?

 

Quote

So, I personally would exclude that pubertal age for that question when there is anyway a very narrow ground of what is accepted by the majority crowd.

 

I gave examples of non-acceptance that happened during adulthood, it's not just the teens.  And what does being a white male have to do with any of this? How do you even know people in this thread are all white and all male.

[Schilkeman 964]

In short, no. I've never hid my musical choices from anyone at any age. I knew from the age of 14 that I had better musical taste than anyone else I knew who wasn't a professional musician. The more I learned about music, the more I felt this to be true, and I still do. My own council will I keep on what is good music. 

 

or movies

or video games

or books.

 

Not to say others' opinions haven't helped shape my own, but no one has ever convinced me that something I like is bad, or vice versa. It's always nice when I can find other people who share my enthusiasm for certain things, but I've never required it, or felt slighted by its absence, or felt any shame for liking what I like regardless of the opinions of others. Life is too short, and I waste enough of it in other ways.

 

[Brónach 1,302]

On 15/07/2022 at 12:29 PM, GerateWohl said:

Interesting question is, which reaction is worse, when you tell someone that you listen to scores? Pop music listeners or classical music listeners. From my experience listeners of classical music have more predjudices against motion picture scores.

 

oh i think back in the old days, in my specific case, the classical music listeners were more into film scores than the reverse.

 

in retrospect, it's probable interest in classical music correlated with playing an instrument and probably correlated to some extent to nerdiness in general, hence perhaps being more interested in movies, or being more receptive of the style of famous scores from the 70's/80's/90's. (like, for example, boy randomly playing Robin Hood on a horn, without an explanation, i remember that).

[Thor 7,519]

Quote

Did anyone else ever hide the fact you listened to film scores or were embarrassed to admit it to friends?

 

Maybe in the early days of my film music fandom. Not so much anymore.

[Bellosh 3,419]

the only time film scores come up in any sort of conversation i have is when someone finds out I still buy CDs.  it's usually followed by a "really?"

 

and then based on the moment and person, i decide whether or not to tell them about expanded scores, missing cues, orchestra fees, financial fees, this stuff never ending up on digital streaming, MM, Titus Artwork ect ect ect.

 

They usually check out mentally by the time I say expanded.

 

I end this with saying this conversation has happened maybe once or twice in real life (friends and family don't count, because they're not real friends if you're embarrassed to talk about this)

[Gabriel Bezerra 302]

Wow, somehow this thread has returned... My second post was in this thread, took a more "screw it" approach about it, won't bring it up 'cause people still don't want to hear it, but won't hide it anymore.

[Mr. Hooper 1,801]

I wore my love of film music on my sleeve even in high school. I recall in art class, the teacher allowed us to play music as we did our work...and while the others brought in Depeche Mode or U2 (this was 1991), I had the nerve to put on the Return of the Jedi score, and rocked out to "Battle in the Forest"! 😄

[Jurassic Shark 12,086]

On 14/07/2022 at 1:59 PM, JTWfan77 said:

I always have and continue to hide this shame from everyone 

 

I just tell people I'm gay* and they leave me alone.

 

 

*I'm not.

[Yavar Moradi 2,599]

3 hours ago, Schilkeman said:

In short, no. I've never hid my musical choices from anyone at any age. I knew from the age of 14 that I had better musical taste than anyone else I knew who wasn't a professional musician. The more I learned about music, the more I felt this to be true, and I still do. My own council will I keep on what is good music. 

 

or movies

or video games

or books.

 

Not to say others' opinions haven't helped shape my own, but no one has ever convinced me that something I like is bad, or vice versa. It's always nice when I can find other people who share my enthusiasm for certain things, but I've never required it, or felt slighted by its absence, or felt any shame for liking what I like regardless of the opinions of others. Life is too short, and I waste enough of it in other ways.

 

Hell yes to this whole post. I'm the same way. Loud and proud. Yes, I was sometimes mocked for my music taste.... but I didn't let it bother me because most normie's music taste is absolute shit.  

 

Yavar

[Edmilson 7,471]

On 14/07/2022 at 8:59 AM, JTWfan77 said:

I always have and continue to hide this shame from everyone 

Me too. I don't like to be "otherized", nor be seen as "that guy with ludicrous taste in music".

 

This is a subject matter I don't like to talk about with most people.

[Jurassic Shark 12,086]

On 16/07/2022 at 1:07 PM, Loert said:

I've had people literally ask "What is compose?"

 

It's the opposite of decompose.

[1977 1,743]

Me: I listen to film scores.

 

People:  

[GerateWohl 4,371]

1 minute ago, JTWfan77 said:

Me: I listen to film scores.

 

People:  

And that is before you tell them that you pay sometimes about 50 bugs for a score expansion on CD.

[Jay 37,373]

6 minutes ago, GerateWohl said:

And that is before you tell them that you pay sometimes about 50 bugs for a score expansion on CD.

 

What kind of bugs?

[Brando 1,864]

2 hours ago, Bellosh said:

They usually check out mentally by the time I say expanded.

If you say " its like a DLC or microtransaction" they might understand better

[Bellosh 3,419]

37 minutes ago, Brando said:

If you say " its like a DLC or microtransaction" they might understand better

 

lol...good point.

 

i do remember trying to explain the concept of all the music from films usually can't fit on 1 CD yet it's not cost effective for these companies to do 2 CD releases for EVERY OST. 

 

and it turned into something like this:  "ooooh i love so & so soundtrack (which of course was all pop songs they were referencing) 

 

So wait, you really bought E.T. on CD for the 3rd time for a 49 second track???

 

[Edmilson 7,471]

In the streaming era, where you can find everything online, the concept of film music albums missing long and important cues from the film score may be so bizarre, so utterly ridiculous for the uninitiated, that even film composers themselves started to releasing almost complete scores on official albums.

 

Too bad only Williams seems to think it's better for the fans to listen to just half of the score available. Didn't his great-grandsons bother to explain to him what Spotify is?

[GerateWohl 4,371]

45 minutes ago, Jay said:

 

What kind of bugs?

[Marian Schedenig 8,208]

1 hour ago, Jay said:

1 hour ago, GerateWohl said:

And that is before you tell them that you pay sometimes about 50 bugs for a score expansion on CD.

 

What kind of bugs?

 

Considering the bugs I've been dealing with recently, 50 of them probably amounts to something like three monthly salaries…

[Brando 1,864]

2 hours ago, Bellosh said:

lol...good point.

I'm glad someone got my joke

 

2 hours ago, Bellosh said:

So wait, you really bought E.T. on CD for the 3rd time for a 49 second track???

Was this for The Kiss? Because thats understandable

[Bellosh 3,419]

1 hour ago, Brando said:

I'm glad someone got my joke

 

Was this for The Kiss? Because thats understandable

 

It was my single most wanted cue of all time that wasn't from an Indy score. I believe it has THE best rendition of the E.T. theme in the entire score.

 

Not to mention the transition to it is GODLY.

 

The Kiss represents everything we got into archaeology expanded scores for, Marcus Brando