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The Relationship Between Your Personality and Your Music Taste

Your personality can have a big influence on the kind of music you like. If you’re shy, you might prefer mellower, introspective songs. If you’re outgoing, you might prefer upbeat, party-like tunes.

There are also some specific personality traits that tend to go hand-in-hand with certain music genres. For example, people who are high in openness to experience are more likely to enjoy classical and jazz music, while people who are high in agreeableness tend to prefer country music.  So if you’re curious about what your music taste says about you and even about which type of music you should listen to, here are some personality traits that might be influencing your choices:
Photo: Reynier Carl

There are also some specific personality traits that tend to go hand-in-hand with certain music genres. For example, people who are high in openness to experience are more likely to enjoy classical and jazz music, while people who are high in agreeableness tend to prefer country music.


So if you’re curious about what your music taste says about you and even about which type of music you should listen to, here are some personality traits that might be influencing your choices:


1. You’re Sensitive and Introspective


If you’re the type of person who is sensitive and introspective, you might prefer mellower songs that allow you to reflect on your own thoughts and emotions. You might also be drawn to lyrics that are deep and meaningful. Artists like Adele, Bon Iver, and Sufjan Stevens could be some of your favorites.


2. You’re Energetic and Outgoing


If you’re an outgoing person, you might prefer music that gets you moving and puts you in a good mood. You might also enjoy songs with catchy hooks and positive lyrics. Artists like Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, and Bruno Mars could be some of your favorites.


3. You’re Creative and Imaginative


If you’re a creative person, you might prefer music that is unique and innovative. You might also enjoy lyrics that are abstract or open to interpretation. Artists like Arcade Fire, Radiohead, and Björk could be some of your favorites.


4. You’re Analytical and Logical


If you’re an analytical person, you might prefer music that is complex and challenging. You might also enjoy lyrics that are clever and well-crafted. Artists like Kendrick Lamar, J Cole, and Chance the Rapper could be some of your favorites.


5. You’re Organized and Task-Oriented


If you’re an organized and task-oriented person, you might prefer music that is straightforward and easy to follow. You might also enjoy lyrics that are clear and concise. Artists like Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, and Bieber could be some of your favorites.


Traits of Fans of Specific Music Genres


Let's now take a look at some of the specific personality traits that tend to be associated with certain music genres:


1. Country Music Fans


People who prefer country music tend to be high in agreeableness and conscientiousness. They are typically friendly, compassionate, and hardworking. They might also be traditional and convention-following.


2. Hip-Hop Fans


People who prefer hip-hop tend to be high in extraversion and openness to experience. They are typically outgoing, creative, and open-minded. They might also be somewhat rebellious and nonconformist.


3. Pop Music Fans


People who prefer pop music tend to be high in extraversion and neuroticism. They are typically outgoing and high-strung. They might also be impulsive and easily-influenced by others.


4. EDM Fans


People who prefer electronic dance music (EDM) tend to be high in extraversion, openness to experience, and agreeableness. They are typically outgoing, social, and compassionate. They might also be open-minded and easygoing.


5. Classical Music Fans


People who prefer classical music tend to be high in openness to experience and conscientiousness. They are typically creative and hardworking. They might also be organized and detail-oriented.


6. Rock Music Fans


People who prefer rock music tend to be high in extraversion and openness to experience. They are typically outgoing and creative. They might also be somewhat rebellious and nonconformist.


7. Jazz Music Fans


People who prefer jazz music tend to be high in openness to experience and agreeableness. They are typically creative and compassionate. They might also be open-minded and easygoing.


8. Folk Music Fans


People who prefer folk music tend to be high in neuroticism, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. They are typically high-strung, friendly, and hardworking. They might also be traditional and convention-following.


9. Metal Music Fans


People who prefer metal music tend to be high in neuroticism and extraversion. They are typically high-strung and outgoing. They might also be impulsive and easily-influenced by others.


How Accurate is Your Music Personality Test?


Now that you know a little bit about how your personality can influence your music taste, you might be wondering how accurate these tests really are.


Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to this question. While some research has found that music preference can be a good indicator of personality, other studies have found mixed results.


So while your music taste might say something about your personality, it’s important to remember that these tests are far from perfect. They should only be used as a general guide, not as a definitive assessment of your personality.


If you want to learn more about your personality, there are other assessments that might be more helpful, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). This test is based on Carl Jung’s theory of psychological type and has been shown to be a reliable indicator of personality.


What's Common About All Music Fans?


No matter what your favorite music genre is, there are some personality traits that all music fans tend to share.


People who enjoy music tend to be high in extraversion, agreeableness, and openness to experience. They are typically outgoing, social, and creative. They might also be open-minded and easygoing.


So if you’re looking for a way to connect with other people, music might be a good place to start. Chances are, you have more in common with someone who likes the same type of music as you do than you might think.

 

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