One’s choice in music is a highly personal thing. My reasons for the love I have towards certain artists is highly personal, just as to the reason why you adore the band you love. So, what reason do we have to slag it off? None. None at all.

Now, I have done and still do mock some of my friends music taste. However- I clearly do not mean it. If you think Britney Spears is the best thing in life, go ahead and enjoy yourself. If meaningless “pop” music gets you going, so be it. You stick to that, I’ll stick to Velvet Underground and the likes of. I’m not friends with certain people because of their music taste but the person they are. Someone could like the same music as me but be the biggest wanker in the world. Or, they could have the opposite taste and be the most loving, trust-worthy person I know. I’ll go with the latter. I’ll take heart over what music you like any day.

I’ve probably got just the one friend who appreciates the same bands as I do. They love My Bloody Valentine, Suede, The Jesus And Mary Chain as much as I do. They just get it. They get that TJMC words mean everything to me, however this friend likes bands I’d rather rid the music industry of. But, the friendship works and I wouldn’t have it any other way at all. Yes it’s all well and good to have common ground, but at the same time- you want something for your own. None of my friends will appreciate and love Zola Jesus the way I do. Just like I don’t appreciate or even like certain bands they do.

Everyone judges everyone based on the things that do not matter. Do I care for your sexuality? No. Do I care what your race is? No. Do I care for what your religion is? No. I care for none of these things. Do I care what music you are into? To an extent, it’d be nice to talk about something wouldn’t it. It’s on a par with what kind of literature you are into (Poe is the greatest!) You should never let anything define who you are. For instance, I’m a lesbian (hate that word) but I never ever and will never let it define who I am. I suppose if I had to, I’d just use the word “Punk” to define who I am. Based on my thoughts, feelings, way of being and music I’m into, you know? Gun to my head, I’d choose “Punk.” Failing that, I’d just say Human Being, because that is what we are- before anything and after everything, that is what we are first. Human Beings.

So, as we are Human Beings why do we feel the need to belittle others for what they are into? I was speaking to my mum the other day about the music I am into. She said, “Ever since I can remember you have always listened to music that was dark I suppose. You always listened to music that was never played on the radio- unless you heard John Peel play it.” That’s so true. All too often I’ve been called “pretentious” amongst others words based on what I listen to. I’ve never paid attention to the charts because I really don’t see the point in them. Why is there such competition for something so meaningless? Surely it means more for people to come see you live or stop you in the street and say,”Your album changed my life.” Rather than being number 1 constantly. I don’t know, I really don’t. However, as much as I adore the music I listen to, which I suppose is mainly Punk and Shoegaze- no one seems to believe me when I say I bloody love Bros. When Will I Be Famous used to make me dance when I was a baby. I think I had a routine. I also had a slight obsession with Jason Donovan. I have no shame nor will I apologise for it.

So, to all you people who are constantly called names because you love music that everyone mocks you for- I feel for you. I really do. So, do me a favour- next time someone attempts to put you down- just tell them to quite simply, shut the f__k up. You are a person. No one is like another. Like what you like. Love who you want to love. Be free. Always, be free. In your heart, body, mind and soul- just be free. Constantly. Nobody can take what you love from you if you keep it locked in your heart.

You should never have to justify yourself to anyone. You love Ke$ha? Go for it. You love Echo & The Bunnymen? Be proud. To hell what anyone else thinks or says.

I cannot explain my love for Morrissey, I just don’t have the words. I love him because well, I just do. Just like I love other bands- I have reasons for why, but I just lack the words to express why. I suppose that shows the depth of my love. You love because you can. You just do.

Never change who you are for anyone. Be proud. Always.