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Give Me a Beat
How the Music Industry Influences Your Teen's Sense of Style
By Carma Haley Shoemaker
Support of the music industry and the individual artists and bands can be seen everywhere, one chest at a time. Music related or influenced fashion accounts for nearly a quarter of all clothing sales to teenagers ages 12 to 19. However, clothing is just the beginning of the influence.
"The reason I'm in a band is because of [my favorite band]," says James Hatterfield of Greensboro, N.C. There are many teens like Hatterfield who have allowed their favorite band or artist to influence their activities and interests. In addition, ask any successful band how they got started, and they are sure to mention someone who influenced them – another musical artist.
"I think teens identify with music and always have," says Marc O. Gould, lead vocalist and guitarist for rock band, Off By One, from San Diego, Calif. "I think it's possible that it reflects how they feel, but it's probably not reflective of who [the kid] is entirely. Music is a great energy release. I can see how people identify with how an artist feels. It's like, 'Hey, I'm feelin' ya!'"
Many areas are influenced by music and the music industry. While this influence may not always be dominate, it is always there. "Many kids keep their likes and dislikes under their hat," says Margaret Sagarese, tween expert and author. "Kids can be cruel. So if a teen likes things that are not as popular – such as classical, jazz or blues music – they often keep it confined within the walls of their own home or their room to avoid any ridicule. So just because someone doesn't wear their music likes on their chest doesn't mean that their favorite performing artist doesn't influence them greatly."
