Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Damon Albarn disillusioned by 'selfie generation' of modern music: 'Young artists talk about themselves, not what's happening'

The Blur frontman decried social media narcissism for ruining pop

Jenn Selby
Sunday 19 April 2015 16:48 BST
Comments
Damon Albarn of Blur released his debut solo album on 28 April
Damon Albarn of Blur released his debut solo album on 28 April (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Damon Albarn is less than impressed by what he hears from the majority of young musicians today.

Why? Because he thinks “the selfie generation” of artists are so wrapped up in themselves, they have forgotten how to use their work to discuss issues that truly matter and challenge the establishment.

Speaking to The Sunday Times Culture magazine, the Blur frontman, 47, said: “But look at music now. Does it say anything?

”Young artists talk about themselves, not what's happening out there. It's the selfie generation. They're talking platitudes.

“What are any of them saying? I don't hear anything other than: 'This is how I feel.' Which is an important part of song-writing, but we're talking in the context of the election - and they don't have anything to do with it.”

Elsewhere during the interview he discussed his “ideal scenario” come election time.

“Green and Labour, with a serious move to reduce Trident and the armed forces,” he said.

The Britpop band are currently on the promotional trail ahead of the release of their eighth studio album, The Magic Whip.

The record will be the group’s first since Think Tank in 2003.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in