Part 8/10:
Current popular music among teens leans towards different genres—artists like YoungBoy Never Broke Again and Lil Boozy now dominate playlists. The absence of "edgy" or heavy music in their cultural experience reflects a shift away from the outsider narratives and communal vibe once associated with metal.
Mike, one of the interviewees, emphasizes that there is a missing "lifestyle" and "vibe" that characterized heavy metal's cultural appeal. The communal moshing, the feeling of being outside the mainstream, and the sense of rebellion are less prevalent in today's youth culture. The silence of phones and the presence of parents at concerts contrasted sharply with today's more controlled environments.