Trollheart

No it doesn't, to refer to the original question. People are complex and enjoy (or can enjoy) a wide variety of things, including music, films, books and TV. If I watch "Criminal minds", "Dexter" or even "Hill Street Blues" am I necessarily the sort of person who might a) join the police force or b) commit a crime? If I read William Gibson am I going to be out of my head on drugs?

No, you listen to what you want to and the wider the variety the more rounded your tastes are, but you remain the person you are. Unless I had told them, there are few here who could have divined much about me by my musical tastes. They would probably work out I was older than most due to the age of the bands and the references I make, and if they read my journal they'll occasionally hear me talk about things like not having a phone in the house, or remembering before there were ATMs and so know that I am quite old. But other than that the music I listen to doesn't tell you if I like animals (I don't, I love them) if I'm politically aware (a little) if I'm single ( I am) or get depressed (sometimes, like everyone) or indeed what football team I support (Villa). This all comes through what I tell people either in threads or in my writings through my journal.

I'm into a relatively wide variety of music, though there is a lot I'm not into. I can listen to Waits, Marillion, Dan Fogelberg, Nanci Griffith, Debussy, Chopin, Rachmaninov, Maiden, Genesis, Sigur Ros, Asia, Virgin Steele, Kamelot, Robbie Williams, Kylie, Eagles, Alan Parsons and hundreds other bands, many of whom have nothing to do with each other. This contributes, I feel, the to person I am, but rather than define it it enhances what is already there. But if I did not listen to these bands, would I be the person I am now?

Certainly. Music is a massive part of my life, but it is not my life. There are other things as important, and I guess in one way everything we do, say, encounter, struggle through, win victories over, learn and move on from contributes to who we end up being. Music is just a small part of that, in the overall scheme of things. It is part of who I am, but it is not who I am, nor is it responsible for the person I am today.

So in other words, no.

__________________
Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

Paul Smeenus

Over The Rhine and Lightning/Panthers

__________________
Gentle Giant Catalog Review

The entire Ditty Bops catalog reviewed

SGR

Haha, how old did you think I was?

The Batlord

So if I were to infer from these bands that you were a dork I would be off base?

__________________

Janszoon

Mid-twenties at least. And that's definitely meant as a compliment.

__________________
A Night in the Life of the Invisible Man

Time & Place

25 Albums You Should Hear Before the Moon Crashes into the Earth and We All Die

last.fm

misspoptart

Ok, so you've established that you think people can't judge you by your tastes in music...but do you feel what you listen to is an extension of you?

See, this is where I have to say no! I think the music I've listened to and the bands/songs I like add layers to my personality and soul that wouldn't have been there otherwise. Perhaps I meant this to be more of a discussion about music and the human soul, if you think it exists.

I think the hypothetical human soul and music are very closely intertwined, actually. For example, I emote my energy -- whether negative or positive -- better when music is in the mix.

CLOSER

I believe that it is childish to judge someone based on the music they listen to, until their selections are a cultural choice that I don't relate to.

For instance if I am surrounded by individuals who believe they are the next lyricist of 2013 while reciting lyrics which embody ideals such as 'slappin dat hoe cos I'm a queen bee'; the creation of this subconscious mantra will justifiably allow me to decide I do not want to spend tea time with that person.

For many, the music they listen to is a piece of spiritual release that they might not otherwise get - arguably all individuals souls are extended by the sounds they long to hear repeatedly. What an interesting study.

Secondly, the suggestion of the music you listen to being a conscious action is not something I necessarily agree with. Many listen to music and don't understand the root of why it is so pleasing to them.
By this I don't mean statements like,
"I love classical music because it is so calming."
or
"Rock is awesome because it speaks to my rebellious side!!! "
Satirical lyrics? Ethereal tone? Nostalgic feelings? Social acceptance? Statements like the two I quoted stem from deeper feelings than just songs being well written or time transcending. It truly is parallel to the listeners state of mind - whether they understand how to articulate why or not.