It’s inexplicable to me why Kings of Leon drummer Nathan Followill would make a public comment on American taste in popular music, as his band has been one of the most successful rock acts in the States for the past year, but here’s the quote:
“Most music gets ignored in the States unless it’s hip-hop or Hannah Montana or Disney music like the Jonas Brothers,” Followill said, according to Contact Music. “Kiddy pop or hip-hop, that’s pretty much what America is.”
“The U.K. is more open to all kinds of music. The fans are just insane in the U.K. – they are music lovers. You have kids going to shows to see the bands, not going to a show to be seen there.”
His comments kind of echo recent statements from The Killers’ Brandon Flowers, whose band’s latest record struggled to break in America. In the past, Flowers has blamed America for not being receptive to guitar-driven rock music, when that’s what his band was playing, and for being too obsessed with older rock bands, when The Killers were pushing a more modern dance sound.
I’m not sure either of these international rock stars should be engaging in a debate over which side of the pond has better music fans. Either way, maybe Kanye could teach them about some of his newfound humility.