Performative male style introduced into music industry

Recently, a newfound surge in popularity for performative male music has taken place.

Associated with performative males, an archetype that went viral on social media in 2025, performative music includes music from artists who specialize in indie/alternative pop, jazz, and other “soft” mainstream genres. Such artists include Beabadobee, Laufey, Clairo, The Marías, and others. 

The stereotype of performative music is to be attractive to women by listening to relatively popular female artists, perhaps for a social identity rather than a genuine connection. 

Moreover, the music also fits into the “performative” fashion statement of wearing baggy jeans, consuming matcha-flavored drinks, collecting Labubus, and reading feminist literature – all part of being a performative male. 

For some, performative male music spurs the argument of attention seeking compared to genuine enjoyment.

While respect should be given to music artists’ creations, it is hard to conclude whether people who listen to this music actually find their vibe in it.

“I think that music deemed ‘performative’ can sometimes be good,” Fifth Former Hugh Williams said. “However, I also think that the ‘performative’ thing is simply a meme.”

“It’s inauthentic – you enjoy music for yourself, not for social media or attention.”

Brandyn LUOng ’27

Other students agree with Williams, acknowledging this trend as a meme.

“The only people who engage in this behavior are doing it to farm for engagement on social media,” Fifth Former Brandyn Luong said.

“It’s inauthentic – you enjoy music for yourself, not for social media or attention,” Luong said. “It’s a style, but because of social media, it’s been warped.”

Given these perspectives on this topic, it’s clear that students believe the “performative” style is an example of social media’s effect. 

In its roots, the performative style can be very unique – yet, it also restricts people from expanding into new art styles. The perceptiveness of fashion styles is shallow, but the potential is far.