The question of whether musicians find it pretentious when pop musicians or singers are referred to as “artists” is a complex one that depends on a variety of factors, including the individual musician’s background, musical genre, and personal beliefs about the nature of art and creativity.
To begin, it’s important to define what is meant by the term “artist.” According to the Oxford English Dictionary, an artist is “a person who creates paintings or drawings as a profession or hobby.” However, the term is often used more broadly to refer to anyone who is engaged in creative or expressive work, including musicians, writers, and performers.
In the world of popular music, the term “artist” is often used to refer to musicians or singers who write and perform their own music, as opposed to those who simply interpret the work of others. This distinction is important because it speaks to the idea of creativity and originality, which are highly valued in the artistic community.
So, do musicians find it pretentious when pop musicians or singers are referred to as “artists”? The answer is not straightforward, as it depends on a variety of factors.
Some musicians may view the term “artist” as a high honor, reserved only for those who have achieved a certain level of artistic excellence or innovation. These individuals may believe that pop musicians or singers who are referred to as “artists” have not earned that title through their creative work.
Others may view the term “artist” as more inclusive, recognizing that creativity and expression can take many different forms and that pop musicians or singers can be just as “artistic” as those in other musical genres.
Ultimately, the question of whether pop musicians or singers can be considered “artists” is a matter of personal opinion and depends on how one defines the term. While some musicians may view the use of the term as pretentious or inaccurate, others may embrace it as a sign of respect and recognition for their creative work.
Sources:
- Oxford English Dictionary
- “What Makes an Artist?” by David Coggins, Wall Street Journal, May 20, 2016.
