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Damon Albarn disillusioned by 'selfie generation' of modern music: 'Young artists talk about themselves, not what's happening'

The Blur frontman decried social media narcissism for ruining pop

Jenn Selby
Sunday 19 April 2015 11:48 EDT
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Damon Albarn of Blur released his debut solo album on 28 April
Damon Albarn of Blur released his debut solo album on 28 April (Getty Images)

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Damon Albarn is less than impressed by what he hears from the majority of young musicians today.

Why? Because he thinks “the selfie generation” of artists are so wrapped up in themselves, they have forgotten how to use their work to discuss issues that truly matter and challenge the establishment.

Speaking to The Sunday Times Culture magazine, the Blur frontman, 47, said: “But look at music now. Does it say anything?

”Young artists talk about themselves, not what's happening out there. It's the selfie generation. They're talking platitudes.

“What are any of them saying? I don't hear anything other than: 'This is how I feel.' Which is an important part of song-writing, but we're talking in the context of the election - and they don't have anything to do with it.”

Elsewhere during the interview he discussed his “ideal scenario” come election time.

“Green and Labour, with a serious move to reduce Trident and the armed forces,” he said.

The Britpop band are currently on the promotional trail ahead of the release of their eighth studio album, The Magic Whip.

The record will be the group’s first since Think Tank in 2003.

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