by Justin Hawkins of The Darkness recently shared his candid thoughts on modern music and certain high-profile artists during an interview on Rick Beato’s YouTube channel.
When asked who he considers to be “artists that’s a content creator more than musician,” Hawkins didn’t hold back his opinions on several mainstream acts.
“Coldplay. Drake. I mean, anything that I don’t care about, I just reject as content, you know?” Hawkins said. “It’s like there’s a lot of stuff out there that’s like huge and millions and millions of people listen to it. But it means absolutely nothing to me. And I don’t care for it. So I resign it to the content file. And until they make something that matters to me, I’m just not it’s going to stay there.”
The 50-year-old rocker was particularly critical of Drake’s music. He expressed his inability to connect with the rapper’s work.
“Like if I listened to Drake, I’d be really gobsmacked if I got through a whole song. It’s so boring to me,” he continued. “I don’t understand how anybody can listen to that and consider it music or art. And I know that’s old man chatting in the cloud. I’m fucking 50. You know, I listen to proper music made by musicians and I care about it.”
The comments reflect Hawkins’ perspective on the distinction between what he considers authentic musicianship and content creation in today’s music industry.
Hawkins’ appearance on Rick Beato’s channel is part of his broader engagement with digital media platforms. The interview revealed that Hawkins discussed his transition from being a rockstar with The Darkness to becoming a social media personality. He highlighted the importance of social media in today’s music landscape. He noted that it provides artists with a platform to connect directly with their audience and share their creative work without traditional industry constraints.
The interview took place on a platform known for its deep musical analysis. Rick Beato’s YouTube channel showed that the host is recognized for his in-depth interviews and analysis of music. His channel features a series called “What Makes This Song Great?” where he breaks down the composition and elements that make a song successful. This style of content has attracted a large following and is appreciated for its depth and insight into music production.
Interestingly, Drake, one of the artists Hawkins criticized, has been dealing with his own challenges in the music industry. EDM Rekords reported that Drake is currently involved in a significant legal dispute with Universal Music Group. This legal battle emphasizes the complexities of music rights and distribution in the modern industry. These issues can impact artists’ careers and public perception.
Hawkins’ outspoken comments add to the ongoing conversation about what constitutes authentic artistry in an era where streaming numbers and social media presence often define success. His perspective represents a generational divide in how music is created, consumed, and valued in the contemporary landscape.
