FAN ENGAGEMENT
Thoughts from Marin fans
Brockhampton is not universally liked, but the teens that like them are not passive fans: they are almost obsessive. Let's hear from some MA students about the ways the band has impacted them and why it is so controversial. What makes them so liked by some people and not liked by others?
In a poll on my Instagram, 12/19 people said they liked BROCKHAMPTON while 7/19 said they did not like the group.
Some responses about why the group is so controversial:
Mackenzie, 18
why do you listen to brockhampton?
I think teenagers want to be a part of something- that's why friend groups exist, etc. I think there's simultaneously this desire for individuality. [BROCKHAMPTON] offers a community, a safe space for teenagers that feel like they don't belong/aren't represented by society. I also think this whole "alternative" scene is starting to gain a lot of traction, and people get "clout
what about them is so appealing to the teenage audience?
I really love their music (obviously), but I also really mesh with the sort of culture they're a part of-- this new, young, alternative scene (like kids who skate and wear Golf and stuff like that and do their own thing). I also think it's cool to see a lot of different identities represented in one group.
?"from listening to brockhampton and dressing a certain way, as other people see them as edgy/cool, which makes people feel unique, even if it's not that unique. Not going to lie, every kid at a brockhampton show pretty much dresses the same.
how do they market their merchandise to fans? why do you buy merch?
they make it seem super limited: like you're buying something exclusive and individualistic. I honestly am not sure why I buy it.
how would you describe their live shows?
CRAZY. They're fun, always have been. I kind of miss the old shows where it was just them on a small stage, doing their thing. Now that they've kind of blown up, they're able to afford better production, and their visuals are crazy. The crowd can be super wild. I honestly couldn't tell you if their live rapping is that good- I think the appeal is mostly actually seeing them. They also feel familiar- I think it's because I've been to a good amount now, but every time I go it feels safe (I mean, this last show was a little different because they're much bigger now so the group of people is different).
does their vulnerability appeal to you as a fan?
yeah! I think that's what keeps me coming back to their music. it's cool to have people in the spotlight who are honest and real about the stuff they've been through.
Sebastian, 14​
why do you listen to brockhampton?
i listen to brockhampton because i enjoy hearing the collaboration between members with very different styles. each song is packed with a jam- packed energetic verse from almost every member. their music contains every genre- pop-ish rap from the groups lead- kevin abstract, old hip hop influenced style from dom mclennon, an edgy, sassy teen feel from bearface, a loud, yelling, energetic attitude from merlyn, and a falsetto catchy rap from joba. i feel connected with them because they are really just kids that met on a kanye west fan page, and met up and formed the boyband. it shows how easy it is to find people you share visions with.
how would you describe their engagement with fans?
the group is very kind with their fans, they are very interactive and everything they do is very positive. they always seem like they are having such a great time while making music and performing.
what about them is so appealing to the teenage audience?
they are so appealing to their fans because they are young, and have so much fun while doing everything they do. they touch on real issues that are very relatable in their lyrics. each member is distinct from the rest, so while listening to any of their songs, you can tell which of the unique voices is which member.
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how would you describe their live shows?
their live show is one of the best parts of the group. their energy and cooperation with each other is so amazing to experience. they all take turns doing their verse, and all the fans know all of the words. the graphics on the big screen behind them while performing is a very nice addition to the energy. the graphic designer of the group, hk has a constant video playing behind them, switching between live footage of the members and prerecorded videos. the energy of the shows can be compared to a verse from merlyn wood, loud, energetic and very tempting to sing every word. overall, the energy is what makes them so memorable.
does their vulnerability appeal to you as a fan?
their vulnerability appeals to me a lot as a fan. i often don’t listen to the more popular, older artists as much as bh. this is because i feel like the members are just like us fans, doing whatever they want and being relatable to us.
would you characterize them as a boyband?
while boyband isn’t the term most would use when drafting the hip hop group, i like how they are redefining the word. the word really means a group of boys in a band, which is exactly what they are. the word is typically associated with groups such as one direction with more of a pop influence. i love how they define their group as a boyband, redefining this word.
Mackenzie and her favorite BH merch
Meme making fun of BH fans:
favorite song of BH's from Sebastian's instagram
A senior at MA's Spotify yearly recap. He listened to 130 hours of BROCKHAMPTON in 2018.