Music is roiling with change on several fronts because worldwide culture is in upheaval. We will be looking at multiple aspects of the dramatic changes that will dominate 2022,  starting today with the Gender Revolution.

 People are claiming their right to determine their gender identities. In the survey accompanying the report, a majority of people say traditional gender roles no longer apply.  

Twenty-five percent of Generation Z expect their gender identity to change a minimum of once during their lives, the use of “they” as a singular word to refer to a person of any gender is up 58%, and the use of non-sexist language in Mexico is up nearly 700%. Further examples from around the world follow this trend. 

Expect music lyrics to  use “they” and “their” to refer to individuals instead of “him, his, her, hers,."  Songwriters will have to find ways to express emotions without reference to how someone looks or acts. Or perhaps we should say, those kinds of songs will be quite useful in sync. 

The current “Bad Bitch” subgenre may eventually be sung by a person of either sex to a person of either sex. 

Music is not only becoming gender-neutral; it is becoming gender-inclusive. In other words, we may see projects that require references to gender identity rather than trying to hide a person’s gender.  

Expect film projects that deal with the pain of being ridiculed for one’s gender identity. Those painful songs need to be in the works now.  It is also likely there will be a need for songs that deal with the positives of being different. 

And be ready for the backlash. Conservative genres may fight for the old distinctions. 

Don’t expect updated “flower child” music about peace, love, and getting along. We may be headed toward an angry outburst from young people who don’t accept the rules that have fostered oppression and death for those who are different. Get your angry songs ready.