What's Worse Than Horror?
Lately I’ve been thinking about fear; what causes it, what feeds it. Is it sensory discomfort, a psychological trigger, the dread of unexpected outcomes, or the consequences that might follow? Fear is a complex state of mind, shaped by how we perceive the past, present, and future.
Recently, I watched people play horror video games. They were disturbing at first, but over time I began to see how fear is engineered: tension-building, jump scares, unsettling music, grotesque visuals, and twisted narratives. Instead of feeling afraid, I found myself analyzing how the experience is designed to manipulate us-sometimes even to the point of laughter. As much as I dislike horror, I understand its appeal: it confronts the raw vulnerability of being human.
But then, I watched music performance videos on Instagram-and I felt something far worse than fear: disgust. Utter disgust. Unlike horror games, which manipulate us for entertainment, these performances manipulate admiration. The music itself was hollow, but the illusion of greatness was carefully crafted, preying on the ignorance of the audience. It wasn’t about the art-it was about serving the ego. After nearly 30 years of making music, I’ve come to realize that “music” often becomes a shorthand for manipulating attention; a wicked tool/ dark art of steering emotion to serve one’s own ends.
This is a perversion. Music, a powerful force meant to uplift and connect, is being corrupted-used to glorify individuals, make money, and perpetuate mediocrity/ ignorance. Worse still, many embrace it willingly. Music has become a tool of vanity and enslavement. And the most tragic part? People love their chains.
There’s a deep sense of futility in being part of an industry where self-praise and image matter more than the work itself.