Music, in its purest form, is a universal language. It transcends boundaries, connects people from all walks of life, and creates a shared sense of belonging. This is a sentiment that Kian Egan, a founding member of the iconic Irish boy band *Westlife*, strongly believes in. In a recent exclusive interview, Kian opened up about his journey in the music industry, the evolution of the music landscape, and his unwavering belief that “good music has no age or gender limit.”
The Journey of Kian Egan: From Boy Band Stardom to Personal Growth**
Westlife, formed in 1998, is one of the most successful pop groups of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Known for their heartfelt ballads and harmonious vocals, the group took the world by storm with hits like “Flying Without Wings,” “Swear It Again,” and “You Raise Me Up.” Over the years, Westlife became synonymous with anthemic love songs that won the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. However, as the group evolved and took a hiatus, Kian Egan did not simply rest on his laurels.
He delved into a solo career, embraced new musical ventures, and eventually began his journey as a coach on *The Voice UK*. Through it all, Kian’s passion for music remained unwavering, and his perspective on the industry grew more nuanced.
“I’ve always believed that music is not confined to age, gender, or any other societal boundaries,” Kian shared during the interview. “When Westlife first started, we had fans ranging from children to adults. And through the years, we’ve seen generations of fans come together through the music we’ve created. That’s when I realized that music is a connector—it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from. If the music is good, it resonates with people.”
A Universal Connection: Music’s Timeless Nature**
It’s no secret that music has the power to shape and influence our emotions. From the euphoric highs of dance anthems to the heart-wrenching lows of soulful ballads, music mirrors human experiences in a way that words alone cannot. Kian’s belief that good music knows no age or gender limit is rooted in this very concept.
“Music speaks to people on a personal level, but it also creates a shared experience,” Kian explained. “The beauty of music is that it doesn’t matter how old or young you are, or where you come from. If it touches your soul, it connects with you. That’s why you’ll see grandfathers, parents, and young kids all singing along to the same song at a concert. There’s no barrier.”
His philosophy aligns with the current evolution of the music industry, which is more diverse and inclusive than ever before. Modern streaming platforms and social media have democratized the way people access and consume music, breaking down the traditional limitations that once existed. Today, an artist’s success is often dictated by how their music resonates with listeners across age groups and demographics, rather than adhering to a specific genre or audience.
The current era of music is also marked by the convergence of various genres—hip hop, country, rock, pop, and classical—merging in innovative ways. Kian notes that this fusion of styles and sounds is a reflection of how the music industry is moving toward a more open and inclusive approach.
“Some people may still try to stick to old-school definitions of what music ‘should’ sound like,” Kian said, “but I think it’s exciting to see how artists are blending different styles. It’s proof that the barriers between genres are slowly falling. Good music doesn’t need to fit into a particular box. If it resonates with people, that’s what matters.”
The Power of Representation: Gender Inclusivity in Music**
As the global music scene becomes more progressive, conversations around representation and inclusivity have gained considerable traction. Kian shared his thoughts on how the notion of gender in music is evolving, particularly in a time when artists are increasingly encouraged to express themselves authentically, regardless of traditional gender expectations.
“While I grew up in an era where boy bands were predominantly male, I see a shift now where it’s not about whether you’re a male or female artist—it’s about your talent, your voice, and your creativity,” he said. “Look at artists like Billie Eilish, Sam Smith, or Lil Nas X. They’re breaking the mold of what people expect an artist to be, and that’s refreshing. They are examples of how music should be about expressing yourself, not conforming to a particular gender stereotype.”
Kian’s thoughts reflect a larger societal trend of dismantling gender norms in both the arts and beyond. In fact, many new artists, especially in the pop and indie scenes, are pushing the envelope when it comes to gender expression and musical identity. The emphasis now is on authenticity rather than conforming to traditional labels or expectations, which has paved the way for a more inclusive music industry.
“We’ve come a long way from the days when a male artist was expected to only sing about love in a very specific way or when female singers had to adhere to certain looks or behavior,” Kian added. “Today, it’s about being real with your audience. Whether you’re male, female, or non-binary, if you’re being true to who you are, that’s what counts.”
Music’s Role in Personal Transformation**
Over the years, Kian Egan’s personal journey has been marked by a profound transformation, both as an artist and as an individual. As a member of Westlife, he was thrust into the limelight at a young age, navigating the challenges of fame, relationships, and balancing personal and professional lives. However, Kian is quick to highlight the role that music has played in his personal evolution.
“Music has been my constant companion through all stages of my life. It’s been there in the good times and the bad. There’s something incredibly powerful about the way music can help you process emotions, heal, and even change your perspective on life,” he reflected.
His experiences in the band and as a solo artist have given him an understanding of music as both a career and a passion. It’s also inspired him to be a mentor to aspiring artists, encouraging them to create and express themselves in ways that feel authentic. This is why Kian remains involved in projects like *The Voice UK*, where he helps discover and nurture new talent.
The Future of Music: A World Without Boundaries**
As Kian reflects on the future of music, he remains optimistic. With the rise of technology, digital platforms, and an increasingly globalized world, he sees an exciting future for artists and fans alike.
“The future of music is incredibly exciting,” Kian said. “We’re going to see even more collaboration between artists from different cultures, genres, and backgrounds. The accessibility to music is only growing. Anyone, anywhere in the world, can listen to the same song and feel the same emotion. It’s no longer about geography or age—it’s about the power of the song itself.”
Kian also spoke about the lasting impact of the legacy of boy bands like Westlife. While some might see their era as part of the past, Kian believes that the influence of such music continues to shape the industry today. “Boy bands like us showed people how powerful harmonies and lyrics could be. That will never go out of style. The key is knowing when to evolve, but always staying true to the heart of the music.”
Conclusion: A Message for the New Generation**
As Kian Egan reflects on his career and the evolving landscape of music, his message to the new generation of artists and fans is clear: “Don’t let anyone tell you what good music is. Don’t let labels define what you’re capable of. If it comes from the heart and it resonates with others, then it’s good music. Music is a celebration of individuality, creativity, and freedom, and it should never be limited by age, gender, or any other boundary.”
In the end, Kian’s belief is simple but profound: **Good music, at its core, has no limits.**
