"you only like [band] because [other band] talked about them!" well yes that is how discovering artists tends to work actually
Never let anyone make you feel bad for listening to an artist because you saw an artist you like wearing their t-shirt or tour with them or mention them in an interview. It is a beautiful thing to want to listen to the people who influence artists you love and the best way to find similar music. Discovering new music is never a bad thing no matter how you found it. The scene functions through word of mouth all the way from your local basements up to giant stadiums.