"Because I'm happy / Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof / Because I'm happy / Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth / Because I'm happy / Clap along if you know what happiness is to you /Because I'm happy / Clap along if you feel like that's what you wanna do"
Did you sing this lyrics? Did you feel happy? Did it make you smile? Music is powerful isn't it! What does Music mean to your life? Is it a form of relaxation? A source of excitement? Or is it just a hobby? Music is a universal language which spreads joy through it's melodies, teaches us how to feel, uplifts our spirits and gives us a boost of energy through it's rhythm. It also serves as a means of healing and togetherness.
When World Music Day was introduced in the 1980s, it was originally known as fête de la Musique, which means 'Make Music'. Wonderful catchphrase right? Make Music everyone!! Music encourages individuals to take a break from their hectic routines and relax, it transcends boundaries, cultures and genres, it encourages people from all corners of the world to embrace music and it's profound impact. In Europe and other Western Countries, Music Day is highly encouraged. You can play on the streets, cafés, parks and other public spaces, some don't even charge any fees, it's FREE!!
In music there are many different types of genres. Some of which are Hip Hop, R&B, Gospel, Country, Rock & Roll, Classic, Jazz, Latino, Dance, Blues, etc. Each genre brings out a different type of emotion. Let me explain it in a 'scientific term'. Who doesn't love a bit of science eh? (Not Me!).. In a nutshell, the limbic system, which is involved in processing emotions and controlling memory, “lights” up when our ears perceive music. The chills you feel when you hear a particularly moving piece of music may be the result of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that triggers sensations of pleasure and well-being. Although we know music evokes emotions, scientist are still not clear to this day why!
Music is an excellent form of therapy for the mind, boy and soul. Some use music to escape reality, to express their feelings, to find solitude and peace, to dance, to praise God, to celebrate, to find comfort, basically, Music can be interpreted in various forms and it can be anything you want it to be. I, myself listen to Gospel music because that's the only thing that keeps me grounded and it helps me from the stress that comes with day-to-day responsibilities and anxieties of life.
I wondered how music affects others as much as it affects me. And a thought sparked my mind! Why not get the perspectives of other individuals on how Music affects their lives? Therefore I went ahead and approched ten people, including family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances. I asked two questions. And boy oh boy, the answers I received were too good to keep to myself. These responses I believe required sharing.
1.What does Music means to you?
Three out of the ten informed that it's a form of relieving stress.
Two of them said it's a means of escaping reality.
One said it helps to focus.
Another said it speaks to their heart and mind.
One other informed they just love it... Don't we all!
One more informed that it helps to revisit moments of their life... It does indeed!
And finally one person informed that it helps them to empathize on perspectives they wouldn't have considered otherwise.
Interesting??! Let's move on to the next question.
2. What emotions does music brings out?
From all the amazing responses I received, these are the one that I found quite touching and I quote them.
""To me music is less about how good it sounds and more about how meaningful the words are, if it's done well and if it strikes a chord with me, music illicit all types of emotions such as melancholy, regret, doubt, all the way to happiness and positivity. I thrive on exploring emotions through music.""
""I feel this solely depends on the choice of music one intends to listen to, which in turn creates various forms of emotions to the listener. As music creates rhythm, which creates resonance within the listener’s sensors - this creates a repetitive loop which in the human mind (psychologically) tends to recreate it as a subconscious mantra.""
""The adrenaline when listening to rock. The groove in the oldies. The heartbreak in love songs. The energy of dance/house parties. The gangsta in rap. The pop in commercial. Its like immersing yourself into the most intricate details of the artists subject or experience. It somehow manages to bring out every kind of emotion at the right time and at the right place. Its beautiful. I'll always and forever will be in love with music.""
"Music is such a big part of my life, I doubt I can live without it. Music is what I go to during happy times or to relax and when things are not going too well. Music is in a way a language we can communicate moods and feelings. Eg: the music played during a horror movie gives that sense of fear while an action movie would have a different style of music. Music is nostalgic, it frees the soul."
And all others said the emotions that music brings out are calmness, joy, but mostly happiness.
It's amazing how music can be felt to a person. Music has great power that it could make the happiest person cry and the saddest person smile. Let us appreciate this day by celebrating it. Not only this day but everyday too. Play your instruments, it doesn't matter if you're not perfect. Sing that song, it doesn't matter if your vocals are not up to standard. Do it because you love it. Remember Miley Cyrus's song 'The climb? There may be days that you feel like you're sliding down. Keep your head high and keep climbing.
"There's always gonna be another mountain / I'm always gonna wanna make it move / Always gonna be an uphill battle / Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose / Ain't about how fast I get there /Ain't about what's waiting on the other side / It's the climb"
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