How Music Influences Us
There are different types of music genres that still exist to this day. While some are not “in” as they once were, think funk, does not mean that they do not have their fans. Furthermore, any genre and type of music has an incredible ability to influence us. Not only in terms of emotion but our moods as well.
Emotions
One of the ways music influences us is by working on our emotions. When we hear a sad, slow song we can feel the weight of the pain for the singer and the emotions behind the melody, lyrics, and voice. This can bring us down so that we can understand what the singer and songwriter are talking about. This is their intention.
However, music can also lift us up, giving us energy. For example, when preparing for a night out you may put on an upbeat, fast, fun song to get you in the mood for the night. This will heighten your energy and make you happy. The song you listen to when you get ready can foreshadow the rest of the night.
Moods
The best place to see how music influences people would be at a gym. Gyms often play fast songs to get their members pumped and energized to work out. If they played slower music then the gym members’ pace would slow down with it. As if the rhythm of the music dictates the rhythm of the movements. Another location where they use music to set the mood is in cafes. Here you can hear some type of acoustic or smooth jazz. It gives a relaxing vibe that makes you want to chill and drink their coffee.
When on a road trip you can see how the music influences the travels. In the beginning, they could listen to some energized music to keep their excitement going. But, as the trip goes on the style could change to something more relaxing once they get into the flow of the trip. And if they need a “pick me up” when it goes back to something fast. That is how music influences your mood. And restaurants, gyms, and companies know this, and they use it. Some use it very well.
There is music in every public location, even if you cannot totally hear it. Like in one casino on thelist of legal casinos in Poland there is music in the background that is on loop. It can be drowned out by the games but it is there. It can be inviting but also repetitive to give you a sense of lost time. So you do not know how long you have been there for.Casino music has a lot of thought put into it as do all locations that have music playing in the background.
Other Uses of Music
Music is also used to tell stories such as classical music. Here you can imagine the scene playing out in your head as you listen to it. And, it helps that there are no lyrics to guide you. Therefore, music can be used for storytelling. However, it can also influence storytelling such as soundtracks.
Horror movies use music to build suspense or to make you feel uneasy. It is a way to lead you down an emotional path so that when something happens there is more of a payoff to it. Music in movies is often used to make the audience feel a certain way at a certain moment. Gaming also uses music where certain songs or notes can indicate something or tell you about a certain character. Sometimes in movies, the lack of a soundtrack can also cause unease and tension. You know there is something coming when there is no music.
And music can also help some people to focus while they study.
In Conclusion
Music can influence us emotionally, and it can affect our moods. So if you want to get pumped, listen to a fast song. If you want to cool down, listen to some smooth jazz.