By: Sharane
Life
is never easy, just like a roller-coaster there are ups and downs.
Sometimes
this can be overwhelming.
We
all need a safe zone, that place where we go when we need comfort, motivation,
or just some company.
For
many of us, that safe zone is music.
To
get further insight into how music affects people, we invited members of the public
to share their experiences and the variety of ways music plays into their daily
lives and mood.
“Certain
songs make you ponder over what kind of person you want to be, type of role or
purpose you have in this world, or what kind of an effect you have on others around
you,” said Prithibha Krish, a 22-year-old college student reflecting on the
self-analysing effects of music.
Speaking
on her deep dependence on music, 26-year-old HR executive, Nivashini, had this
to say, “You may have heard people say that they cannot live without music. However,
when I say that it is impossible for me to live without music, I truly mean it!”
According
to Niva, “Classical and instrumental music allows me to truly immerse myself in
tradition and pulls me into the vibe and mood that the song is projecting
allowing me to escape the pressures of daily life,” she said.
“Music
definitely impacts my mood. Some people allow their music to dictate their
mood, like listening to sad songs and then becoming sadder because of it. While
for others, their mood determines their music, choosing a happy song to suit
their happy mood. As for me, personally my music follows my mood,” said Shona
Wern, a 25-year-old PR Manager.
Commenting
on the inherent ability of music to change moods, Sufia Aznan, a 24-year-old
student said, ‘For me whenever I am stressed and rushing to complete an
assignment on time, I always turn to ballads and love songs as it helps me
relax and focus.”
“I’m
addicted to music! No matter what, I always find ways to satisfy my craving. If
I go too long without music I tend to get depressed,” said Hafizah Gafor, a 21-year-old
student.
In
line with her energetic lifestyle, Hafizah says she only listens to up-tempo
RnB and dance music, “My music must suit my life. I’m happy-go-lucky and always
on the go, so my music must be the same.”
Going
against the grain however, George Kong, a 19-year-old Engineering student said,
“For me personally, music has no effect on my mood. If I am happy, I’m happy
and if I’m sad, I’m sad; music doesn’t have any impact on it.”
Seeking
a historical perspective, we spoke to Kalai Rani, a 42-year-old music teacher.
“Historically speaking, music has always been intrinsically connected to
emotions. Many of my students have varying tastes in music but the one thing that
remains the same is that music holds a deep emotional connection to them,” she
said.
“Music
psychology is a recognised and very much growing field of psychology. From what
I know, every human being possesses a base need to connect to something and
music is one simple outlet for connection that we have. That is why so many of
us turn to music to satisfy ourselves in times of depression or frustration,” said Mark Kam a psychology lecturer speaking on why music
plays such a big role in our emotions.
Summarising
the feelings of the group Shona said, “Music is the soundtrack of your life, no
matter if you are feeling depressed or ecstatic, music is what we all turn to.”
Through
these opinions it is clear that while people have different taste in music, the
one thing that they all have in common is that music plays a vital part in each
and every one of their lives whether they are feeling happy or sad.
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