Music For The Mood
One of the greatest things about music is its ability to make us feel connected to something greater than us-- to enhance any mood or feeling that we may have. I found that the two moods music affects the most, for me at least, are happiness and sadness. While two completely different emotions, they’re both similar in that they can be amplified through the idea of another person feeling exactly what you’re feeling. Now, I must admit that I am that girl who plays sad music when I’m sad which, in turn, makes me feel even sadder. You would think that’s crazy because why would you want to make yourself feel worse than you already do? But, it actually helps. In the same way that you play loud and fast paced music at a party to get everyone amped, playing sad music when you're sad actually helps get all of your emotions out and processed.
The strongest connection that I have with music is its ability to evoke repressed emotions and old memories, and bring them to the surface. In my opinion, this is like a double-edged sword. On one hand, it could bring back memories that instantly take you back to a day when you felt sad or lonely. But, it can also do the same for the amazing memories when you felt on top of the world. For me, that song is “Let It Happen,” by Tame Impala.
It was the summer of 2017 and my friends and I went to the Panorama Music Festival on Randall’s Island. Alt-J’s set had just finished and Tame Impala was just beginning the set for their headlining performance. Holding hands, my two friends and I ran through crowds of people as the opening guitar/synth in “Let It Happen” had just started. I’ll never forget the flashing lights and visuals on the stage as I ran closer and closer. The best part was I didn’t realize how much this moment would mean to me until it was over. To this day, I wish I could go back to that day not only because it brought my love for the band to a new level, but it was a time that I felt absolutely euphoric. Now, every time I hear that song, whether I’m at a party or the grocery store, I instantly go back to this memory I have attached to it.
But with the happy and nostalgic memories come the sad ones, too. While there are a lot of songs that trigger this emotion, one that sticks out for me is “Clair De Lune” Ethereal Remix by A. Krishna (original song by Claude Debussy) from AWhaleBiologist on Soundcloud. I remember coming across this song and instantly getting sad but I didn’t know why. Between the lingering piano and how it echoes in and out of focus, a wave of sadness came over me. “Clair De Lune” alone is a beautiful song, so the added effects make it even more emotional for me. I have a strong emotional connection to this song for the reason that it makes me think of certain memories, whether they be sad or happy ones. I replay old memories in my mind, ones like the Panorama Music Festival as well as other days that I don’t miss as much.
What’s even more beautiful about music is how these emotional attachments are unique to everyone. One song that I may have no resonance to might be another person’s entire world. And vice versa. Some of you might have absolutely no attachment to “Clair De Lune”, but when I hear it it makes me want to cry. Similar to this song, I have a playlist full of songs that are my go-to when I’m feeling down.
Currently, my top songs on the playlist are, “The Moon Song” by baebadoobee and, “Skytop Garden” by JAWNY. “The Moon Song” is the perfect song to listen to when processing your emotions. The slow guitar and soft tone always help me clear my thoughts, especially when I go on night drives. Similar to this, the piano in “Skytop Garden” is my favorite part because it carries the song along with the slow riff of the guitar.
Whether you’re listening to sad songs or happy ones, their ability to enhance the human experience is what makes them beautiful. One thing I learned from music is to make as many memories with the songs you love the most because they will always be there for you to look back on, and I encourage you to do the same.