As we all know and appreciate, music affects our mood. However what we rarely look at is, why? During these uncertain times many of us are struggling, and understandably so. Endless updates in the news just brings more restrictions and more deaths, which is inevitably anxiety inducing and terrifying. It takes a toll on everyone’s mental wellbeing, and this can be detrimental for people already struggling. It’s easy to say, ‘hey you have so much time now! Start that project, learn that language, write that story!’ but the reality of self-motivation is difficult, and it’s a very human feeling to struggle. So I thought I’d write something that could help those finding it particularly tough at the moment, with some recommendations of the type of music you could be listening to and the science behind why it may help, because what’s more certain than science?

but the reality of self-motivation is difficult, and it’s a very human feeling to struggle

Starting with Major and Minor, we all know the distinction: major feels happy, minor feels sad. However, I have always been curious as to why this is, whether it is cultural conditioning: associating minor music with sadness because of exposure to emotional scenes accompanied by that sound, or whether it is actually a scientifically explained response. So here it is:

Really it is a bit of both, from the moment we could first hear, minor has always been used for heartbreak and despair. However, we also recognise the distinction because of sensory dissonance; I will explain using an example of a basic triad C chord. A major C chord’s middle note is an E natural (no flat no sharp), whereas a Minor C chord’s middle note is an E flat. The E flat key is physically and in tone, closer to the C, the strongest note of the chord. Because of their close proximity it produces a conflict in the listener, dissonance from two closely spaced frequencies, not experienced in the major chord. This produces tension and therefore stirs up negative feelings and associations with that sound.

Because of their close proximity it produces a conflict in the listener, dissonance from two closely spaced frequencies, not experienced in the major chord.

Interestingly, there was a study on a Native African population called Mafa, which aimed to prove this idea. Western music was played to the Mafa tribe and they were able to identify whether the music was happy or sad, even though they had never been exposed to that type of sound or music before. This therefore negates the idea that our response to music is wholly culturally engrained; actually it’s also a universal biological response.

Therefore, the type of music you listen to really can affect and alter your mood and state of mind. If you are feeling anxious, or blue then minor chords will enhance that feeling, where major chords may relieve those feelings.

Another study in 2012 found that in both humans and birds, songs or birdsongs that triggered a rush of ‘new love’ or limerence tapped into the mesolimbic reward system, which is the dopaminergic pathway in the brain. This releases dopamine, which regulates incentive salience – a form of attention that motivates people. SO, not only can listening to the right music alter your mindset, it can even motivate you to start those projects you wanted to, or to find new things to work on (like writing an article to be published on Off the Bandwagon). Ever wondered why you couldn’t run without your favourite running playlist? Well there you go.

As well as motivation, it also stimulates movement (as we know). The Cerebellum is the part of our brain that controls movement and coordination, and is also the area of the brain most affected by music. Hearing our favourite songs stimulates this area of the brain which then increases blood flow, and activates movement: whether that be tapping your feet, swaying or full on grooving.

So, now we know, proven by science, that the right playlist can lift our mood, motivate us and stimulate us to move! I know most of you, understandably, want to keep music away from science and enjoy it for what it is. However, this is for those people who need some hard evidence, something stronger, that’ll really motivate you in times like this. I have put together a playlist of my personal feel good songs: a mixture of upbeat bangers, chill reggae/dub, and some other jazzy bits and bobs. Follow the Spotify link below and have a quick read about some of my favourites:

The abundance of Cat Empire : You can feel the Australian sun warming your eyelids as the spanish-sounding brass swells around you, listening to The Cat Empire is guaranteed to get your toes wiggling. The Pogues: As soon as the tin whistle blows, the mandolin strums and the accordion sounds you are in an drunken Irish haze, with Shane Mcgowan’s gruff voice dissipating any regard or care you had for anything else in the world. Dub: Electronic reggae; the same laid back sun soaked sounds but with purposeful beats, making it great music to work to. She’s Got You, and Gay Pirates by Cosmo Jarvis: Watch the music video as you listen to She’s Got You, as it will fill you with nostalgic memories of high school summers, and the sunny ukulele paired with Cosmo Jarvis’s boyish charm should at least make you smile. Then move swiftly on to Gay Pirates, a hopelessly romantic tale of two, well, gay pirates.