How INTJs Interpret & Enjoy Music ft. AsuraPsych Chris, Angelina, Solomon the Surmounter & Michael

[@solomonsurmounter-growth]

Thanks for having me on Joyce. This was a great talk!

[@JoyceMeng22]

Lovely to have you on, Solomon!!

[@JSmith__]

Solomon is straight-up the illest MBTI typer in the game, no doubt. That dude's a dope INTJ, he's got that confidence and ambition. Respect!

[@m2pozad]

Joyce all the way, everyday, that's what 10,000 say...

[@DaveTaste]

He seems in good health here. Hope he's well.

[@JSmith__]

​@DaveTaste yall know each other?

[@Bleeding_Titanium]

I’m an INTJ and I’m a die hard metalhead! I was waiting for someone to say the same. 🤘🏻

[@mamu7976]

Thanks to the INTJs for sharing their own unique perspectives on music. On point and with passion. Interesting stuff

[@lyonduart3131]

I am an Intj and I like classical music especially Bach, I also like to listen to instrumentals and frequencies at 432 hz, subliminal audios, audios of noises at night, rock, metal, house and electro pop, the darker, more mysterious and calm the better

[@ryenwthomas]

I agree with Solomon when he connects music and art to Ni process, more so FI.

[@BombshElle_7]

They were right in saying every cognitive function is utilized in music. I'd imagine it's to a greater degree when you're the one making it. 🎼 ❤

[@Elodie_N_INTJ_Analyzes]

Starset is the first group who made me cry, followed by Metallica, Apocalyptica, Linkin Park (the lyrics sounds very INTJ) There are a lot of depth and meaning in musics of certains heavy metal bands. I prefer chords, piano, eletcric guitar, I like what is deep, cold and sad, when the emotions are on the meaning if the lyrics. I listenned Kpop during my 20's, after I came back to Heavy Metal. Actually I put music meditation in the background (432 Hz, 528 Hz and other healing frequencies) I like a lot the piano compositions of Nathan Glass (Love Who). I really feel/sense when someone put their emotions and soul into the music : the depth in the lyrics, notes and harmony. One day another INTJ shared a part of his music/song, and it made me cry because it resonated so much with me. Michael said a beautiful thing : "Substance reveal the soul" I went to a concert only twice. I went to see Apocalyptica in February (because It's one of my favorite group, and they came not far from where I live, It was the only one opportunity for me to see them) I believe practically most of the persons were intuitive and introvert types, no one really moved. I stayed in the background, and I wondered is the other loved as much their music as me. I felt the musicians were really deeply happy to play. I need to really love and resonate to the musics to like a group and go to their concert (even if I avoid crowd and noises) If I learn Starset or Metallica give a concert close to where I live, I go directly.

[@PowerRedBullTypology]

I'm no INTJ, (but INTP) and I've observed I prefer music that.. - Is usually more interesting with some sort of unexpected changes (think of scale/mode/borrowed chords), so it does not become too predictable. It's not likely I find very generic, often used and repetitive chord sequences to be very interesting. Maybe I can enjoy the instrumentation, but in the end it feels like I'm listening to the same song over and over, since the structure underneath is similar. It's the same tree with just different decorations on top. If you listen you to Axis of Awesome - 4 Four Chord Song (with song titles), then you know what I mean. - However, while I like slighly more unpredictable changes, I do not music that is too random, because in order to to have interesting changes, there needs to be a structure first in order to deviate from it. It's basically the same concept as psychological thriller movies like A beautiful Mind or Fightclub where where first you are made to believe that multiple characters have an influence on a guy's life, before you find out they have just imagined them and did everything themselves. It's also the way a lot of jokes work, as they build up towards one thing and then deliver the other thing. - Minor sounding (thrilling or sad) music does more for me than major (happy, carefree) sounding music. I do have the impression that a higher degree of introverts like minor sounding music whilst extroverts like optimistic sounding music. - I find dissonance is great in music, as it creates tension which can be released later. This is why I dislike the pentatonic scale, since there is just a lack of dissonance as it has thrown out all notes/tones that can easily create dissonance. - I prefer "cold" instruments over "warm" intruments. Cold instruments are more metallic sounding (like strings, piano etc) and warm instruments are instruments like the saxophone, flute (would people with a higher degree of certain metal minerals in their body like the music more because these resonate more with such instruments than those with lower amounts, I wonder?) - With a lot of music I do not really listen to lyrics, as to me melody/chords and production matter more than words. I can listen to the same song for 10 years and have no clue what the lyrics are even about. I just listen to it phonetically I guess. However, it's also easier not to listen to lyrics since english is not my first language. I also do not really care if I like the person who sings it or which music they made before that. When I readall this myself, it just sounds so specific. I would assume it's my Ti+Si that create such a specific analysis/opinion.

[@aonaohafa]

We seems to have similar taste, so can you suggest some songs?

[@sylviaowega3839]

I do agree entirely with you being an INTP myself

[@jennifermeza5746]

I'm more on heavy metal precisely because I'm found the lyrics very deep and elaborated music. But also can hear another genres especially if the artist is original and genuine. I'm immersive and critical about music but I don't externalize it because I respect that other people enjoy music in their own way.

[@Red.Butterfly]

As I grow older, I am less and less interested in music. I mostly listen to podcasts now. If I do listen to music, I listen to Spanish music. Even then, it is to practice my Spanish.

[@Jakethegreat__]

That video rocked! Unique and top-notch. Huge thanks to Joyce for delivering that and a major shoutout to Solomon! You guys nailed it!

[@restlessmosaic]

Chris's note about wallowing in emotions is consistent with Ni presiding over the Fi. Inner struggle is all well and good, but what is the singer *doing* about it (Te) and where is the singer *going* with it (Ni)? I can see where Linkin Park's "Breaking the Habit" resonates with Chris for that reason. And Solomon's note about cinematic music and obvious, clear theme is where I landed in my MBTI+music book as what INTJs most appreciate (and why they can be drawn to cinematic music, especially when it has Te use in an actual film).

[@TelekineticCheez]

INTJ and intensely passionate metalhead here I agree with what was stated about how music is a window into the soul. Also the example of emo music being inauthentic making it less interesting to me resonated. I think to the degree you are attempting to make someone feel something with your music and arent simply expressing yourself through the music you are taking away substance from it. Also i might be the outlier here because i grew up around people who love moshpits but you will definitely find me where the chaos is at the metal concert Recommendations: Outlander by Jinjer is a great song for those that feel out of place (the whole band is 10/10 tbh) The band Intervals has instrumental music that really does an amazing job of bringing forth that pure substance that was discussed Lastly Between the Buried and Me is an amazing band that does concept albums for those that like abstract and extremely intricate music. P.S. my Fi screamed with energy when i saw this video title lol

[@sylviaowega3839]

I’m an INTP and have been very much into metal since I was a teenager

[@yolandaagnew2508]

I'm with you Michael. Words in English can be an issue for me.

[@xcruxifiedx3477]

INTJ here who is a hardcore classical music fan

[@artisanrox]

I am musically trained so actually I love jazz, the idea of immediate expression using a predefined set of chord progression. Bebop not do much because it's SO MUCH but overall I appreciate jazz very much. I relate to a lot here...dislike of English lyrics, lyrics MUST be understood (I will look up translations etc.), prefering instrumental music over vocal, and music that is not inter-person related. I definitely listen critically.

[@whatsinameme5258]

I think the theme with INTJs and music is contrarianism. We all have our particular idiosyncratic tastes. ENTPs also do this, however they have trickster Fi so they may like a band one day, then hate the same band the next. INTJs will have very particular tastes but they will likely keep them and be consistent with the bands they like. We are devoted to our art. I relate to the "outsider" thing. Grunge and Nu-Metal were my gateways into music. Fe users would likely dismiss this as a "phase" if they were me, but I still like a lot of that stuff. I think its a tertiary Fi thing. ISTJs also have strong attachment to the music of their youth. This IxTJ dedication extends beyond mere nostalgia in my opinion.

[@frankallen52]

I'm with Solomon.

[@grace-op7nd]

Interesting discussion! As an INTJ, I find myself listening to a bunch of genres but mostly alternative. Growing up I definitely had phases and will even now go back to certain songs that I liked back then, sometimes I think, wow why did I like this? Now I have a better understanding of what I like, usually it has to have some structure in instrumentals but with lyrics I like more abstract sentence structures. I also listen to certain music depending on my mood or if I'm doing something. Classical music is my go to when it comes to reading, its like white noise with no lyrics to distract me. But if I'm driving I have to have words and if I need a bit more energy I listen to music but if I just want to listen to a story or discussion I'll play a podcast. I think this looks so different for everyone including INTJs. Great video as always, Joyce!

[@lauramartins5953]

Omg YES! At around 8 minutes in, I totally identify with what she said about modern free jazz music. It's like it makes my brain glitch.

[@nj3195]

By the way, yes Angelina there are INTJ’s that listen to music critically! As a child I would listen to music and list what instruments were used and I notice where songs are overly produced. Additionally, I play piano and managed bands in my 20’s. My husband is a musician and I let him know when something works and does not ❤!

[@ryanquick1824]

as an intj here, i find myself drawn to ANYthing that ISNT popular and/or also has lyrics in it. lyrics detract/distract from the quality of the music itself. so, i listen to techno and other types of electronic music. i find that MORE can be said without words than with them. ABSOLUTELY. FOR SURE. - (again) INTJ

[@am_gdala]

I listen to lots of different genres, mostly according to my mood. I don't have many moodswings though and so I definitely have genres that I listen to much more frequently than others. As most people here, I need to be able to relate to the lyrics if there are any - although I don't need to understand every word while listening to a song; I can connect to a song once I translated the lyrics and understood the overall message of a song. When I listen to lyrical songs then their messages are mostly matching my feelings spot on and I exclusively listen to them when I feel said emotions (when I feel motivated, I listen to songs that talk about achieving your goals, giving your blood, sweat and tears, when I feel anxious, I listen to songs talking about the type of anxiety I'm feeling etc.). In consequence, I rarely put on lyrical music just for the sake of music. I'd never just sit down and do nothing but listening to music, if it isn't to support me emotionally. I'd rather actively practise playing my instruments or listen to a podcast/ audiobook, that gives me some more input to process. Otherwise, the only occasions for me to listen to music are either as some sort of comfortably stimulating background noise when my surroundings are to noisy for me to concentrate on my work or thoughts. In those cases, I listen to instrumental music only (classical, jazz and "cyberpunk-like, calming soundscapes") and, in extreme cases, plain white noise, to block out my surroundings. The latter (instrumentals, podcasts and white noise) are the standard throughout the day. - an INTJ (though you might've already assumed that in the comment section of an INTJ-focused video)

[@angelaharris53]

Music is less about individual bands/artists for me than it is about the song, sound, and genre. I like classical, rock (from '60s to present and many types up to metal), a light smattering of pop, less rap, and I've lately gotten very into contemporary a cappella. Most of it tends to be higher energy or up tempo, and I do very much use it to set my mood. I am a competitive athlete, so I have an entire playlist of motivation music that flips the mental switch as part of my prep routine and lets my body and mind know it's "go" time. That's just one example. I also like music that's complex where my mind can wander through a listen following one thread of sound or another and then listen to it a whole different way the next because there is so much layered in - classical is often great for this, but other genres are good with it as well.

[@enfieldjohn101]

I have an echoic memory, so I have music playing in my head much of the time. I think it comes from being born with double vision and other visual impairments, but acute hearing. I usually don't have music playing because I often sing to myself or 'listen' to a song playing in my memory. When I do listen to music, it is usually when I am doing something that doesn't require much focus such as cleaning the house, riding in a car, things like that. If I need to focus on what I'm doing, especially writing, I can't listen to music as it distracts me. I grew up in Western Nebraska in ranch country, so I heard a lot of country music growing up. What I really liked as a kid though was 50's and early 60's rock like Buddy Holly and the Crickets, The Beach Boys, etc. In the early 90's I was in college and was introduced to alternative music. I love music that is different, odd or thought provoking. I really started to love Sting's music both when he was with The Police and his solo music too, Bare Naked Ladies, Dave Mathews Band, Phil Collins, etc. for example. If I'm in the mood to need cheered up, I love funny music such as Ray Stevens' early stuff and Weird Al Yankovic. I didn't necessarily hate country music, I just wasn't a big fan of it in general. I liked a few bands such The Oak Ridge Boys and Statler Brothers because I love tight harmonies and Dwight Yoakum and Marty Stuart because they had a bit of 50's rock in their style. I also love classical music, especially the soundtracks of favorite movies such as The Lord of the Rings films, Star Wars films, Indiana Jones films, etc. There have been a few times in my life that I've felt moved to write my own music. Not tunes, but lyrics. I've been inspired by Werid Al to write my own lyrics for existing accompaniments. I even recorded a few of them using karaoke CDs in college. I've gone through different creative phases over the years. I've heard that INTJs sometimes 'binge on' or get obsessed about different sensory things very deeply for a while, then switch to something else altogether for a while, maybe coming back to earlier ones later on. I've certainly done that. I listen to music critically sometimes. I pick up on the style, themes and tone of music. I am also very impressed with specific performers' abilities with the instruments they use. For example, I love how Jimmy Colla plays the saxophone for Huey Lewis and the News, or Stewart Copeland's incredible percussion work for The Police. I can hear a piece by John Williams and a piece by James Horner and I can tell which one is which because I pick up on their styles, for example. Music means a lot to me and there are specific songs that have specific memories or feelings linked to them for me. I love certain Christian hymns that have deep meaning for me. I'm rarely moved to tears by anything, but there are certain hymns that are so moving to me that I'll tear up when I listen to it or sing it. Also, specific songs bring up favorite memories from childhood, especially certain songs from favorite childhood movies and songs from bands I was into at different times as a kid. I've always been fascinated by things that stand out, that are unique or really thought provoking or emotionally stirring. I would rather quietly listen to or do something simple and repetitive to music than to try to dance to it. I am a good singer (according to a lot of people who have heard me sing, I would never presume to be a good singer myself), but I have no desire to dance. Instead of my body dancing, my mind does its mental dance as I listen carefully to a song. I usually avoid concerts because they are loud and crowded, but I have been to a few by some of my very favorite bands. The best concert I've been to was The Beach Boys a few years back when they did a reunion tour and stopped at the amazing Smith Center here in Las Vegas. It's a beautiful venue done in an art deco style that I really enjoy looking at. The concert was great for me because we were sitting in comfortable theater seats in an airconditioned, beautifully decorated hall with impeccable acoustics. The slightly bizarre irony of hearing an all-time great 60's rock band performing quite energetically, given their ages, in such a venue wasn't lost on me. Good Vibrations is a thing of beauty when performed in such a place. It's an amazing song and even more amazing when they manage to pull off a very good live version of what is a masterpiece of sound editing in the album version. At every concert that I've been to, if I enjoyed it, it was because I managed to intentionally choose seats or a part of the venue where I was on the edge and near the back of the crowd. If I don't feel like I can escape the crowd quickly and easily, I get rather anxious. It has the added benefit of often being cheaper too if they charge for tickets. Yeah, the ESFP's are down in the mosh pit, we INTJs usually don't attend concerts that have mosh pits. If they do, we stay far away from them. :) As I was listening to this very interesting video, I thought of a good example of the sort of music I like best or that I find myself listening to more than once on a regular basis. Sting and the Police have a song called Canary in a Coal Mine. I find it to be a really fascinating song. The accompaniment is quirky and unique while the lyrics are thought provoking and rather poetic in a way. It's my kind of song. An interesting video with a topic I haven't come across often with personality type videos. Very good!

[@michaelnadin]

trip,hop , soul, DnB, all sorts of it's a good beat

[@hamza5106]

I like the Neighbourhood and Arctic Monkeys

[@sylviaowega3839]

I find that many xNTP’s are into metal, more so than xSTP’s. The xSTP’s tend to like more the screamo-rule metal though, and us INTP’s more into the melodic and fast paced type of metal.

[@michaelnadin]

good subject ! I listen while I sketch

[@nj3195]

I like Andy Schauf, Crumb, Glue Trip, Lusine, L’Imperatrice, Sound Garden, Duncan Shiek, Khruangbin, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, NTO, Diesel Boy, Joris DeLeCroix, Vieux Farka Toure and more I like music with meaning that either speaks about meaning or creates meaning. My definition of meaning is to convey a point of view that is authentic and beautiful. I like all types of music no limit to my taste, period.

[@xaisthoj]

I like emo infp music, so much I thought I might be infp. I also ni-fi imagery when i hear emotionally charged music like most people from the gamma quadra.

[@kimtopology4257]

It's really hard to find music that has clean lyrics allot of music nowadays has swearing or overly sexualized I listen to retro music music back then music had substance and very creative. Modern music is prepackaged and some musicians are just told what to sing it isn't their own lyrics and ideas .Allot musicians have sold their selves to the music industry they don't have the freedom to write and produce their own music.