Is music just stupid?

[@Nolimitscomedy]

In other words, Mike did shrooms for the first time last weekend

[@peakcartoon]

or DMT

[@TheRealJoeNathan]

My first thought was Mike, how high are you?

[@DisRespectoids]

Duuuuuude

[@kingcrimson0646]

Mike “I don’t get musically technical I swear!” (Two drinks later) “what is music. Why do we care?”

[@DisRespectoids]

Okay who left the rum out

[@tyepod6482]

Sorry I couldn't catch a single thing this guy said in the video... cuz I was busy listening to the AC in my room 🔥🔥🔥

[@EmperorTigerstar]

On the contrary, while some music may "distract me" in the moment, most music I love helps me think more because it prevents my thoughts from being distracted by environmental noises.

[@BecomeTheKnight]

There is 100% something to this. It's helped me do the same in the past. I'm more trying to invite people to be more aware of how, when, why and how often they're consuming sound

[@Yenneffer]

Angry man yells at people for hearing.

[@BecomeTheKnight]

Love you too, Yennie 😛

[@BFG-hv2ml]

Wind's howling

[@Yenneffer]

@@BFG-hv2ml Looks like rain.

[@DisRespectoids]

WHOS LAUGHING NOW

[@theswartleymc]

I try to avoid listening to music passively. I can't listen too it during work, or my work out, and only occasionally listen to it in the car. I've found much more appreciation for music since limiting my time with it and treating it as a ritual where I sit down and actually give my undivided attention to it.

[@CYB3R2K]

I hear voices in my head, they talk to me, they understand, they talk to me. THEY TALK TO MEEEE

[@HemiSlant6828]

OK Randy Orton

[@NuMetalfan1996]

@CYB3R2K. I Have Horses In My Shed, They Talk To Me Their Name Is Ed, They Talk To Me.

[@undriftedpop788]

Randall Randall Keith Randall KEith RANDALL RANDALL KEITH

[@ioeee7563]

Perfect description of today's society.

[@DisRespectoids]

Literally my whole artistic process

[@the_seer_0421]

Mike had one too many drinks today

[@erikrevier4053]

Nah, just the right amount.

[@BecomeTheKnight]

I actually gave up drinking until further notice. Relatively recent development

[@the_seer_0421]

@@BecomeTheKnight that's actually dope. Nice to hear.

[@micahblakeslee]

@@BecomeTheKnight Good on you. God bless, man!

[@captainhostile101]

@@BecomeTheKnight nice job man :)

[@mrbungle3310]

this is super true...over sensory exposure is also a form of addiction...it all gets bland after a while

[@julioxt3]

Waiting on more of the Perlovsky essay videos. I know KZbin doesn’t like it, but the subject on those is fascinating.

[@SorenCalypso]

Ngl this really gave me something to think about. Been struggling a while with Bipolar Depression and C-PTSD. I feel the constant stimulation both by sound and media itself could be causing me further depression. Might consider taking a break from all media including music to help some of my deepest thoughts come out instead of always "distracting" them. For the longest time music has been one of the things to help comfort me. But perhaps it's not helping me as much as I thought, and only is distracting me from the core issues and problems. Thank you for the vid Mike! Really gave me something to think about. Like seriously thank you!

[@xlerb_again_to_music7908]

Music resonates with parts of my soul. I think music is jungle / seafront / wild noises ,which somehow link into pre-language. Its WONDERFUL

[@joshhinz7566]

The interesting thing about those who constantly listen to something like music or podcasts is that historically noise means safety. It means you're around your tribe or, if you're out in nature, that there are no predators around. So when you consider this, it makes sense that a lack of noise (in particular human noises like talking or singing) makes us feel uncomfortable. Subconsciously it signals to us that we're in danger or that we have no tribe. Is this all reasonable sounding cope from me? Maybe. But it might also explain why we feel the need to constantly surround ourselves with noise.

[@BecomeTheKnight]

This is a fantastic observation!

[@michelricher5549]

Yeah I agree, but as a welder, at work, rather have headphones and listen to people speak or music then the aggressive and deafening sound of a grinder or plasma cutter

[@jessereed8416]

I was looking for this comment, as someone whose been working primarily large industrial job sites since I got into my trade, I listen to music almost constantly, but I guarantee my ACN earbuds playing music is doing my ears a lot of good compared to the infinite number of noises around me all day

[@hockeyolp8]

I guess the answer to this would be a mix of Maslow's hierarchy of needs/escapism. I wouldn't say that routinely listening to music is necessarily a bad thing, but the reason behind it could be. For example, if someone is using music as a form of avoiding problems in their own life rather than dealing with these problems. This is usually common in other forms of addiction i.e using alcohol/drugs to numb the pain of real life. I also think that we live in a time with the "most" relative peace the world has ever seen. More people are having their basic survival needs and psychological needs met which leaves the "self actualization" part left. This could explain why there is such a heavy emphasis on consumerism which is a false replacement for self-actualization. This is heavily linked to the mindset that happiness is not an end state of mind, but rather an experience you go through via progression. It's why happiness is never truly achieved when someone buys something or consumes something because that feeling is fleeting. In other words, if you want to meet the "self actualization" part of the hierarchy, you need to do rather than consume and the happiness will follow as you progress

[@Owlr4ider]

As a person who used to go to sleep at night with the music turned on, and not just any music but metal music at that, and now sleeps in utter silence with no music nor any other noises(late at night that is) I can honestly tell you that I don't feel any differently. I know the science suggests that sleeping with the music on is significantly worst than sleeping in a quiet environment, just as sleeping with some lights on is significantly worse than sleeping in utter darkness. However personally I just don't feel that much of a difference. I don't know what this says about me, it simply is what it is...

[@josephpessano]

Excellent video. I’ve done a lot of silent meditation, weeks on end in absolute silence, and it absolutely changes my appreciation for the things I allow into my life, especially music and images. Keep up the great work

[@TheAgingAscetic]

Welp I already failed. The ad that played after the video had music in it

[@wasauchimmer4010]

I wanted to give this visual and musical detox a try for quite some time. I think now is the time to do it. Next week I'm on holiday. I'll leave my headphones at home and see how it'll affect me. Cool video🤙

[@BookishDrummer]

I agree with the fact that being alone with your thoughts is healthy (also being okay with being bored and having nothing to do is something kids probably don't learn today lol), but not listening to music for a week just sounds brutal lol when i listen to music i don't just have it on in the background like a lot of people, i'm either appreciating an old favorite or trying to discover a new one. When I was in high school and early college i basically just listened to classic rock/metal music. But as I got older, I started discovering classical music, jazz, jazz fusion, prog, i got into Lorde (which makes a lot of my friends laugh lol) i even started getting into older country music (which surprised me cuz i hate new country). I do agree though, I wish more people would actually appreciate what they're listening to.

[@090nj2]

a week??? i might cry bruh

[@victorthemusicman7243]

This made my brain hurt... I'm gonna go listen to some music. 😂

[@toest1315]

Idk man, i think comparing alcoholism to listening to too much music is kinda rough. I try to drown my thoughts because otherwise they swim around in self defeating circles and end up doing more harm, music just helps me focus on what i need to be doing, im not destroying my liver, or my relationships, or my mental health the way alcoholism does. If you wanna take a break from music bc you like how it feels then great, but dont get all puritanical and judgy, hop off that high horse.

[@metalman4289]

It's good to shut out the noise and just be alone with just your own thoughts for two hours. It's kind of a vital aspect of creativity as well because in a contemplative thought you get the nugget of an interesting idea.

[@mikestanislaus1107]

I do uber eats on weekends. I will start with music while I'm driving. But after sometime, I have to put it off. Sometimes I need to enjoy the silence.

[@darkdudironaji]

3:45 "What emotion are you forcing your mind to be locked into against its will?" Is your mind not the one turning on the music?

[@LysergiaBandOfficial]

what is your mind using the music for though? a distraction? an indulgence? a cleansing? does it make you uncomfortable? does it make you distracted? does it put you in your head or take you out?

[@LysergiaBandOfficial]

your conscious mind knows discomfort is bad, it can't control the subconscious but can try to help influence it, music is a commonly used and abused tool in that regard.

[@erikrevier4053]

Recently got a new job and my new office is sooo fucking quiet I can't stand it. My old job I worked right outside our machine shop with an air compressor right above our engineering dept. The quiet is unsettling. I can hear people adjusting in their seats and typing, clicking, walking around me, I need to have my headphones on. I also sleep with a fan in the room all night long lmao. However, I do appreciate my quiet time, and when I do listen to music or podcasts or whatever, I do so intentionally. I know what I like and I actively listen to music.

[@reaverofsouls]

I have... lots of random moments of silence. Aside from the pets being pets, kids, and outside influences. I've been a cook for... nearly thirty years, so I never take the moments of abject silence for granted.

[@Grimsyn27]

I wouldn’t say I’ve ever turned off content in general for that long but I’ve definitely gone a week here and there without listening to music. For sure is refreshing coming back to it and I find myself noticing things I never really noticed before.

[@DahliaOlive]

I like this.

[@jennteal5265]

Regarding your intro: I can, and have, slept through thunderstorms _with_ hail _and_ a tornado warning and not woken up. Know what will wake me in an instant, however? A power outage. The moment everything stops, I'm sitting straight up. That said, white noise is really important to me because I notice everything and I can't seem to turn off how easily distracted I am. And yet, the benefit of silence probably cannot be overrated. For me, the closest to this is probably sitting on the couch cross-stitching and the only real noise other than ambience is the low hum of a fan. These moments ARE special, I just can't do it long term. Sooooo appreciate the rambles because there's a lot of good in this.

[@tboneisgaming]

As a Trombonist I have an eclectic taste in music. I like jazz and classical in particular from the Renaissance upwards. I have taken car journeys where I specifically turn off the radio. I do have moments of silence where I hear a clock ticking and tinnitus from years of trumpets behind me in a big band. I would find it difficult to tune out music as I have to practice regularly. Not only that I can easily hear music in my mind. Either things I've listened to, performed, produced arranged and composed. I don't know how I could completely switch off from music entirely. I can do it for several hours but not entirely.

[@goncalobaia1574]

Dang. Thanks man needed that.

[@christinathein951]

Aw, that last sentence was so nice. I feel warm.

[@holtimt]

Bro where do you live for you to need the AC at this time of year!

[@BecomeTheKnight]

Nashville. The humidity is pretty strong

[@williamlanger9229]

I live in Canada and have the AC on.

[@delix787]

People keep forgetting that Mike is an educational channel. 🎵

[@i-anhsieh98]

This is really inspiring Mike, I totally agree with you on that music is meant to be appreciated for its nuances as a piece of artwork instead of just treated as background noise. That being said, are we going to get a continuation for the Leonid Perlovsky meaning of music series? I feel like I really learnt a lot from watching those two that you’ve already made.

[@BecomeTheKnight]

Yes. I don't think I'm going to wait for the second/third channel anymore. F the algo. I'm just gonna do it

[@thewhiterabbit8581]

3:51 why do you think we should hold music in much higher regard? not asking because I disagree, I am asking so you'd make a video about it

[@Midna__]

dream theater

[@Rockyda2y]

Interesting video, I also have been thinking about this, nowadays I usually only listen to music in the bedroom or work.

[@heavymetalmusictheory]

Great presentation, one of your best videos ever. Thank you sir

[@Slagdar]

Moderation is the key with everything. Because anything can become an addiction/distraction for your problems, stress etc. And to lighten a certain burden its not wrong to indulge into something for relief. But how much you use of it as "medicine" can easily escalate. And because its a gradual process you often dont even notice years later.

[@LordButterstotch]

This is why i prefer instrumental music... it allows my imagination to explore my thoughts/emotions. When i hear music, it stimulates my visual senses and almost becomes like watching my thoughts and emotions in video format, i believe devin townsend has said similar, he doesn't hear notes but see colors and writing to him is like painting a picture... and this is why i dont care much for vocals... 90% of the time i just zone them out and listen to the music

[@Drasnius]

My old boss: "You're new favorite song is the machine operating"

[@a77ackeranimations20]

By that thumbnail, I can tell he finally understands music theory

[@davidem759]

On the gluttony point, i usually try to "microdose" new music because i know that listening non stop to new music is exciting but i also know that i will get tired of said music really fast and maybe even stop listen to it becaused i just ingurgitated it so much and fast.

[@sabrethemoment6799]

Not sure how I feel about how music is "supposed" to be. As you say, music does have a brainwashing effect whether it be positive (self-therapeutic) or "negative" (means of torture or war). For me, I cannot fathom giving up music for 1 week. The closest I have come to doing something like this was not listening to any Dream Theater for about a week because I wanted to build up more excitement when I attended my first Dream Theater show. This little experiment worked wonders. In short, I can best sum up my views on this subject by saying: I don't think people understand just how necessary music is for survival even for those who relegate music to just being background noise.

[@Rich2M316]

This hits close to home, because I work with heavy machinery every working day, and then some. And I supressed that noise by listening to music, lectures and podcasts (but mainly music) through earbuds for my entire working life, which is about 14 years now. And about three months ago, my current boss told me to stop listening to music through earbuds, and I had the choice to either do as he says, or quit. And I wasn't going to quit or even argue with the guy like I did with my previous two bosses, because it's a well paying job and the best boss I've ever had. It was only then when I realized how much of a crutch music was for me, and how disconnected I was from the work collective. Funnily enough, cutting out music from the entirety of my work day helped me at learning new stuff on guitar much faster. And as a believer myself, I could probably go back and forth with Mike how I've made an idol out of music and the effects of that. I still love music and strive to be a better musician every day, but even good things have the potential to be harmful, especially in excess. I don't know if Mike will read this, but if you are, God bless you and whoever is reading this.

[@mackenzieduncan4927]

So if I should step away from music then as a Christian how do I avoid music when I go to church?

[@daydragoon331]

Honestly I’ve been thinking about something similar, it’s like you are listening to new songs and you listen to this one and it’s a masterpiece to you, it’s your favorite song ever and you listen to it for a full week straight, then next week you slowly stop listening to it and stop listening to it regularly altogether, it’s still your favorite but it’s not enough to grab you again, and then you listen to a new song and the cycle repeats, idk maybe this is just a me thing but I find this to happen a lot

[@SalAvenueNJ]

When I take the bus into New York to go busking in the subway, I don't listen to any music on the bus ride. I read, so I can give my ears a rest.

[@YoniIsrael]

My headphones broke and I couldn't find time to buy new ones for a while (I don't buy On-line, I need to check before I buy), so when I was walking my dog I was without music, the walks felt a-lot longer and boring. I do listen to music, in the scens that I noticed what the instruments are playing, even if I don't know that the mode changed "from Lydian to Dorian", I did notice a change acured and I get the message that this change means in this context

[@thiagopena3258]

Hey Mike, who's your favorite trio band in rock?

[@EliaszPimpicki]

bringing good points!

[@captainhostile101]

I feel attacked, provoked, humiliated, but i like it. I listen to music because I am passionate about it. Hearing every beat, every rhyme, every literal sound, it makes me all fuzzy inside. I am a music addict and I have strong passion for what I listen. It is true that after some time if you dont listen to it, it will become more memorable. Now imagine for somebody like me how is it when I finally go back to music after one or two days of not listening to it. I listen it mostly on my way to work and home.

[@KotalaGod]

I get around 30 minutes of silence a day at least. That could easily go on for a few hours if im just doom scrolling and texting friends. I have a ton of mental health issues I can't really do anything about so being left entirely to my own thoughts is genuinely not good for me mentally. I've had times where my thoughts have entirely prevented me from sleeping, so having that background noise is important unless Im sleeping with someone.

[@DarkGrif]

Use to listen to music in the car all the time. At a certain point I just kind of stopped. I'll listen to music every now and then, but if I'm not in complete silence, I'm listening to some kind of podcast thing. Music acts as my Muse for story ideas and concepts. It helps me with world building and character ideas. Even if the song is about something else all together, my brain will still pull something from it completely different from the intent and it just helps my brain work on stuff like that. So I don't abuse that as much as I can. I also get tired of listening to the same kinds of music at some point. Every now and then I'll switch between genres and even go back and listen to something like Moonlight Sonata.

[@chickengeorge_8261]

So does that mean no Song Suggestion streams this weekend?

[@nitrospidergaming7394]

But does notlistenling to music also consist of not practicing an instrument?

[@darkdudironaji]

6:26 "We judge the goodness of music based on the words spoken rather than the actual music." I actually spoke to my cousin about this recently, because he showed me a song that he thought I would really enjoy. I didn't like it at all. He said something along the lines of, "How? It's all about [things I think are important]" I responded with, "I don't even listen to lyrics. I had no clue what he was saying." It blew his mind, because he'd never even considered that people might listen to music for the sake of enjoying the instruments rather than the lyrics.

[@hunter00143]

Ive heard people say instrumental music (no lyrics) isnt music at all. "Bro how do you listen to that crap theres no words" Idk dude

[@ethanwelk2736]

I agree with what you are saying. However sometimes I use it to help me focus because my brain is very prone to wandering and it can help control that.

[@EricArmstrong-vo6dp]

Speaking of no guitar, I’ve been listening to more big band music. It’s been a refreshing change.

[@namethestars]

Have you been on shrooms? 🤨 and no most of my day is spent in quiet/silence so music is a welcome tonic for me.

[@DerekPower]

I would agree and disagree. And let's just say: I'm working on something that will help make the point =]

[@BecomeTheKnight]

Sick!

[@jonathanmartin1910]

Great video! May I also recommend having children and being quasi forced to change your music listening habits or completely remove them for a while? Anyway, I found a new appreciation for classical music that I didn’t have before kids (I liked it but not for everyday listening). Listening to one of my various classical playlists now is so enjoyable… I also now tend to listen to happier music more often and only turn on my old favorites when the mood calls for it… like what isn’t better than Opeth on a brisk, autumn night, am I right? Anyway back on point, definitely makes me choose music that I want my kids to hear and grow up with like my dad did for me. Hope things are going well for you, Mike.

[@gagadreams]

I heard that only certain people hear music where it gives them "goosebumps" and I'm luckily one of those people, I love music it makes me laugh, cry and everything in between! Especially these days Spiritbox, I love them! 💗

[@Strengthinstock]

Well, this is a new perspective for sure!

[@DirkkDiggler]

On a more serious note, i did spend about 4 days camping with no music or any manmade stimulus nearby. I was way more alert since nothing but my own thoughts distracted me. Was interesting

[@thisisobviouslybait]

I don't know who was letting you cook but they should have stopped you long before it came out this burnt.

[@seamussc]

As much as the composition is mocked, this is precisely the reason John Cage created 4' 33".

[@handler803]

This is why I do swimming as a hobby. Gives me silence and a break from music. I just listen to music for "reference" purposes such as checking out a riff, technique, etc

[@Kronus_Music]

So i gotta admit. I was really enjoying the video. It was kind of an ADHD rant-ish style vibe, very natural feeling. And then the plug at the end. My immediate reaction was, "dammit, this was a really good video and it was tainted by the ad". It was a knee jerk reaction, but real nonetheless. I felt like it took away from the overall authenticity of it. But then i got to thinking, and i was wrong. Because the ad didn't take away from authenticity. Your true self was on full display in this video, there was no faking that. You took something you are incredibly passionate about and made a solid video, and also seized the opportunity to earn some income and grow your business. Cant knock you for that, this is your "business" after all, and its your means to financial comfortability, which is something we all strive for. But i tend to pick things apart, often times to my own detriment. Im sure you can relate. I say all that to say this: i think it would be a good idea to do some of these videos ( Grab a topic youre passionate about and just run with it in front of the camera,) but without the sponsored ad at the end. Or maybe you have and i just haven't seen them. Either way, keep doing what you're doing. But i personally would like to see more videos like this, but without the ad. Maybe im way off course on this one ( im sure the comment section would let me know), but its hard me to go against my own natural instinct, and I surely cant be the only one that feels this way. But who knows, maybe I am. Crazier shit has happened. I hope this brings some value to you and your channel. I'd donate money if i lived a little more comfortably financially, but i don't make quite enough money to support my cymbal addiction.( Life is simply not fair). Anywho, id love to hear your feedback. I dont know the first thing about running a youtube channel, let alone a business, so I'm sure theres a few things I'm not taking into consideration. I enjoy your content, been watching your channel since the whiskey glass days. Its been so long i don't even remember what your videos were about back then. But i respect the grind and look forward to the next one. Rock on 🤘🏼

[@oldmangimp2468]

This is why, in the movie "The Adventures of Remo Williams," Master Chuin demonstrates for Remo Lesson #36: "Blessed Silence." . I know when there's silence because my tinnitus gets freakin' loud: there's no background noise for it to blend in with. It kinda sounds like a sea of crickets in a nighttime pasture.

[@pip5528]

Funny, I have also wondered why music exists or why it is universally enjoyed regardless of taste, this coming from an amateur musician and audiophile. I myself have always been a rhythmic/musical person. There was also one day when I was so overwhelmed that I just wanted absolute silence with even the quietest noises irritating me. I am also hypersensitive in general. I also love a lot of music ranging from 16th to 21st centuries. My favorite instruments are guitar, bass, synth, and lute. I also like actually listening to individual parts and consciously processing music, not just shoving it into my ears.

[@ibanezguitars360]

So recently at work we lost headphone privileges, after that, me and my 2 coworkers each brought in our BT speakers. That got taken away too. Now I’m in a shop all day with my own thought and depending on who’s doing what, it’s quiet, or very diminished noise. I fucking hate it. I think in my case I’m both. I love the music/content I consume because it’s actually what I’m passionate about. But I also am trying to distract myself from the fact I have to go to my day job everyday for the next 35+ years.

[@fivemagics18]

What’s this guy’s plug

[@sh0erick_squishy]

music is a reflection of ones soul, it represents that which cant be described with words. Music is a source of energy.

[@hollowman7168]

no

[@JohnSheppardEwTube]

"As long as you think you are your thoughts? You are under mind control." - Sum Dood

[@Riquinni]

How I treat music and from the sound of it this might be foreign to you: Instead of complaining about the quality of music today I create what I want to hear myself. Its an extremely internal venture that only I can accomplish. Sure I could be considered a glutton for it by you but I personally don't put restraints on my artistic outlets, nor do I force them to arise. Its not something that distracts me from what's going on internally, quite the opposite. I'm putting my deepest desires under a microscope and indulging in them artistically which has been more satisfying than any ventures I've taken before it. With that being said there is of course value in mindfulness exercises and taking breaks from songs, artists, genres, mediums entirely. It is up to the individual however to decide where all that fits into place.

[@McDoofius]

But my caveman riffs

[@azloii9781]

I’ve honestly lost any passion for music. Everything I do is wrong. There’s no such thing as perfect so what’s the point? I mainly listen to music while driving but even then yeah it does seem like a distraction. Running away from my own thoughts

[@Made_In_Heaven88]

It helps the deafening silence of loneliness when working on something wherever if it's music, a stream, or a podcast that's just life now especially since 2020 nobody knows how to switch off or be bored

[@bxp_bass]

when I was lonely and depressed, music and meditations with music gave me such a strong support and such a relief, that I climbed out of this by my own and now I'm immune to depression, it was like powerful self-exploration.

[@Made_In_Heaven88]

That's great to hear man 😊 music can be a powerful thing like that, it used to do the same for me but nothing much grabs me anymore unless it's one of the major of my favorite bands or artists releasing albums and that feels so few are far in-between these days

[@bxp_bass]

@@Made_In_Heaven88 man, there are thousands of great bands and artists, all you need - it's go deeper and listen more. Always helps

[@blah8934]

Scientifically speaking music that you choose to listen to stimulates dopamine in your system. So if you are potentially suffering from what is known as Anhedonia or a light form of it, one of the biggest stimulants to get off of first to cure it is music for about a week. Essentially anything that is dopaminergetic in an exogenous form such as caffeine has to be removed for a small period of time to bring the dopamine levels into baseline. It is correct to take everything in good measure and keep an eye on yourself to make sure you are not abusing yourself. You will find insane burst of productivity and good mood after taking a 2 - 3 day break from coffee and an extensive break from music or other stimuli such as media.

[@williamlanger9229]

I actually think we plug in a lot because we’re hardwired to have a lot of sound going on and silence is not the norm for humans. Before we lived in houses, we heard other animal sounds, wind, rain, running water, and all the ambient sounds of nature. Now, we live in houses that would, without music, tv, and other entertainment, be comparatively much quieter than what our ancestors experienced. We are also increasingly childless, single, and friendless as a society. I think excess entertainment is trying to fill the void due to the lack of other humans and the sounds of nature. I agree with the idea about consuming less. Good video.

[@BittersweetDuality]

…so no ssf this week?

[@BecomeTheKnight]

Still ssf this week. I'm a horrible hypocrite Unless you mean *you're* skipping ssf. Then I endorse that, to my own detriment

[@popcorn_showers]

Fascinating question...was in a terrible place of emotional disregulation and severe limerence towards a person I knew I couldn't have. I pumped music constantly in my mind, usually stuff by Flyleaf and orchestral instrumentals. A few weeks ago I listened to Cats Cradle by Flower Face, a song specifically about romantic obsession and anxiety the music entranced me and elevated my sense of self and made me feel comfy. I needed the music as a distraction from any second alone with my thoughts because I felt suicidal. Having progressed from this state of like a constant numbing depression, having actually started to recieve attention from that person I had an unrequited and unhealthy obsession with, and working on self love; these days i find that listening to the songs that used to give me crazy goosebumps and take me to this ethereal plane doesnt have the same impact anymore. Its so odd, it appears getting better is actively ruining my experience and capacity to get invested in music that was my lifeblood just days ago. Almost like the more I heal the less necessary the constant wall of sound is.

[@DankeyStankey2112]

yes, next question.

[@themetalhead1463]

If it wasn’t for heavy metal music, I wouldn’t have made it this far in life. I would’ve likely ended it in the early 90’s.

[@TallicaMan1986]

So, being alone with your thoughts without actual feedback on them can lead to forms of mental illness. Yes, it could be healthy, for the short term, but we've always had groups to confide in and help us see ourselves more clearly as opposed to developing narcissistic and anti social traits.. Music has been apart of civilization since we've been clanging rocks together and oofa booga-ing to the rhythm. Music was and should be communal as most things we do should be communal including thought. Being alone like we are now a days is a relatively new phenomenon made possible by 20th century tech. Before that. We ran in groups and talked a lot about anything.

[@maxpalmer3212]

I go to concerts every year for my birthday and always have my headphones on me always cause my head just spins and spins and my thoughts won’t shut the fuck up

[@tomdue9782]

you should do another tier list

[@AdrianBrth]

The character of music has never been sonically vibier than today. Whether it's just "a hot beat" (Eminem) or a sick riff, it's character is through texture. If you find yourself holding music close to your heart, I suggest taking a break from it can be very helpful to conclude it's affection on your life, but you also must not be over-analyzing so much that it widens your grey areas. I think holding that balance is key to a great musical experience and I imagine a guitar playing music engineer tends to be especially vulnerable for getting into that rut.

[@glowie5811]

I declare total war on all music

[@ChristopherRoss.]

I use ambient noise to keep the tinnitus demons at bay. I listen to books at work to keep mental atrophy at bay (my job is mindless). I listen to ambient music after I get home to keep the stress and anxiety demons at bay. I listen to most other types of music in album long stints while I have the freedom to focus on it, because music gives me oxygen, I love it, and im a connesseur of the artform. Since I moved into an urban area, silence has become hard to come by. What the hell, lets try the detox and see what happens.

[@LuizEduardoSr.]

No

[@brandonmcgregor9912]

I mostly listen to music to either learn it, appreciate the artistry. In my current job I will listen to music to help me concentrate on my work to drown out the noise around me. Plenty of people in the office talk loud, particularly around my desk, which is very very distracting when trying to focus since my job requires making assessments where you have to be objective, but also make interpretations. And it's especially distracting if I'm in an online meeting. So when I can I often listen to music while working to help me focus my mind away from the distracting noise. And even when there is no noise around, I find it often puts me in a better mood and keeps me at least a bit more productive. With that said I am a content glutton. I often have KZbin videos playing while I play video games or doing hobbies like drawing, or doing something else creative. Except music. If I'm learning a song, the only thing I have going is either the song I'm constantly rewinding to learn by ear, or the KZbin tutorial. If I'm writing a riff, sometimes I'll have music playing at a relatively low volume so that it's difficult to make out the melody so sometimes miss hear it and my brain fills in the blanks differently to give me melody ideas. There are definitely times I appreciate silence. Sitting in silence, especially if in my opinion while doing something like star gazing is kind of like a detox.

[@travisspaulding2222]

Twentyone Pilots has a song called "Car Radio" that explores this concept. He wrote it when his car radio was stolen from his car when he was in college, so every time he drove somewhere, he would just be sitting in silence with his own thoughts for basically the first time ever. It's a pretty good song.

[@trent460]

I think this is called tweaking

[@MrSpeoples1]

#ShadyPinesRadio has a mighty fine Sunday night show, #NocturnalSubmissions, dedicated to playing mostly the local scene. That's cool to sit at workstation and just listen. Chat with the artists, anxiously wait for your smash hit to spin and change the landscape of music...forever. Other than that, it's true, a week off here and there is healthy. Re-bond with your beast animals.