How Electronic Music Can Effect Your Brain
Contents
A new study has found that electronic music can have a positive effect on your brain.
Introduction
It is widely known that music can have a profound effect on our emotions. But what about the physical effects that music can have on our bodies? In recent years, research has begun to shed light on the ways in which music can impact our brains and nervous system.
One area of particular interest is the role that music can play in promoting positive mental health. Studies have shown that listening to certain types of music can decrease stress levels, improve mood, and increase cognitive performance.
Interestingly, one genre of music that has been shown to be particularly effective in promoting positive mental health is electronic dance music (EDM). EDM is a wide-ranging genre that includes sub-genres like trance, house, techno, and Drum & Bass.
So what is it about EDM that makes it so beneficial for mental health? Let’s take a look at some of the ways that EDM can effect your brain…
The Different Types of Electronic Music
Electronic music can broadly be divided into two categories: dance music and art music. Dance music is intended to make people move, and is often played in nightclubs and at festivals. Art music is more experimental, and is often created by DJs and producers as a form of self-expression.
Ambient
One of the earliest genres of electronic music, ambient was originally created for environmental purposes (i.e. to fill a room with sound and create an atmosphere). However, it has since been taken up by a host of artists and has become an established genre in its own right.
Ambient music is characterized by its slow pace and lack of melody or harmony. It often uses long, sustained notes or drones and features other sonic effects such as echo and reverb. One of the most famous examples of ambient music is Brian Eno’s “Music for Airports” which was designed to be played in airports to calm nerves and create a sense of space and tranquility.
Other well-known ambient artists include Aphex Twin, Boards of Canada, Biosphere,Global Communication, The KLF, Steve Hillage, Tangerine Dream, and Vangelis.
Drum and Bass
Drum and bass is a style of electronic music that emerged in the mid-1990s. It is characterized by fast breakbeats (typically between 150 and 180 beats per minute) with heavy bass and sub-bass lines. Drum and bass began as a development of jungle, incorporating elements of garage, dub, techno and house.
The earliest drum and bass releases emerged from England in the early 1990s, with artists such as Goldie, A Guy Called Gerald, Omni Trio and 4 Hero leading the way. The genre soon spread to other countries, with artists such as Dj Marky, Chase & Status and Calyx & Teebee becoming popular in the early 2000s.
Drum and bass has remained popular throughout the years, with new subgenres continuously emerging. Some of the most popular subgenres include neurofunk, liquid funk, drumfunk, darkstep, jump up and hardstep.
Dubstep
Dubstep is a type of electronic dance music that emerged in the late 1990s. It is characterized by its heavy bass, syncopated beats, and dark, often dystopian lyrics.
Dubstep was first popularized in the United Kingdom, but has since spread to other parts of the world. In recent years, dubstep has become increasingly popular in the United States.
While dubstep is often associated with nighttime clubbing and illegal drug use, it can also be enjoyed in a more casual setting. Many dubstep tracks are suitable for listening while working out or driving.
Dubstep can have a variety of effects on the brain, depending on the person listening. For some people, dubstep can cause anxiety and worry, while for others it can create a feeling of euphoria and pleasure. Ultimately, how dubstep affects the brain is up to the individual listener.
House
House is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the late 1980s. It is characterized by a repetitive four-on-the-floor beat and a tempo of 120 to 130 beats per minute. House music often has a hypnotic feel and can be very danceable. It is also often used in clubs and parties.
Techno
Techno is a type of electronic dance music (EDM) that originated in the 1980s in Detroit, Michigan. It is a very fast-paced and often repetitive style of music that is typically played in nightclubs. Techno is generally produced with synthesizers, drum machines, and computer software.
The word “techno” was first used to describe this style of music in 1988 by cyberdelic artist Derrick May. He used the term to describe his own style of music, which was influenced by the sound of Chicago house and Detroit techno. Techno is a combination of these two genres, as well as other styles such as acid house and electro.
Techno is characterized by a repetitive 4/4 beat, often with a distorted bass line and synthesizer melodies. The tempo is usually between 120 and 150 beats per minute (bpm). Techno songs often have a dark or futuristic atmosphere, and many use science fiction or dystopian themes.
The Effects of Electronic Music on the Brain
Electronic music can have a profound effect on your brain. Studies have shown that it can increase cognitive function and even help to treat depression. The right mix of electronic music can help you focus, relax, and even sleep better.
Increased Focus and Concentration
Electronic music has been shown to increase focus and concentration. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that listening to electronic music can help you focus on a task and block out distractions. The study found that the music increased participants’ alpha brain waves, which are associated with relaxation and concentration.
Another study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, found that listening to electronic music can improve your performance on a task that requires attention and focus. The study found that the music helped participants ignore distractions and stay on task.
Improved Sleep Quality
Those who listen to electronic music before bed can enjoy improved sleep quality. This is likely due to the slow, relaxing beats of most electronic music. By contrast, other genres of music may contain faster beats which can act as a stimulant, making it difficult to fall asleep. In one study, participants who listened to thirty minutes of electronic music before bed reported that they felt more rested and had an easier time falling asleep than those who didn’t listen to any music at all.
Increased Creativity
A study published in the journal PLOS ONE found that people who listen to electronic music show increased creativity. The study had participants listen to a range of music, including rock, pop, and classical, as well as electronic music. The participants then completed tests that measured their creative thinking. The results showed that those who listened to electronic music scored higher on the tests than those who listened to other genres of music.
Previous research has shown that electronic music can have positive effects on the brain. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that listening to electronic music can improve cognitive performance. The study had participants listen to either electronic music or silence for 10 minutes before completing a test that measured their attention and memory. The results showed that those who listened to electronic music had better performance on the test than those who did not listen to any music.
These studies suggest that electronic music can have positive effects on the brain, including increased creativity and improved cognitive performance.
Conclusion
In general, electronic music can have a positive effect on your brain. It can make you feel more alert and improve your coordination. It can also increase your ability to multitask and improve your short-term memory.
