Chicago (band)

This iconic rock band formed in 1967 in where you could probably guess, Chicago. One of my favorite songs ever is "Saturday in the Park"- my mother and I have listened to this song so much together, that it reminds me of her. Terry Kath Chicago wrote most songs for the band, however the talent across all band members is what made the group so spectacular. Although not as well-known by generations today, it is one of my most highly respected band of artists. 

SMU and UCLA Study - Explained

 On my last post, I briefly summarized the science behind the SMU and UCLA study.  Zachary Wallmark, assistant professor and director of the MuSci Lab at SMU, explained that the study found that people with higher empathy differ from others in the way their brains process music. Journalist Justin Martin explained the research process as follows: "A new study from Southern Methodist University shows that empathetic people — those who are generally more sensitive to the feelings of others — receive more pleasure from listening to music, and their brains show increased activity in areas associated with social interactions. 

Researchers interviewed participants about their taste in music — songs they loved and others they hated. Then, participants were put into an MRI scanner and played different selections, including unfamiliar tunes, and researchers studied how their brain reacted to them.

All participants experienced positive activity in the brain when listening to music they loved, says Zachary Wallmark, an assistant professor of musicology at SMU, who led the study. This activity increased for empathetic people.

When played unfamiliar music they didn’t like, empathetic participants still showed activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of the brain, an area associated with executive control and regulation of emotional reactions, Wallmark says."

It is now scientifically proven that higher empathy people experience music on a more euphoric level compared to those of lower empathy.  The way these empaths process music is compared to how they feel when they have a social encounter- it affects the same areas of the brain. 

SMU and UCLA Study- "Empathetic People Interpret Music Differently"

 Interested in my personal connection with music, I decided to dig deeper into why I feel so passionately that music has healed my soul. I read this study from Southern Methodist University that they partnered with UCLA to understand this same feeling. They discovered that empathetic people are more sensitive and compassionate with music, making it feel more personal to them. Empathetic people interpret music on a deeper level of emotions. One of my strongest and clearest qualities is my empathy, so this study supports my feelings of comfort with music.

"A new study from Southern Methodist University shows that empathetic people — those who are generally more sensitive to the feelings of others — receive more pleasure from listening to music, and their brains show increased activity in areas associated with social interactions."

There is scientific proof that neurologically, music and empathy are directly correlated with one another. 

Van Halen

 One of my father's favorite bands is Van Halen. I wanted to dedicate this post to the bond my father and I share of our love for music, and honor the loss of Eddie Van Halen. With your eyes closed, listen to Eddie play the guitar- it is surreal. His passion literally consumes those who listen and drift us away from reality for a few minutes. Although his death is a tragedy, it is also a gift that his talents and print in the music industry with live on forever. 

"Music is My Life" by Myles Tanzer

 I am currently visiting Dallas, Texas for the first time. I absolutely LOVE it! I have been exploring the different cultures in the area- the city, downtown, the financial district, Boho, and the art centers. I found this amazing book in a local shop called "Music is My Life" by Myles Tanzer. I instantly was drawn to it by the colorful cover including gifted musicians from multiple decades. I saw my personal favorite, Elton John, and knew I needed to read it. It is a color book about different artists and their expression through music. I am so glad I discovered this great read- its a familiar read that is a great escape! I love it.

Bon Jovi

 Not a favorite, but still a very talented and inspired band from the 80s. They're free spirited music is always a fun escape from reality. My favorite songs are "Livin' On A Prayer" and "Shot Through the Heart".  They're rock music has inspired generations of artists and generations to come. 

Elvis Presley pt 2

 I know I already did a post on Elvis Presley, but I have slowly delved deeper into his era of music. He completely dominated a time period of the world, influenced so many artists like one of my favorites Freddy Mercury in his song "Crazy Little Thing Called Love", and set surpassed expectations like no other artist. Although he is not my favorite artist (I feel I resonate deepest with Elton John's music), I have nothing but respect for his expression. I visited a record store in Berkeley, CA this past week and was able to snag an amazing find- a record from 1990 on Elvis Presley's greatest live hits. The cover shows Elvis passionately shouting his lyrics, hugging the microphone and blinded by the love from his fans. I love it!

ABBA

 Inspired by my love for the movie "Mama Mia", I love the music from the band ABBA. The Swedish band started in Stockholm in the early 1970s and took off. My favorite songs that are used in the movie are "Dancing Queen"and "Money, Money, Money". These songs went perfectly with each scene of the movie (as the movie was based around the music of ABBA). I'm sure lots of people are familiar with their music from the movie, but even the songs that aren't in the movie are very catchy. I love their songs!

 This post is not for any specific music artist. This post is for 9/11. Today we mourn and honor the lives of thousands who were taken too soon. We are still grieving and appreciating the loss of family members, brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, daughters, sons, friends, and heroes who are now resting in paradise. Music can heal our souls, so I hope everyone takes a moment on this emotional day to breathe and listen to your favorite song as it cradles your spirit. Thank you music for bringing such healing, and we will never forget. <3

Michael Jackson

From youth to adulthood, Michael Jackson had one of the most influential voices to music. He has his own iconic persona that lives long past his death. I love "ABC" with Jackson 5; I remember my first time hearing it and thinking it was one of the catchiest tunes ever. His music has and will live on forever. 

Paul Anka

 One of the most angelic voices I've ever heard. His voice is so soothing, cradling all who listen. I listen to "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" on repeat as I drift into sleep, or when I'm feeling overwhelmed with anxieties it allows me to take a minute to breathe, relax, and take me out of reality for a few minutes. Truly one of the most gifted artists.