Good post. You're coming at it from the consumer side where my recent post came at it from the creator side. One coin, and we agree completely about "makes you happy".
I think I might differentiate between greed as a reason to create low-effort art ("schlock") versus well done art that is about greed (or that instills it in the consumer). But my definition leans heavily on artistic intent.
I think this article was inspired by the other anti-"sad music" discussion from a few days ago, so I can resonate with it ;)
The best argument I can think of for why "music should make you feel happy!" is that being happy is good for your mental health. However, this is the equivalent of reading a couple of "choose to smile today" affirmations to someone who is genuinely distressed. That's not how cognitive therapy was pioneered, and even Jungian individuation requires integrating one's shadow--arguably not a happy journey.
Personally, that's what adds some authenticity towards 'sad' music--the depth of emotion makes it more instrumental to the process of self-actualisation. Nutshell is one of the saddest Alice in Chains songs. At one point, it never failed to reduce me to tears. It's an unabashed reflection of oneself, including one's failures. It pierces to the soul, but consoles with its beauty--that no matter how dire things get, something good can arise out of all of it.
I greatly enjoyed reading this article, thank you for writing it.
Thank you for your kind words and thoughtful insights. I'm so grateful that people have read this article and are vibing with it. And yes it was in part inspired by the one-sided, anti-sad-music post that was doing the rounds last week.
Thank you for reading. Glad you enjoyed the article.
(Out of curiosity, how does one pronounce your name? I have a friend called Sintija and she pronounces it Sin-Tee-Yah but everyone always gets it wrong).
This is one of my favorite sad songs that makes me feel... a lot. My grandpa requested it be played at his funeral. I stayed up late with my mom, as a 10-year-old, while she made the playlist. Gets me every time.
I love this. I hope everyone shares a song in the comments. I'm sorry for your loss, even if it has been years. I know the pain never really leaves us.
Thank you for sharing. I love 'Leader of the Band'. I have the same feeling about 'Moon River' after it was played at my Grandad's funeral. I cannot express the feeling I get listening to it; incomprehensible sadness coupled with a joyful sense of awe in its beauty. Its an oxymoron, but I feel happy and sad at the same time.
I wasn't expecting to shed a tear today but 'Leader of the Band did it'. Thank you
Good post. You're coming at it from the consumer side where my recent post came at it from the creator side. One coin, and we agree completely about "makes you happy".
I think I might differentiate between greed as a reason to create low-effort art ("schlock") versus well done art that is about greed (or that instills it in the consumer). But my definition leans heavily on artistic intent.
I think this article was inspired by the other anti-"sad music" discussion from a few days ago, so I can resonate with it ;)
The best argument I can think of for why "music should make you feel happy!" is that being happy is good for your mental health. However, this is the equivalent of reading a couple of "choose to smile today" affirmations to someone who is genuinely distressed. That's not how cognitive therapy was pioneered, and even Jungian individuation requires integrating one's shadow--arguably not a happy journey.
Personally, that's what adds some authenticity towards 'sad' music--the depth of emotion makes it more instrumental to the process of self-actualisation. Nutshell is one of the saddest Alice in Chains songs. At one point, it never failed to reduce me to tears. It's an unabashed reflection of oneself, including one's failures. It pierces to the soul, but consoles with its beauty--that no matter how dire things get, something good can arise out of all of it.
I greatly enjoyed reading this article, thank you for writing it.
Thank you for your kind words and thoughtful insights. I'm so grateful that people have read this article and are vibing with it. And yes it was in part inspired by the one-sided, anti-sad-music post that was doing the rounds last week.
Enjoyed reading this, thx!
Thank you for reading. Glad you enjoyed the article.
(Out of curiosity, how does one pronounce your name? I have a friend called Sintija and she pronounces it Sin-Tee-Yah but everyone always gets it wrong).
Yeah! It`s pronounced the same as you said, Latvian equivalent to Cynthia.
This is one of my favorite sad songs that makes me feel... a lot. My grandpa requested it be played at his funeral. I stayed up late with my mom, as a 10-year-old, while she made the playlist. Gets me every time.
https://youtu.be/KwLbdPIOOkM?si=lAQ4xHY7dRZMCGc1
I love this. I hope everyone shares a song in the comments. I'm sorry for your loss, even if it has been years. I know the pain never really leaves us.
Thank you for sharing. I love 'Leader of the Band'. I have the same feeling about 'Moon River' after it was played at my Grandad's funeral. I cannot express the feeling I get listening to it; incomprehensible sadness coupled with a joyful sense of awe in its beauty. Its an oxymoron, but I feel happy and sad at the same time.
I wasn't expecting to shed a tear today but 'Leader of the Band did it'. Thank you
Yes! I feel the same way. I'm going to look up "Moon River." I'm not sure I've heard it!
https://youtu.be/uirBWk-qd9A?si=82l1n0EnCCqTCxbH
Audrey Hepburn - Moon River (Breakfast at Tiffany's OST)