Study Shows Preference for Darker Music During Pandemic

Recent research focused on the musical preferences during the pandemic has uncovered a leaning towards more somber and darker tunes. This contrasts sharply with the type of music that is typically recommended to uplift moods.

Insights from Pandemic Listening Habits

Dr. Amanda Krause, a psychology lecturer at James Cook University, her Ph.D. student Kaila Putter, and fellow scholars from The University of Queensland and Curtin University collaborated on the study. Their work, which offers insight into the emotional pulse of society during challenging times, has been featured in the academic journal Music & Science.

During an unprecedented period of isolation due to lengthy lockdowns, Melbourne experienced the longest cumulative lockdown globally, spanning over 260 days. Such conditions created an environment of social seclusion and psychological strain, with increased incidents of fear, anxiety, and a range of emotional disturbances.

Comparing Playlists with Actual Listening Data

The researchers contrasted a 'pandemic playlist' created through a Melbourne newspaper's call for songs that might buoy spirits, with data regarding what tracks people were genuinely engaging with. They examined the musical characteristics and lyrics of the playlist in comparison to popular songs during the initial six months of the pandemic in 2020 and the same timeframe in 2021.

It was observed that the recommended playlist had more energy and less acoustic elements (particularly when compared to 2021) and contained more positive lyrical content. However, the study found that the music individuals actually chose themselves mirrored more somber themes, feelings of uncertainty, escapism, and solitude.

According to the research team, such choices may indicate a tendency to seek out mature and significant media in times of crisis. Additionally, Krause suggested that the music people recommended for others to improve morale might not reflect their personal go-to choices for emotional regulation.

These findings expand the comprehension of how stress within society impacts music listening behavior and choice, offering a window into the collective emotional state during the COVID-19 pandemic.

music, pandemic, study