How Music Has Helped Us Get Through Hard Times
Reflecting on how music has aided us through the coronavirus pandemic.
2020 was a year that posed many obstacles and roadblocks. Trying to stay socially distant, wearing facemasks and adhering government guidelines while looking for joy in the little things. Throughout the global pandemic, music kept many of us entertained.
Thanks to platforms like Tik Tok and more people spending times on their screens than ever before, up-and-coming artists have grown their audience tenfold. Apps like Tik Tok and Instagram have replaced the radio as the most common way you discover new music.
Sharing playlists or songs with friends has always been the norm. Today, however, sharing a playlist of your favourite track with someone you care about could be incredibly sentimental to them. In a nutshell, relationships with family and significant others have been troublesome.
Human beings are social entities, we need face-to-face interaction. Listening and sharing music has helped keep that connection viable in a world of social distancing. Music was definitely therapy for a large majority of people. It acted as a driving force that got many through 2020. Last year saw masses of; job loss, death of loved ones, termination of relationships and more during the pandemic.
There is a saying reality is often stranger than fiction. The coronavirus pandemic has proven just that. For some, dating has been strenuous at worse or lukewarm at best in the virtual realm. Getting to know an individual and understanding their philosophy is way more challenging when social events are barred.
A persons love language can manifest in various forms. Sharing music could be a common one. Making a playlist for someone special can speak volumes, almost acting as a time capsule of emotion in song form.
In the absence of social interaction, music has helped many find themselves. While not ideal, this forced self-reflection period has been somewhat therapeutic. Listening to introspective songs possess the power to mend emotional fences. Sitting down and basking songs like 'Marvin's Room' by Drake or 'John Redcorn' by SiR can force us to challenge ourselves mentally.
Critical thinking can help us figure out how we can improve and grow going forward. Because the songs listed and many others similar are driven by sadness or loss, the listener can find relatability and identify with the track.
Nothing sums this sentiment up quite like Arlo Parks' 'Black Dog' track. Black Dog chronicles the toll the UK coronavirus lockdown has on the mental health and human psyche.
Our concerts and festivals have also been postponed or converted into virtual-only performances. Although we do not get a chance to see our favourite artist live in person, virtual shows are still the next best thing. Many artists across the black music diaspora have put on excellent digital shows like Lil Uzi Vert, Gunna and H.E.R.
Often, we feel the artist had us as individuals in mind when they recorded a particular song. We cannot help but feel like damn, this song was made for me. A track has the power to connect to our emotional cords in both positive and negative situations. The song is like a blanket that is covering us with emotional support. It is almost like the song is hugging you and saying everything is going to be alright.
Music is what a large consensus of people will agree has been keeping them going through social, financial and pollical unrest. Songs, albums and playlists are a happy distraction at worst and at best, a of world escapism.
For more of Chris K’s work, check out the podcast and ForTheHomies hosted by Chris K, Dre and Rocky on Spotify here. Also, check out their merch site.