How music became a therapeutic companion in the times of COVID-19
As the film, theater, and music industry come to a halt due to unforeseen circumstances, and those with a cultural and artistic inclination eagerly await the reopening of curtains, many have embarked on a nostalgic journey, revisiting old films, plays, and, most importantly, relishing timeless music that has always been ingrained in our lives. In this mood to rewind, melodies, ranging from Rishi Kapoor’s iconic ‘Dard-E-Dil’ to the Spaniards’ rendition of Celine Dion from their balconies, have proven to be constant companions, offering therapy and healing.
Sumiti Arora, a professional advocate, reveals that she has found solace in a mix by Turkish DJ Burak Yeter during lonely moments. “Tuesday has become my anthem, my go-to melody for inspiring a positive feeling and powering my life goals. I’ve found therapy in music. The beginning was challenging, but gradually, I discovered that this kind of music brightens my mood and stays with me at all times.”
Scientifically, music is known to have a stimulating effect on the brain, body, and emotions, serving as a reliable source of catharsis and comfort. Amid the pandemic, ‘balcony concerts’ have surged in popularity, especially in countries like Italy and Spain. For many musicians, virtual shows have become the new norm. Aarush, a budding artist, sees this as a relieving initiative, emphasizing that it demonstrates unity, showing that no one is alone in these challenging times. “The show shouldn’t stop, and we all share a common language of love best expressed through music. Scientifically, it has been proven that anxiety can be alleviated through deep breathing and listening to music, which relaxes and increases oxygen levels, bringing a calming effect to the body, mind, and spirit,” says Aarush.
Prabhjot Kang, a crew engineer at an automobile company, shares his current musical refuge: “There’s a melody that lingers in your mind and creates a sense of déjà vu. For me right now, it’s ‘Sunflower’ by Post Malone from Spiderman. It’s all I need to feel stirred, motivated, and hopeful.”
Music transcends borders, and it’s no surprise that Lionel Richie proposed a third remake of the legendary ‘We Are The World,’ first created in 1985, dedicating it to global solidarity in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. This echoes the significance of songs that define times, such as Bob Dylan’s timeless piece, which remains relevant in the face of tragedies:
‘How many times must a man look up before he can see the sky?
Yes, ’n’ how many ears must one man have before he can hear people cry?
Yes, ’n’ how many deaths will it take till he knows that too many people have died?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind…