Matching Music to Mood

[waxwing]

When I first read Paul James' INTP profile, I was immediately drawn in by his discussion on INTPs and music. I remember thinking, "Uhh, this is unusual? How else would I approach music?" I am referring to the way I listen to/play music. So, since then I've been trying to figure out which inherent quality requires that I match music to mood, and not vise versa. It happens when I play music too. I choose the instrument/tone quality that suits my disposition; I play music that resonates. My friend said, "Yeah, I listen to music that matches my mood." But then she added, "Well, unless I'm trying to be happy. Then I put on happy music."


So, person #1 (me) changes her music only to adjust to her changing mood.

Person #2 (my friend) chooses music that she thinks may change her mood, so music is acting as mood-modulator.


Theoretically speaking, what is the difference? Which do you do, and why?

Anyone have ideas about why some people match music to mood, and others match mood to music?

[kuranes]

I do both. Not sure why I choose one way sometimes, and other times go in the opposite direction. Never considered the question. Hmmmm. I usually play some old faves, and then go through the time consuming process of playing new stuff. Sometimes I'll find that every song on a new disc was only so-so or even bad. Other times I'll manage to pick a few gems or near-gems out, which is what you hope for, of course. I've been taking notes on new discs lately, and tucking them in the "jewel case" in case I forget which songs I like. ( Those notes can look pretty stupid sometimes if I was really buzzed during the gradual course of the "audition." ) Later, I can assemble collections based on certain themes or moods. Kuranes anthologies, if you will. Been doing some trip-hop and jazz stuff lately. A couple oddball with humor ones. Two psychedelics and a "drifty".

[KellyKidd]

I do a bit of both.

When I'm in depression mode, happy music just sounds trite. But if I put on some piano music, or classical, or Journey etc.. the music will make me feel better eventhough it's not happy music, and then after a while I can switch up to more "feeling good" music, and then I'll feel good too.

When I'm in 6th gear, I'll usually put on music that matches my mood like Judas Priest or Motley Crue or AC/DC

Or when i'm just chilling, I'll put on softer music that matches my mood like Fleetwood Mac or The Gin Blossoms etc...

[SwirlingSugarSparkles]

I definitely can only match it to my mood. It really disturbs me to try to 'change' my mood with music. If I am in a happy, intense, energetic mood...I can't listen to something slow. And vice-versa, if I'm in a laid-back, reflective mood I don't want to listen to hard rock but something with more meaning or so. During relaxing candle-lit bubble baths I like smooth jazz such as Eliane Elias.

[PiccoloNamek]

I can't change my mood with music, and it's disturbing to me to listen to music that doesn't match my current mood. I do, however, listen to music that matches the mood I'm currently in.

[iponjs]

I must match music to mood. It allows me to process the mood subconsciously I think. When music and mood are ismatched the music is like a mosquito buzzing in my ear - annoying!

Hence I was feeling mopey on the way home form work and listened to Hank Williams. Now I feel better.

[meshou]

I tend to choose music oppisite my mood. Happy music makes me sadder (which I'll want if I'm listening to music), and melancholy or angry music makes me really happy. Maybe pressure release?

Dunno why. I love dissonance.

[waxwing]

I must match music to mood. It allows me to process the mood subconsciously I think. When music and mood are ismatched the music is like a mosquito buzzing in my ear - annoying!

Hence I was feeling mopey on the way home form work and listened to Hank Williams. Now I feel better.Ha. I know what you mean. "Processing the mood subconsciously" makes sense. I was having trouble verbalizing my thoughts, but for me, it has something to do with being able to "fill up" my mood to the point of being able to express it, extend it, or toss it aside. This morning, in a sad state, I listened to Portishead. I feel some better now because I "sat with" my emotions for a while. I didn't try to throw them aside or get rid of them until they were ripe, heavy, and full. Music helps "them" get to that point.

It's like the feelings are see-through bags, almost balloons. The right piece of music, along with my reflection process, inflates them. To clarify, the music doesn't change the mood state, but brings the current one to fruition.

[kuranes]

Huh. Never thought of it that way. There's certainly been times where I WANTED to be sad or happy, and would purposely "inflate" that mood from rather skinny initial "seed" ballons, I must admit.

It's easy to understand someone wanting to be happy or much happier, but I was pleased to see that some people here could relate to my wanting to be UNhappy. I see my "saddest song ever " thread has been getting some action.

[SheepDog]

I can't change my mood with music, and it's disturbing to me to listen to music that doesn't match my current mood. I do, however, listen to music that matches the mood I'm currently in.
I totally agree.

[MacGuffin]

I usually listen to music to match my mood. But I have found I can change my moods with music, incrementally.

If I am depressed, I listen to depressing music. But then I put on something a little less depressing, then a little more happy... and follow the curve up and out of depression.

[Serotonin]

Mood will always be king and dictate my actions. I wish it were more malleable, by external things, like music, but it isn't. Maybe it can be changed by long-term concerted effort. But I can't help thinking that maybe there's a reason for its obduracy. It's certainly productive and a source of creativity.

[Vagabond]

I must match music to mood. It allows me to process the mood subconsciously I think. When music and mood are ismatched the music is like a mosquito buzzing in my ear - annoying! Yep, it is the same way for me too.

[ApeTheDog]

When I'm on the pc I just listen to my playlist and skip the songs I don't want to hear. When I put on a CD, I just pick what I'm in the mood to hear. I'll try doing it the 'normal' way a couple of times.

[Kljoki]

If music resonates through my mind and body then I'm in sync with it. If it doesn't I reject it. This makes me predisposed to certain kinds of music. Often when I hear a song somewhere I'll think it's good but when I hear it in a different environment it sucks. So you could say I use it so suite my mood but it's more to ease the tension and relax. When a song is played to resonate completely with my mind and body I can listen to it regardless of my mood and will be refreshed after listening to it. Like after a good meal. In fact you could consider songs to be my meals.http://forums.intpcentral.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Pan]

Interesting...

I am certainly naturally biased toward listening to music that fits my current mood and being annoyed by music that doesn't.

However, working professionally with music has made it absolutely necessary to be able to set that aside - and set it completely aside. As a solo performer it's a bit easier (or harder?) because you're creating the mood, and you have some leeway... but you do have a somewhat limited range depending on the music and the situation. I mean, I suppose you could interpret Pachelbel's Canon in D as an expression of existential self-loathing, but the wedding party might object...

Even outside of performance, I listen to music all the time that I have to be mentally engaged with... whether I like it or not. Whether it's practice, research, taking cues, giving cues, deciding whether or not to consider hiring a pianist, etc.

I think it's partly a question of paying more attention to the music than I otherwise would. I tend to be hyper-aware of music in most situations; I'm almost constantly aware of background music in stores, and I'll be listening to it even when I am interested in what that person at the bar is saying.

Funny thing is... it really does affect my mood, sometimes without me realizing it, so once I'm past any initial sting of irritation I'm fine. I suspect the key lies in keeping my T function analysing and appreciating until the music can do what it does without annoying me. This is second nature for me now... hell, I can even listen to Christmas carols without puking.

[Society's Stray]

I listen to music that matches my mood, i mean right now I'm listening to all my songs to categories them into 'mood playlists' on my ipod. i find on the bus on one day I'm skipping songs of a certain mood and another I'm listening to them and skipping the others. When ever i listen to music that doesn't match my mood the song just seems to not sound as good as i usually does somehow.
edit : wow this is an old topic didn't notice

[Sugarskull]

My music has to match whatever emotional state I'm in, usually.

[Google Monster]

Trust me, music changes as personality changes as well. I used to hate hip hop and rock, and as I become more extroverted I started to listen to more of that stuff and listen to less of the indy stuff.