As I lay slumped in grey towelling sweatpants and a stained white tee, I grappled with the realisation that Covid-19 had placed ‘Saturday evening plans’ into the section of my mind where distant memories are filed. Deflated, I scoured Netflix for something I could get lost in, as my dog stared expectantly at her lead, we had already been out, exceeding our hours daily limit of excercise wasnt an option. I came across ‘Chasing Trane’ a documentary on the life of jazz legend John Coltrane and lay captivated for two hours. By Martyna Duberry-Rock
’I would like to bring to people something like happiness …if one of my friends is ill, id like to play a certain song and he will be cured’ he said. Now, this wasn’t the first time I’ve heard a musician cite evoking happiness as a reason for making music, but the statement rang in my ears differently this time, it really got me thinking.
Considering the strange and uncertain times we find ourselves in, ‘happiness’ can seem elusive and unattainable, we are certainly in need of something constant and universal that can make us feel good. Music has always been that thing.
The appreciation and enthusiasm for music has always been present amongst us and has been found in every culture that’s existed on earth! Music activates parts of the brain responsible for emotions which ensure our survival as humans, such as joy or fear. As social creatures, our ancestors used music to create and strengthen social bonds, organise and resolve issues, amongst a plethora of other reasons. It is no wonder then, that during a time when our survival is threatened, music is utilised. As well as inducing a level of happiness during hard times, it serves as a unifier and ‘morale builder’.
You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t heard the song ‘We’ll meet again’ sung by Vera Lynn or heard it referenced at some point. The powerful second world war ballad served to comfort troops at war and their families at home. Music has always been a means of connection and is vital now more than ever, as we remain confined within our homes.
New studies are exploring how music can be beneficial to mental and even physical health, One recent study has proven that music can produce positive effects as treatment for anxiety and depression whilst a 2013 study found that music was more effective in reducing anxiety post-surgery than prescription drugs, it could also aid the body’s immune system function and reduce stress.
In the face of such a meagre reality, people are using music to cope or bring themselves, and others ‘something like happiness’. Perhaps the greatest example of this can be found in Italy. Coronavirus has claimed the life of 27,682 Italian citizens, yet its natives have taken to singing to each other from their balconies, as seen in various viral videos you can find online. Residents of Banner Road, Bristol; here in the UK have been doing the macarena outside their homes (albeit 2ms apart!) to lift spirits, a Mancunian DJ has taken to playing music for his neighbours from his rooftop. You might have also seen the viral video of grinning celebrities singing along to Lennon’s political masterpiece ‘Imagine’ as they bask in the sun in their Hyde park sized gardens in efforts to…uplift us common folk? Despite the obvious cognitive dissonance, I imagine the sentiment was genuinely the former; and not an ahem… egotistical display.
Speaking of displaced celebrities, Piers Morgan recently slammed Lady Gaga’s involvement with WHO (World Health Organisation), ‘Why? Has she found a cure? Otherwise, we don’t need a bloody singer there’ he scathed on Twitter. Gaga was there to curate the ‘One World: Together at home’ special, a benefit concert which was broadcast on Saturday, 18th April 2020. The special which included Stevie Wonder and John Legend, raised a massive $127 million for global coronavirus relief. Two days after the media event, Morgan was forced to eat his words, stating via twitter; ‘ I owe you an apology @ladygaga – this was a great initiative that raised a fortune, entertained people, & will help save lives.’ Some have criticised the special for its supposed lacklustre performances, granted the spectacle didn’t give us legendary performances, a la Queens 1985 Live Aid appearance. The power of music as a means of support during a crisis has nevertheless once again made itself known.
On a personal level, coping during quarantine with music is an absolute necessity, my Spotify playlist is religiously updated, and I dare not go a day without listening to at least one song. Music during this time has helped to ease my anxiety. Truth be told, without it, I’m not sure what I’d have to look forward to each day stuck inside!
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