Why do you listen to music? Options

[Starscream]

I recently ran into a friend at the theater last week and we started talking about metal. We talked about our favorite bands and what we like about them-- why we listen to them.

He's a huge fan of Cannibal Corpse and all I really remember him saying is how he felt when he listened to it. He didn't describe it and when I asked him what made him feel that way (lyrics, vocals, etc.) he said it wasn't any of those things. He shrugged off lyrics as being unimportant, something I disagree with.

When I listen to something, I have to like multiple facets of it. I like vocals that are in the mid to low range. High pitched vocals are okay for females and I generally hate it when a guy screams like a banshee.

I can't stand generic pop style lyrics. I need something that I can make a personal connection with. Shallow lyrics are extremely annoying and can ruin a song in an instant.

The music itself is probably the biggest factor. As a fan of metal, I like songs with waling guitars, lightning fast drumming and solos. Lots and lots of solos.

So... what is the most important factor in your favorite song or band and why? Do you listen to it for the message- if there is one- or is it the music itself?

[Brent Murray]

I listen to mostly the musical instruments and the beat of a song myself as I really could not care less to what the actual lyrics are, and this is especially true for Metal or Banagra. I mean, I like Heavy Metal because of the guitar solos, and the hyperactive beat of the instruments, not because of the band members shouting at the mike. And also for J-Pop (yes, I do listen to it sometimes), I like listening to the beat of the song, not what they are trying to say.

[Scriptless]

Songs are meant to express feelings, that's what so magical about them. That magic comes from the lyrics, for that's the biggest source that emits those feelings. Of course the rhythm is important too.. but what speaks of the feelings most is the lyrics. So it's not a matter of what sounds better, it's a matter of feelings. However, to answer your question.. I like music that has soul, something unique. Not something that is categorized.
However, I like Japanese music.

[Let It Be]

I totally agree with you Starscream. I am a fan of metal, and hard rock. And I pay attention to everything in the song: I like the guitar wether it is slow or not, as long as it sounds to my liking; I like the drumming, but not the very fast drumming. I only like the very fast drumming when either the entire band is making an uproar, or if it is the end of the song; the bass is VERY important in my opinion, mainly only hard-to-do stuff will keep me interested in bass; but my favorite is the lyrics. I like political lyrics, such as some from System of a Down and Rage Against the Machine. I like masterful lyrics, such as been done by the Beatles. But yeah, generic pop things from Taylor Swift and all that just don't do anything for me.

But I listen to music because I enjoy the feelings you can get from it.

[rcGingerNinja]

I'm not big on music never have been (although my missus has always been in love with heavy metal, but also just about all genre's there are, she could sit in a chair and listen to it all day, in fact she quite often does >_>).

The only times I like music are in media, games or if I am on the move and it has to suit my mood.

Generally I prefer heavy hitter music (could be classical, techno/dance, heavy metal etc), but it has to have that "HOLY CRAP" factor.

Like you could imagine some crazy dude with a big butter knife slicing a 100ft giant in half with it to it kind of music (heh heh cloud for teh win).

[Little Lynn]

I primarily listen to music as a tool to help me create. Most of my favorite songs have inspired me in some way in the creation of the stories I write, and I could probably put a full album's soundtrack to almost any of my works.

Beyond this, I'm just looking to be impressed. Frequently, the music I like has some sort of "oomph", whether it come in the form of strong vocals, impressively played melodies or cool lyrics. Symphonic/Epic/Progressive Metal seems to most frequently win my heart in all those categories.

Though lyrics are very important, they are actually the most expendable aspect to a song in my opinion. I say this because I do enjoy many instrumental songs as well (classical, video game, etc.) and even some songs that are sung in other languages (j-music). There's also some bands I like for their ability to perform, but use such specific subject matter that it becomes hard to relate to or follow; in these cases, I might actually tune out the lyrics to simply listen to the performance.

[darkyoshi]

I listen to music for many reasons. I like to use it to keep myself calm and focused. I like most music in general and just enjoy listening to it.

The melody is what first catches my attention with any piece of music. I really like when the lyrics complement the melody. When both are used to present the message, that's when the song really catches my attention. Some bands that have great lyrics, Disturbed, old Metallica (up to their Black album), Falconer.

Though lyrics are very important, they are actually the most expendable aspect to a song in my opinion.

I agree wholeheartedly.

[Homunculus]

I associate music with memories a LOT. With memories and my characters, so music is very very meaningful and important to me :3 Much of my art is inspired by a specific song, and like I already said... I often attach memories to songs. Like right now, Moondance, The Christmas Song and a couple Beatles songs are very important to me just cause when I hear them they make me think of some bittersweet memories of some very happy times :3 Which I am actually doing comics of to express myself LOL.

And art. My absolute more favorite band in the existence or music right now is Vast. They are my HUGGGEESSSTTTT inspiration for art, and their songs are very very very very meaningful to me. Like every single one of their songs remind me of two of my characters that represent me, so in an offbeat way, if their songs represent those characters to me, then the songs also represent a lot about myself to me too.

The Beatles (My other favorite band <3) inspire me artistically too, but they stir much much less emotion than Vast lol Vast gets me artistic and emotional, The Beatles just get me insanely artistic Especially the song I Am the Walrus, WOO I can listen and draw to that all freakin day lol

[kathaar]

I recently ran into a friend at the theater last week and we started talking about metal. We talked about our favorite bands and what we like about them-- why we listen to them.

He's a huge fan of Cannibal Corpse and all I really remember him saying is how he felt when he listened to it. He didn't describe it and when I asked him what made him feel that way (lyrics, vocals, etc.) he said it wasn't any of those things. He shrugged off lyrics as being unimportant, something I disagree with.

When I listen to something, I have to like multiple facets of it. I like vocals that are in the mid to low range. High pitched vocals are okay for females and I generally hate it when a guy screams like a banshee.

I can't stand generic pop style lyrics. I need something that I can make a personal connection with. Shallow lyrics are extremely annoying and can ruin a song in an instant.

The music itself is probably the biggest factor. As a fan of metal, I like songs with waling guitars, lightning fast drumming and solos. Lots and lots of solos.

So... what is the most important factor in your favorite song or band and why? Do you listen to it for the message- if there is one- or is it the music itself?

lyrics, imo, really are good when they're telling a story or explaining a wide-known problem (eg System of a Down or Disturbed often attack political issues and/or questions that many people think or know about) the music itself expresses a strong sense of emotion that varies based on what your listening to and/or currently feeling (eg, the song Paralyzer will always put me in a good mood for its upbeat and catchy riffs) but to be entirely honest, there is no "most important" part of music for me, for it varies day by day and mood by mood.

[Oko]

I'm a lot like Homunculus: I listen to songs for the memories they bring back. This doesn't necessarily mean that I'm not on the lookout for new songs to listen to. It just means that some styles of music, even when heard for the first time, affect me and bring back memories. Also, I like chillout music that you can listen to in the background. Good stuff.

[Exiled One]

For songs with lyrics, I listen primarily to the lyrics. No matter how great the beat is, it sucks if it has useless lyrics or if the lyrics just aren't complex. Lyrics are nearly everything when it comes to a song to me, and I value lyrical creativity (probably why I'm more of a rap fan than a rock fan). I check out the rhyme scheme, try to understand any hidden messages, and I try to figure out all of the literary stuff (similies, metaphors, puns, etc.). It may sound like some work, but I can usually figure out everything by the third listen. But I really like songs that have lines that make you think. Twice I've heard lines that took me over a to fully understand.

For songs without lyrics, I just want it to sound good, although I like songs with more complex chord structures (thinking about jazz now). It gives me reasons to ask myself why the composer did what they did.

Most people I would guess don't listen to music for my reasons, but I guess it's because I'm a pretty varied musician myself

[Puck]

I recently ran into a friend at the theater last week and we started talking about metal. We talked about our favorite bands and what we like about them-- why we listen to them.

He's a huge fan of Cannibal Corpse and all I really remember him saying is how he felt when he listened to it. He didn't describe it and when I asked him what made him feel that way (lyrics, vocals, etc.) he said it wasn't any of those things. He shrugged off lyrics as being unimportant, something I disagree with.

When I listen to something, I have to like multiple facets of it. I like vocals that are in the mid to low range. High pitched vocals are okay for females and I generally hate it when a guy screams like a banshee.

I can't stand generic pop style lyrics. I need something that I can make a personal connection with. Shallow lyrics are extremely annoying and can ruin a song in an instant.

The music itself is probably the biggest factor. As a fan of metal, I like songs with waling guitars, lightning fast drumming and solos. Lots and lots of solos.

So... what is the most important factor in your favorite song or band and why? Do you listen to it for the message- if there is one- or is it the music itself?

I saw the worlds Cannibal Corpse in your post and a tiny angelic chorus sounded in my head!
Yes metal music I would say is my genre and whatever the heck Mindless Self Indulgence is now,
I have my mp3 play currently packed with Bloodbath, Dethklok, MSI, Pain, Some random video game music songs *Parappa The Rapper and Um Jammer Lammy OSTs since little bro bought the games and can't get songs out of my head...*
I say I listen to music to just get in my "zone" you know what I mean... You get your coffee you put the earbuds in hit the little sideways triangle and you hear that beautiful sound, you crack your knuckles and say "Let's do this shit!" best way I could describe the best kind of music. It has to be epic for me. I have to always be able to depict some dramatic scene to go with the song I'm listening to if the music video wasn't that. *Disturbed: Land Of Confusion: BEST MUSIC VID EVER!* Makes me want to find midi versions of music for my games.
I mean how awesome would "Murmaider II" or "Thunderhorse" go to a good epic boss fight? I mean real metal or intense music If i hear someone say that *Through The Fire And The Flames* would one more time they're getting a punch in the stomach that song has been raped as well as the band in general since guitar hero...
Anyway I listen to music to enhance the experience we call life and to tone out all the annoyances blowing up in the background. :3

P.S. This post was very long... Sorry just get into it when I find a really good thread. Also listening to music funny enough!
*MUSIC: GET SOME EPIC POSTIN' DONE TODAY!*

[Puck]

For songs with lyrics, I listen primarily to the lyrics. No matter how great the beat is, it sucks if it has useless lyrics or if the lyrics just aren't complex. Lyrics are nearly everything when it comes to a song to me, and I value lyrical creativity (probably why I'm more of a rap fan than a rock fan). I check out the rhyme scheme, try to understand any hidden messages, and I try to figure out all of the literary stuff (similies, metaphors, puns, etc.). It may sound like some work, but I can usually figure out everything by the third listen. But I really like songs that have lines that make you think. Twice I've heard lines that took me over a to fully understand.

For songs without lyrics, I just want it to sound good, although I like songs with more complex chord structures (thinking about jazz now). It gives me reasons to ask myself why the composer did what they did.

Most people I would guess don't listen to music for my reasons, but I guess it's because I'm a pretty varied musician myself

I agree it's all about the message behind the melody. I listen to alot of random music where the lyrics are often dark or illegible or in MSI's case just flat-out vulgar but when It comes to music that hits you where it counts I seriously... SERIOUSLY love Serj Tankian and his work, its so deep and poetic it just makes you feel like you're in some kind of trance or meditative state where the world is just frozen in time and you're gliding out of body and through existence and non-existence and you're every thought after you hear it becomes as deep and profound as his song. I really recommend anyone out there who has any taste for music whatsoever to listen to his music. Not necessarily System Of A Down but more along the lines of his solo work like his album Elect The Dead...

*NO I'M NOT HIGH JUST SPIRITUAL IN A UNIQUE WAY! I HATE DRUGS*

[Ember]

When the band members think they're a bunch of trolls its always a plus.

[Trickster]

To escape from crapiness. Simple as..
Soft Rock(Mainly Queen) ,Emo Rock (Mainly 3 Days Grace and Linkin Park) , Heavy Metal(mainly Metallica, Motorhead and Def Leppard..is that their name? They've honestly slipped my mind...) , rap(ONLY Eminem...) , and uh..the occasional classical song..
what would the Blackeyed Peas be considered? I've never really known for sure...
oh. And a bit of the Beatles never hurts.

[C7Edition]

Exiled I'm the same way, But I definitely love when lyrics can hit home and have my mood change just from listening to that one song.

People probably are gonna wonder what kind of medication I'm taking but I really did like some of the tracks off the 808's and Heartbreak album.
(Street Lights, Bad News & Say You Will)

I had three concussions in the past and things trigger headaches real easy. screamo happens to be one of the things.

[Puck]

Exiled I'm the same way, But I definitely love when lyrics can hit home and have my mood change just from listening to that one song.

People probably are gonna wonder what kind of medication I'm taking but I really did like some of the tracks off the 808's and Heartbreak album.
(Street Lights, Bad News & Say You Will)

I had three concussions in the past and things trigger headaches real easy. screamo happens to be one of the things.

I have no concussions and screamo gives me a headahce. I listen to atreyu and any other band that has screaming in my opinion blows unless it has enough brutality in the lyrics or instruments to back it up. Who the heck started screamo anyways?
Lol rockstars usually took pills after a show not lozenges.
Honestly that must rip up their throats after a few minutes...

[Adriantepes]

My favorite bands are the ones who go out of there and play what they like to play. The kind of band that picks up there instrument and doesn't try to attract a certain fanbase... But they what they like and what they are good at playing. To be honest, This is why I hate elitists.

Music hasn't died yet friends. Sure, radio stations may pick the most emotionless and boring and repititive mainstream bullshit to play. But if you look into it, There is still some technically amazing and emotional peices of work being produced.

I could make a list of amazing songs from the last ten years and god knows That all of you would have a panic attack trying to dig your nails into the awesomeness. You'd have your back against the wall. and that is the sound of truth to your ears.

That's 5 in two sentences of random referncing.

Music is still alive and well, and it is the best thing to ever enter anyones life.

If everyone was a musician, wouldn't the world be a better place?

[shinyjiggly]

Why do I listen to music?
Why do you breathe?

Now that I have that over with, let's get to the nitty gritty.
Listening to music can be sort of an escape for me, as well as something to help me get focused while working on things. I also listen to effect my emotions (like if I listen to an upbeat fast song while riding a bike, I'll pedal harder and faster... and then get pooped once the song is over.).

I primarily listen to video game music (Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door has an AWESOME soundtrack btw) and I've recently started listening to Jazz.
I remember when I used to listen to pop music when I was in 6th grade or something. They played the same worn out popular things on the radio every single day and the commercials practicably drove me crazy! (especially the ones about those depression help centers because I was somewhat insecure at the time and I thought that they were going to find me and lock me up there for some stupid reason)
But I seldom listen to the overhyped pop music of the radio anymore and I instead search the internet for soundtracks from my favorite games.

But if you think that listening to music can be amazing, making music can be many times better. My dad has told me this and I have experienced this in choir class.

[-dah0rst-]

I listen to music because I need it- anywhere I am. If I don't listen to music, tunes are going trough my head- I need music around me- always.

Also I like to hear original music- not the mainstream shit for everyone. I listen to very different styles of music. For example: A lot of Pagan and especially Black Metal (Atmospheric and Suicidal BM to be precise), as well as 8-Bit/ Chiptune, Gabber/ Hardcore, Video Game Remixes, Irish Folk/ Celtic Punk, Bavarian Singer/ Songwriters, traditional tunes from Slavic countries, sometimes martial industrial or ebm.You see it's a very broad but underground taste.
I think my last.fm account features about 2000 artists i listen to, with about 400 i regularly listen to.

So I need music to find something new, or find something old again- and because my head is so full of music^^