How can music be depressing?

Rjinn · 08-23-2012, 07:56 AM

I don't see how you can answer this question without it being personal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrapevineFires

I udnerstand the expression. Of course. But if a songwriter writes a song about being depressed, surely the object is not to make the listener depressed? The object is to write a terrific song.

Music is an expression of the soul. I don't think a musician would try to program how the audience feel. Again personal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBig3

but to remove music from culture is to make music just noise.

That's surprisingly a genre of music...

GrapevineFires · 08-23-2012, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stp

LOL I take it you've never listened to The Smiths.

One of my favourites. Never ocne have I felt depressed listening to them.

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Seriously though a lot of my favourite music I would describe as melancholy. As much as I enjoy it I also find that if I listen to too much of it I can get lost in it. Admittedly I am prone to depression but to say that there is no inherent sadness in the music would kind of miss the point. I think artists frequently exploit the inherent power in the darker moments of life.

sadness. yep. I see lots of it in music. But to actively get depressed by it? Feel down after listening to it?

To me that's madness.

TheBig3 · 08-23-2012, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rjinnx

That's surprisingly a genre of music...

What is?

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrapevineFires

sadness. yep. I see lots of it in music. But to actively get depressed by it? Feel down after listening to it?

To me that's madness.

This is a different question than you had originally asked. A song being depressing is not the same as a song making you depressed.

GrapevineFires · 08-23-2012, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janszoon

I think the object is to create a terrific song that communicates depression. The result is a depressing song, which if it evokes that much emotion, is a powerful piece of art. I think you're confusing subject matter with quality here.

I don't think it's a way of dismissing music at all, it's simply a way of describing the mood of the music. There's a lot of music I love which I'd describe as "depressing". That doesn't mean I'm dismissing it, it means I find very emotionally powerful.

But, being depressed is not a positive thing. Therefore the music is having a negative effect. "Depressing" is not good.

I listen to alot of music that people would describe as downbeat and melancholic. That's because I find it the most beautiful. The most inspiring and the most uplifting. This is why I feel there is a misconception over the term "depressing". That term for me, is a negative state of mind. And anything that does that to you should be avoided.

Music is not depressing, in my humble opinion.

TheBig3 · 08-23-2012, 08:10 AM

No, your opinion is that music doesn't cause depression.

GrapevineFires · 08-23-2012, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBig3

No, your opinion is that music doesn't cause depression.

Well thanks for telling me my opinion, but I'd extend that to say music doesn't cause depression, doesn't sound depressing.

Depressing is a lazy, inaccurate word to use when music or any art is concerned.

Rjinn · 08-23-2012, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBig3

What is?

Noise.

Stephen · 08-23-2012, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoundgardenRocks

A downtempo song can easily be depressing without invoking memories. How can anyone not be depressed when they hear this?

Funny that you chose that song. I'm just watching Father Ted where he inadvertently cheered up a depressed priest by playing Shaft but the priest's mood reverted to depression when he heard that song on the bus on his way home.

Stephen · 08-23-2012, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrapevineFires

I listen to alot of music that people would describe as downbeat and melancholic. That's because I find it the most beautiful. The most inspiring and the most uplifting. This is why I feel there is a misconception over the term "depressing". That term for me, is a negative state of mind. And anything that does that to you should be avoided.

Music is not depressing, in my humble opinion.

There is definitely beauty in melancholy but it's possibly more an indication of your own resilience that music never depresses you.

GrapevineFires · 08-23-2012, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philtinium1

Hi

No I don't think that Music is depressing, there are famous songs connected with depression and famous artists: for instance a song called "Gloomy Sunday", composed by Hungarian pianist and composer Rezső Seress... was banned in many countries for causing people to commit suicide

Yes the same happenend with a Billie Holliday song I think. Banned in a few countries.

Quote:

Try out this brand new site where people set their lives to music - it's called Soundtracktoyour.com that'll cheer you up! But don't check out the funeral soundtracks... not 'til you're feeling a little more chipper.

Regards

Philtinium1

cheers will give it a go

08-23-2012, 08:10 AM	#15 (permalink)
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