The 5 Unbelievable Ways Seasons Influence Music Taste

Music is a universal language that transcends cultural barriers and acts as a powerful emotional medium. It is a reflection of our experiences, our feelings, and the world around us. Each melody, rhythm, and lyric can convey a specific mood, evoke a memory, or create a particular atmosphere. Intriguingly, the changing of the seasons can significantly influence our music preferences. Here are five ways seasons affect people’s music preferences.

5. Seasonal Activities and Traditions

Certain songs and genres become associated with seasonal activities, such as festive holiday music in the winter or anthemic rock songs for summer festivals. These traditions can heavily influence our listening habits and preferences. We all want to suddenly play Abba’s “Happy New Year” on Dec 31st and “Cake By The Ocean” in June.

4. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons, primarily affecting individuals in the fall and winter. Music can serve as a therapeutic tool for those affected. When it’s cold and gloomy outside during the fall and winter, people suffering from SAD will gravitate toward upbeat, lively songs to counteract the gloom. Conversely, in the heat of summer, slower, cooler tunes might be preferable to balance the external intensity.

3. Reflection of Nature

Music often reflects the nature around us. The light, airy instrumentals of spring music mimic the soft rustling of new leaves, while the deep, resonant tones of winter music might echo the silence of a snow-covered landscape. This mirroring can draw listeners to seasonally mirroring music. Like SAD sufferers seek to counter the outside weather, regular people will seek to mirror what they’re seeing/ feeling: ballads in the winter, Pop tunes in the summer.

2. Release Trends

Artists and record labels often follow seasonal trends when releasing new music, with upbeat Pop songs typically released in the summer and more introspective albums in the fall and winter. This trend also shapes the music available and thus influences listeners’ preferences. It is indicated for indie artists to follow the same thumb rule as the transition from a mainstream playlist to an indie track will feel more natural if they at least have the same tempo.

1. Seasonal Nostalgia

Seasons trigger nostalgia, and music is a powerful conduit for such emotion. A song that encapsulates past summer vacations or a melody that reminds us of a winter spent with loved ones can become a seasonal favorite, heavily influenced by the emotions tied to it. Think of the following scenario: you’re 20 years old, moved into your first apartment in a new city, and have to celebrate Christmas among boxes on the floor. Likelier than not, you will binge-watch Home Alone, order pizza, and choose your dad’s favorite Sinatra album since it’s the closest feeling you can create to being with your loved ones again.

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