Make friends with songs!
At Campfire Music Collective, we use our studio songs as a vessel for connection and musical growth. And in order for this to happen, we have to be open to learning and playing the studio songs, regardless of whether it's one we already like, one we might dislike, or one we've never haven't heard before. Statistically, it's pretty much impossible that all the players in our studio will feel the same about any given song!
So, how do we make friends with a song?
Here's the tricky thing about music: we only like what we already like! This sounds like a chicken or egg situation, so let’s break it down:
Our brains form deep associations with music at times of rapid development (especially in our teens and early 20's) or when we are experiencing intense emotions (like a big life change). Listening to these songs activates multiple parts of our brain (such as the memory and language centers) and produces chemical "rewards" like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. Then, we're "chasing that high" when we listen to music that's not already our favorite -- it simply can't live up to what we already know and love.
Not only that, our brains actually respond to new music as a threat! Without a preexisting context, we don't know what to anticipate -- this activates the fear center in our amygdala. So when you listen to a new song and instantly hate it, you can congratulate your brain for doing a great job trying to protect you from an unknown danger!
Fortunately, we have the power to create context for new music, or override previously negative associations.
There are three scientifically proven ways to make friends with a song:
Familiarity First: Listen to the Song
Studies show that creating familiarity with a new music is the single most important factor to enjoyment. Specifically, incorporating the new music into your normal daily activities like cooking, working, driving is the most effective way to increase your exposure to build familiarity and positive context.
Bonus points: If you play music through a loudspeaker in shared spaces with family or friends it promotes stronger relationships between listeners and increases your overall happiness!
Find a Side Door: Listen to Different Song Versions
As you now know, our brains love music that is already familiar. This means we can make friends with a new song by finding a version in a style we enjoy. We provide a playlist for each studio song with live and cover versions in a variety of different genres. Listen to the playlist and find a version similar to music you already like -- this is your side-door to building familiarity with the studio song!
Keep in mind: a song is simply a template. When you cover a song solo or play it with a group, it will sound different than the original version. You'll create a brand new context, independent from previous associations!
Get Curious: Learn About the Song
The final tried and true way to make friends with a new song is to get curious! Look up the artist and see what choices they made during the songwriting and recording process. Watch a YouTube video or listen to a podcast breaking down the musical components and influences. Then, listen to the song with a whole new perspective!
Still need help creating context?
Good news: just by participating in a song cycle, you are actively creating new context. But if you need an extra nudge to connect with the studio song, please book your lesson sooner rather than later -- we'll help you bridge the gap between the studio song and music you love to listen to. Also, be sure to come to the campfire; you'll be surprised how playing a song with a group can feel entirely different than listening to it!
Parting thoughts…
As you've noticed, music is inherently tied to emotions and memory. It can produce "big feelings" and reactions -- both positive and negative. Understand that this is absolutely normal, and please check in with yourself on a regular basis. We're here to listen and provide support as best we can, but we are not therapists. Please reach out to a licensed healthcare professional if you need help.
And finally, keep in mind that all studio songs are suggested by our players. Even if a particular song isn't your favorite, it probably has deep personal significance to someone else. Please be respectful when sharing your thoughts and opinions!
Thank you for honoring our shared values as we use songs as a bridge to community connection.
