Music or Lyrics??? |
Top 5 Jams of November 2024
By: Rapha Conrad
If you a fan of Sarah “Smac” McCreanor on Instagram/TikTok, you’ve probably seen her short form content of her dancing to the lyrics and/or beats to a certain song used. My favorite is the “Whip It” by Devo video.
While it’s entertaining, it got me thinking. Are people (including Dancers/Choreographers) drawn to music with lyrics (songs) or without (scores or instrumentals)?
We might have been asked what’s your soundtrack of our lives. Some would say the entire album of their favorite artist/band (like Olivia Rodrigo or The Beatles), and some would say soundtracks from their favorite movie (The Lion King or Star Wars) or artists that compose instrumentals/compositions (Olafur Arnalds or Kenny G).
If you’re a dance competition judge, you will probably see 50-60% dances/pieces presented done to a song with lyrics (yes, including the ones that isolated the vocals count). For the other 40-50% of the pieces/dance will be done with instrumental music (sometimes the ones with odd rhythms and sounds mixed in that have a clear melody count).
I can talk about my perspective about music used in the dance competition world, but that’s another story/blog for another time. The question remains…
Are people mostly likely to listen to music with lyrics or without?
Are people most likely to listen to musicals or ballets?
Are people most likely to have their playlists filled with Beyonce or Max Ritcher?
Honestly, the answer is BOTH!!! We are drawn to both songs and scores. Here are some factors why we are drawn to songs with lyrics/words (lyricism):
- Emotional Connection:
Lyrics can directly convey emotions and personal experiences, making them more relatable for many listeners.
- Interpretation:
Lyrics allow for individual interpretation and make of our own meaning, which can enhance engagement.
- Melody:
Even without lyrics, instrumental music can still evoke strong emotions through its melody, harmony, and rhythm.
- Context:
Depending on the situation, instrumental music might be preferred for its ability to create a specific atmosphere or mood without distractions from lyrics.
Here are some factors why we are drawn to music without words/lyrics:
- Less Distracting:
Without lyrics to draw attention, instrumental music can be less distracting and better for activities requiring focus like studying or reading.
- Emotional Control:
The melodic and harmonic elements of instrumental music can evoke specific emotions without the influence of lyrical content, allowing for a more nuanced emotional response.
- Analytical Appreciation:
Instrumental music often encourages listeners to pay closer attention to the musical structure, composition techniques, and nuances of the melody and harmony.
- Relaxation and Stress Relief:
Soothing instrumental music can be particularly effective in promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
- Cognitive Benefits:
Some studies suggest that listening to complex instrumental music may stimulate the brain and potentially enhance cognitive function.
According to Alani Hajithomas, Music and lyrics are like pharmaceuticals. Whilst harmony and melody provoke strong emotions without the need for cognitive processing, lyrics evoke specific memories and experiences nostalgic to an individual. Hence, they can serve as a complementary therapy for the artist or the listener.
Whether if you workout to AJR or choreographing a solo to Thomas Newman, both songs and scores in all various genres are beneficial for your heart, mind, body, and soul.
Here are this month’s picks of songs to include in your playlist. You might feel like you’ve stepped into your own movie, tv show, or musical with these songs.
Rapha Conrad’s Top 5 Songs November 2024
- “Moon Music” by Coldplay, Jon Hopkins
- “Bluebird” by Alexis Ffrench
- “Wreck” by Ben Rector
- “Drive Away” (from “A Series of Unfortunate Events”) by Thomas Newman 5. “Pompeii MMXXIII” by Bastille, Hans Zimmer
Be on the lookout for my Top 5 songs for December 2024
A native of Dothan, Alabama, Rapha Conrad has been trained in dance, music, and theatre. She took dancing and acting seriously after attending Tremaine Dance in 2009. Since then, Rapha has continued with dance training, along working with many choreographers from Justin Conte to David Moore. Plus, she has made appearances in movies, tv shows, and YouTube (like “Marvel’s Captain America 3”, “Dynasty” on the CW, “Good Mythical Morning with Rhett and Link”). Also, she has traveled from Atlanta to Los Angeles as a freelance choreographer and dance teacher for ten years. Besides dancing and acting, she is an online content creator and is working on her first documentary film called, “For the Kommunity” (which will premiere in 2025). Her mission is to inspire those to be their authentic selves and keep on pursuing new realms of possibilities with a joyful heart.
Social Media Links:
Instagram.com/raphaconrad
Youtube.com/@RaphaConrad
