Music can elicit an emotional response of both joy and sorrow. Music brings people together, and yet comforts you when you are sad or alone. Music can improve your mood, reduce your stress and decrease anxiety, according to Oxford Academic researchers. All forms of music may have therapeutic effects. It is believed that music from one’s own culture may be most effective in benefiting your overall well-being, researches found.
On the campus of Spokane Falls Community College, music is all around. Students can be seen listening to their music through earbuds or headphones. Some even play their music for everyone to hear. The Communicator did a survey of more than 20 people to find out what students listened to on campus.
“I am a music theory student and we are listening to classical music in class,” Jayce Fortin said. “I’ll be purchasing the new Sara Bareilles CD as soon as it comes out.”
Classical music originated in the early 1800s and is from the “classical period.”
“I am a music theory student, too,” said Sharon Ali who is from New Zealand. “I like to listen to all types of music.”
Rap seems to be a popular form of music with students. It has been around since 1967 when Clive Campbell (aka DJ Kool Herc) brought his music to the Bronx from Jamaica.
“I like SOB X RBE (XRB=Extreme Rap Battle), XXXTentacion, and Juice Wrld,” Albert Eti said.
“I prefer the older rap,” said Jordan Kellogg. “I listen to ‘Carter 5’ and Lil’ Wayne.”
Hip hop is derived from rap and began in the Bronx in the late 1970s, and is a spin off of DJ Kool Herc’s music. The first hip hop record to be released was in 1979 by The Sugarhill Gang.
“I listen to all types of music: R&B, Hip Hop and even country,” Jaquill Fox said. “My favorite artists are Jaden Smith, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Blake Shelton, G Herbo, Chance the Rapper, Kanye and Michael Jackson. I also like newer artists like Juice Wrld, Jay Got Juice, DSD1 (Down Since Day One).”
“I am listening to the new Twenty One Pilots album,” AJ Griffin said. “I like rock and pop, but I also like darker, Halloween-themed, sad and somber music like Oingo Boingo, Bauhaus, Goth. I like a new band called Parquet Courts and their album Wide Awake.”
Classic rock music came on scene during the ’70s and ’80s and was derived from Rock and Roll, which began in the ’40s. Pop rock followed in the ’50s and alternative rock was born in the ’80s.
Students like Paul Dickmann and Benyamin Meric prefer R&B, while Keegan Reed prefers ’80s music and classic rock.
“I only have Amazon music,” Keegan Reed said. “So, I listen to classic rock and Huey Lewis and the News a lot.”
“I like the Pixies,” Annabel Jordan said.
Smooth jazz vocal music (aka pop fusion) originated in the ’80s and is said to be downtempo with a lead-melody playing instrument.
“I listen to vocal jazz greats like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Bobby Darin, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald,” Tristan Seyler said. “I also listen to The Hot Sardines, which is a jazz group.”
Indie music (indie rock, indie pop, indie beach, etc.) is music that is made by people independently from major record labels and is enjoyed on campus along with electronica, synth-pop and neo-psychedelia music.
“I’m really into this band called Strfkr,” Zach DeWitt said. “I also like Brock Hampton.”
“Glass Animals and Mother Mother is who I currently listen to,” Mason Setti said. “I like Indie rock, electronic music and pop.”
“I listen to the 1975s,” Natasha O’Dell said. “I like their songs Girls and Chocolate. I also like The Frights, Of Monsters and Men, Mona, and Billie Eilish.”
“I like indie beach rock and chillwave music,” Maddy Tarbox said. “I also like electronic music. I really like Unknown Mortal Orchestra.”
“I listen to everything,” Aloyna Makhan said. “I like jazz, ’90s music, The Growlers’ album ‘Hung at Heart,’ and a new group called The Breeders.”
Spanish music is also enjoyed by many students like Keila Layate, Xobail Rangel, and Krystan Miller.
It doesn’t matter if it’s classical, jazz, rap, R&B, hip hop, rock or indie music. The next time you are feeling down or depressed turn on the radio, dust off your boombox or pop in your earbuds and if you’ve not heard of some of the genres, start a new fall playlist. A musical world awaits you.
Did you know?
One of the best ways to alter your mood is by listening to your favorite music. According to our campus survey, “Thriller” is the most popular Halloween song followed by “The Monster Mash” and “This Is Halloween” from “Nightmare Before Christmas.” So, what’s on your playlist? Tweet us at twitter.com/SFCCcom your favorite fall tunes with the hashtag #moodmusic