Thread: The Philosophy of Music

Well, what is music to you? What is your 'philosophy' when it comes to music, the distribution of music, the playing of it, writing of it, intentions behind it...etc?

Where did our capacity to enjoy music come from?

Music and humor are the two things I associate closest to what I view as being "divine"; those things that stimulate us ghosts in the machines. Music, especially pieces without vocals, feel like affirmations of our existence, our being in the universe. They say "I am here. I am alive."

[Do not confuse my interpretation of the word 'divine' as having to be religious in origin.]

music? you've made such a broad topic... I think for me music has to be able to make someone feel something. Obviously doesn't matter what emotion comes from it, but if I feel nothing I can't call it music. I like what invader said, music is really something special.

I think the factor I place most importance upon is melody.

I listen to the bands I do because they have good melodic talents; so, the Beatles, the Stone Roses, My Bloody Valentine...

Yes the melody, and if the composer can put something together so real; then u feel moved. Music is art, and is used for different purposes. "Marines in Iraq get pumped up for battle when they hear, let the bodies hit the floor!"
Music is inspirational as well.

Music is so stupid nowadays . Lyrics really suck like hell, as if imbeciles were writing them. There are some exceptions, but mostly they're far from something that I'd call worth listening to.

Melodies are a different matter, they're good for relaxing. But I find that most of the time it's hard to disconnect from awful words.

Recent insanity that ensued after Michael Jackson's death showed that music has a huge influence on people. Nobody knew him, and yet they became frustrated that he died, they cried, etc. Some even commited suicide as I heard, although those guys were very likely mentally ill. Anyway, it was all over the news, as if somebody of unimaginable magnitude and importance died. But he was merely a singer! If you think about it, it really is absolutely ridiculous...

I think music has such power that it can be used very well to push ideas, however, it isn't seriously used for that because of dumb, nonsensical, trite, or too personal lyrics.