Think about the last concert you went to. Try to remember how you felt listening to the music, the feeling of the crowd singing along, and the energy coming from all around you. I'm guessing you have fond memories of that day, whether it was a country concert under the stars or a rock-band at your local bar. Have you ever wondered why that is? Why does music evoke such a feeling of awe and inspiration when we hear it?

The Science Behind Music

There's nothing quite like attending your first concert. I remember mine vividly, it was Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, just shy of twenty years ago. Music has a special way of moving us and staying with us throughout our lives. We often associate music with special times in our lives, including the hard times. Why is this? It has to do with the term implicit memory, which is a more reactive, unintentional form of memory.

In other words, implicit memory is emotional as well as durable. This explains why you might think of your first high school dance every time the song Whip It! by Devo comes on, or you start reminiscing about your college spring break when the radio plays I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston.

So, what does all this mean? You might think that because people are so different in nature and we all have our own experiences and opinions, that we would all experience music differently. This is actually far from the truth. Music brings people together and in a big way - it’s a bonding experience. Three studies were recently published on the topic of the brain and music. They all found that people who listen to music all perceive music the same way, despite whatever personal differences they brought to the table, there’s a level on which they share a common experience.

That gives me chills to think about, but also makes me extremely happy to hear. Music is a commonality between people, that can bring them together. It is the universal language with an appeal that transcends language, cultural, or religious boundaries.

Living For Live Music

As the summer season is right around the corner, concerts are also on their way. This means late summer nights spent with best friends, good drinks and food, and loud music. There is no comparison to hearing your favorite artist live. The feelings that are evoked as you sing and dance the night away are next to magical. Seeing the hundreds, if not thousands, of other people surrounding you makes you feel surprisingly calm. You know that everyone is there for the same reason and it’s a surreal experience. In those moments you are in love with life and you will gladly shout it from the rooftops!

The Next Closest Thing

When you aren’t at a concert, the next best place to be is in front of the radio. It's for all of the reasons listed above and then some that I love working in radio. It all comes down to the music. That's why radio is such a powerful force, even today.

You still get to hear all of your favorite hits while you’re driving to work, hitting the gym, or making dinner at home - radio is everywhere you want to be. It is for this reason that we often give away tickets on the radio. We understand the magic and power behind a concert, and we want you, our listeners, to feel that too.

So, whether you are getting ready for your next concert experience or listening to the radio while getting ready in the morning, driving to work, or laying on the beach, remember that music is a powerful thing. It can lift you up when you’re feeling down or help you to celebrate all of life's big moments.

“Music expresses that which cannot be said.” - Victor Hugo