EDM, Mental Health and Why Music Makes Us Feel Good

One of my favorite festival memories from this year was at Electric Zoo. Illenium (one of my favorite producers) dropped "Sound of Walking Away" and I remember just dropping my face into my hands because I was crying. I was that happy. Music strikes a chord within people, it's no accident that you see people crying every time Porter Robinson drops "Language."

Many ravers share inspirational anecdotes about how music has helped them cope with depression, anxiety, and stress. EDM and mental health are intrinsically linked, but what's the connection between EDM, mental health and why music makes us feel good? Let's find out. 

Mental health is a topic that is frequently broached in the EDM community. Everyone from producers to managers to ravers themselves have spoken out on the topic. Deadmau5, Avicii, Nicky Romero and Party Thieves are among the many producers who have spoken out on the topic.

Talking about depression and anxiety has become more common (read: less taboo) in society, but especially within the EDM sphere. And there is, of course, a reason why. 

Allow me to get scientific for a second. Studies have shown that music releases dopamine (the feel-good chemical) in the brain. EDM also does this, but electronic music resonates with people because it doesn't tell you how to feel.

Electronic music invites listeners to interpret tracks. More often than not, EDM does not have heavy angst-ridden lyrics. Lyrics and words are simplified within electronic music (if they are even present), and this allows listeners to interpret tracks in a more personal way. 

The scientific ins and outs of why our music makes us feel good is important, but the EDM community as a whole plays a big part. Music makes us feel good, but our PLUR community is a huge part of why we love electronic music so much.

Standing in a sea of people all singing along to the same track, all dancing their hearts out and all having the time of their lives is pure magic. Our EDM community is part of the reason why we love our music, why it heals us and why it makes us feel good. 

So be kind, spread PLUR and remember that everyone has a story. Some people are struggling more than we could ever know and EDM is a key part of day to day survival. Music heals our souls, helps us forget the petty worries of our day to day lives and makes us feel good. 

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