Why Music Matters by Ngan

In a world where so many things are tearing us apart, the love for music seems to continue bringing people together no matter their race, gender or sexuality.

Music connects people. Two strangers with different thoughts may dance, sing and cry for the same song because they are the same at heart. We all share the same feelings: pain, happiness, longing and love. Songs and tunes bring us together with these feelings.

People go to see bands and artists because they all like music. It represents a type of culture and period of time. They identify with the music, and they share that experience. People listen to the songs even though they do not understand the language. For instance, K-pop nowadays is becoming more and more famous worldwide. People from Western countries listen to them even if they do not know the lyrics, and they sometimes would search for the translation. They love the melody as it frees their soul. It can relax you, excite you, and bring out emotions you never knew existed. Music brings love into the air – it makes people feel more connected and creates memories that will last for a lifetime. It does not matter what you believe in or stands for; harmony is for everyone. Vietnam is a small country and people didn’t use to care about its music, but in the modern world, even across half of the world you can hear “V-pop”, people like it and enjoy it.

How can K-pop become a global phenomenon? To give an example, it certainly seems that BTS – a Korean boy band, has gone as far as a South Korean band can go in terms of making inroads into American culture. Psy and Gangnam Style in 2012 has become a trend not only in Korea, the US but worldwide. Psy was not a Korean version of a big pop star; he was Korea’s version of Psy. It showed that you could be significant even if you don't sing entirely in English or be in vogue. The power of the music video transcended language. Fans overseas, if they see, hear or want what they like, they could immediately cross-over to another site, and either download, purchase or stream it. Music will forever be a social experience that allows us to get together. Korean and international fans, although having different cultural backgrounds, share dissimilar thoughts or even skin colours, they all gather together through music as well as enjoy catchy lyrics and beats.

Music creates a bond between people, a sense of identity and belonging. People bond over music over a particular event like songs made popular during the war, or the economic recession that followed, a shared experience of hardship, and losses. Anthems represent shared nationality; songs sung by football team members help identify fans with their team. The lyrics and music reinforce a sense of belonging. Melody has always brought people together. It can encompass cultural, political, social, and even religious connections. The reason we like music is that it makes us move in unison - helps us find our part in the group and it is the most effective way to get someone’s attention. In the crowd, rhythm breaks the air, puts a smile on people's face and brings us closer. We are spreading love.

No matter who you are or where you come from, beats allow you to be you. It automatically gathers people together. If there is one thing we can always count and depend on, it is music.

#Ngan

#selfreflect