Ongoing History of New Music

Ongoing History Daily: Music from before 2000 is better for your nervous system. Here’s why.

Scientists know music can be used to modify and enhance how we feel mentally, emotionally, and physically. This has prompted much study into music therapy, including how to regulate our nervous systems in beneficial ways.

Here’s an interesting conclusion: If you want to achieve maximum effectiveness when it comes to managing your nervous system with music, listen to music recorded before 2000, specifically those recorded in analogue.

It should have a slower tempo, lots of space between notes, no busy production, and less compression on the master recording. This reduces the load on our sensory functions and cognitive load, giving our brains a chance to relax and breathe.

Try it the next time you’re looking to power down.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 40215 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

One thought on “Ongoing History Daily: Music from before 2000 is better for your nervous system. Here’s why.

  • Can you link to the study? I’m interested to read it!

    Reply

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