Have you ever met someone who shares almost the same musical taste as you? Has that ever made you think if there were others out there who feel the same way about your favorite artist?
Many of the friends I have made in the past have shared the same musical tastes as me, which has helped me relate to them on a deeper level.
A Sense Of Relatability
Relatability is one of the primary ways music can help create a positive environment in teenagers’ lives. Micah Lim, a 19-year-old independent artist in the Atlanta area, shares the two main relationships between collaborators as “Listeners and Artists.”
Atlanta is renowned for its vibrant music scene, featuring a diverse range of artists, from mainstream stars like 21 Savage and Young Thug to more underground talents like Lazer Dim 700 and Kenny Mason. Every one of these artists has an impact on the community, whether it is shown by their lyrics known worldwide, or their social impact in their communities.
Following the release of Lim’s latest album, “Hanging from a Blooming Tree,” he reports that numerous people have contacted him, expressing their love and appreciation for some of the music he creates.
Lim continues, “I have also made many connections through different collaborations, which have helped me meet new people.”
Relatability in music can help teens connect and relate to the artist on a personal level because they have been through similar experiences to those of the listener.
One song and artist that I really relate to is “You’re Not The Only One” by The Sundays because it talks about the struggle to maintain independence. This is something I relate to a lot because I feel like I depend on many different people, such as my family and friends.
Music can also reflect many teens’ identities and values. Genres like R&B or hip-hop allow listeners to express themselves and find communities with shared values.
Creating Bonds and Building Friendships
Music can help create positive environments for teens because it fosters and cultivates different friendships. Kaylee Bellew, lead singer at Gracepointe Church in Atlanta and a former youth leader, discusses her connections with her previous band members.
“Friendships form, bonds form, and you just get closer and closer as time goes on,” she said. Music bonds don’t only come from bands and collaborations, but can also arise through music-making activities such as a chorus or orchestra. Activities like these create a space for teens to be with people who share similar interests and experiences, allowing them to relate to one another.
She continues, “Building a group of people to make one song, or like even if you’re in an orchestra, like there are so many people in that group and it takes lots of practice and basically unifying a group.”
Cameron Willard, a writer from Tahoma News, says, “Not only is orchestra a great place to make friends, but it’s also an opportunity to grow creatively and express yourself through music.”
Music Helps the Emotional Well-being of Teens
Music has been proven to improve mood and engage your entire brain. According to Harvard Health, “Active music-making truly engages your entire brain. This creates the most potential for distraction. ” Listening to music can help teens stay motivated and uplifted during stressful situations. It also allows teens to express different emotions, such as anger, sadness, or even anxiety, without needing to verbalize them.
Lekendrick, a 14-year-old living in Atlanta, says, “My favorite genre of music is R&B because it helps me focus on the work I’m doing the past summer, and it has been really helpful.”
Percussion Play, an outdoor musical instrument manufacturer, stated, “Many people may not realize this, but music can be a great way to address feelings of stress, anxiety, or tension.”
Music has given me a place to relax during stressful times, such as when I’m taking an important test or preparing for a presentation. Even though some may claim that the use of explicit or violent language can be bad for teens, this does not apply to all songs. It is essential to listen to music that satisfies your personal preferences while also being suitable for listening. According to Li Chen, an author from the National Library of Medicine article, “Influence of music on the hearing and mental health of adolescents and countermeasures, “For adolescents, the choice of an appropriate music genre is critical, as it can satisfy both their personal preferences and psychological needs.”
The study continues, “The influence of music on adolescent mental health is significant, encompassing areas such as emotional expression and regulation, fostering social connections and a sense of belonging, and promoting creativity and intellectual growth.”
With the music industry becoming increasingly popular, especially in Atlanta, it is essential to acknowledge its positive impact on teenagers. From both mainstream and underground artists creating a sense of relatability through their music to sparking bonds and lifting moods, music has a real, positive impact on the lives of teenagers around the world.
Kaylee Bellew continues her statement and says, “It was like music made me feel safe. It was absolutely beautiful.”
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