The Perfect Drug

I've always loved music. As far back as I can remember, music has played an enormous role in my life. And it doesn't really matter what kind of music either. 

My tastes are diverse and eclectic, and I'm completely unapologetic in what I consider 'good music' and what I think is total crap. But hey, we all have different tastes!

Music has never let me down, always providing what I need, depending on whether I need a lift or to chill out. For me, it's the ultimate mind and mood changer, and it compliments pretty much everything too. A free and repeatable dopamine rush with no come-down. 

Honestly, what could be better? Well, some may say food, sex, drugs, exercise, shopping, or whatever floats your boat. Add music to those things, and boom, even better! 

But what makes us love music so much?

An answer from Neuroscience?

A 2001 study at McGill University in Montreal concluded that the answer was related to the neurotransmitter dopamine. Scientists using magnetic imaging indicated that people enjoying music had activated the limbic and paralimbic regions of the brain. 

These regions are also responsible for the euphoric reward responses associated with good sex, good food, certain drugs, even the rush we experience at times when shopping.

 

Not Just Dopamine - Expectation too

Scientists who study how we mentally process music suggest that much of the reason we receive this dopamine reward has to do with what we expect and if those expectations are met. But the theory initially came from a musician. 

In 1956, the composer Leonard Meyer suggested that the expectation of reward and the desire being satisfied created a pleasurable play of emotions, with the brain giving itself a little reward when it finds what its predicting to happen. 

The opposite holds true too, which is why we feel bad when a DJ messes up a mix. I'm guessing many of you know that feeling when a beat match goes wrong, and it sounds like a train wreck. Or maybe when a singer is off key. Yuck!

So - Onto Today's Gratitude List

1. I am grateful for my sense of hearing, and my innate ability to appreciate sound.

2. I am grateful for everybody who has introduced great music into my life.

3. I am grateful for my ability to play and compose music, and the pleasure it gives me to do so.

4. I am grateful that I was taught to keep an open mind regarding music, and to keep in mind that sometimes it takes time to appreciate new sounds.

5. I am grateful to all the musicians, composers, lyricists, technicians, instrument makers, sound engineers, DJs, and anyone else involved in the industry for enriching my life immeasurably. Thank you!

And if you're wondering what I listen to, well, the list would be too long to mention everybody. But here's a taste, in no specific order or genre.

Miles Davis, Mozart, Sasha, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Kraftwerk, Maceo Plex, Underworld, Curtis Mayfield, Fabio and Grooverider, Robert Johnson, Howlin' Wolf, Leonard Cohen, The Velvet Underground, The Clash, Nina Simone, Joris Voorn, Stephan Bodzin, Pavarotti, Public Enemy, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Muddy Waters, The Doors, Pink Floyd, James Brown, Frankie Knuckles, Chopin, AC/DC, Johnny Cash, B.B King, Led Zeppelin, Aretha Franklin, Black Sabbath, DJ Shadow, NWA, Cream, Peter Tosh, Nine Inch Nails, Iggy and the Stooges, DJ Hype, The Stone Roses . . .

That's probably less than 1%, but you get the picture.

Thanks for reading this post today guys and gals. Put on some great tunes and get that dopamine flowing!

@steemmeupscotty

P.S I'd be honoured if you'd leave a comment, an up vote, and even a resteem if you enjoyed this post. You can even follow me if you'd like! :)