[Column] Why does experimental music scare people? Music and human psychology deciphered from the history of noise, chance, and disorder.
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Why does experimental music scare people?
Text: mmr｜Theme: Why does experimental music feel “scary”? Unraveling the reason from historical, psychological, and cultural perspectives
Rules for music to be “music”
For many people, music is something that exists within a certain set of rules. It has a melody, it has a rhythm, it has a structure, it has a predictable flow.
The basic structure of classical music and pop music is surprisingly common. Over a long history, patterns that make humans feel comfortable have been formed, such as tension and release, repetition, and the progression of harmony.
However, experimental music dares to break that rule.
There’s no melody. The rhythm is disrupted. The sound sounds like noise.
These were not just novelties, but important ideas that arose within the artistic movements of the 20th century.
Artists began to ask questions.
“What is music?”
As a result of this question, music gradually moves into unknown territory.
Experimental music did not destroy sound, but expanded the very definition of music.
20th century artistic revolution and the liberation of sound
Can noise become music?
In 1913, Italian Futurist artist Luigi Russolo declared:
Modern society is a ““civilization of noise.’’
- factory
- car
- Machine
- City
These sounds did not exist in 19th century classical music.
Russo argued in his essay ““The Art of Noise’’:
Modern music should embrace noise.
He actually created and performed noise instruments.
- The audience reaction was intense.
- yell
- confusion
- Occasionally near-riot situation
However, this idea had a great influence on later music history.
Noise is not the enemy of music. It was a new material.
Attempt to break the structure of music
In the mid-20th century, composers tried even more radical methods.
- coincidence
- disorder
- silence
Incorporate these into your music.
The symbolic work is the one from 1952.
The performer sits in front of the piano. But it doesn’t play at all.
The sounds of the audience’s coughs and the creaking of chairs echoed through the venue.
In other words, the environment itself becomes music.
This idea completely changed the concept of music.
Experimental music did not destroy music, but expanded the space in which music existed.
The human brain understands music by “prediction”
Why pop music is soothing
The human brain has an excellent ability to recognize patterns.
Music is no exception.
Research shows that when we listen to music, we unconsciously anticipate the next note.
- melody flow
- chord progression
- rhythm
When a prediction is correct, the brain feels pleasure.
This is one of the charms of pop music.
But in experimental music, this prediction hardly works.
- The sound suddenly changes
- Rhythm is disrupted
- Structure does not exist
The brain gets confused.
This confusion can be felt as “anxiety.”
So part of fear is a psychological response.
Experimental music is scary because our brains are suddenly thrown into a world we can’t predict.
Images of noise and violence
Why does distorted sound cause anxiety?
Loudly distorted sounds in nature were often a sign of danger.
- Animal intimidation
- Arashi
- Destruction sound
Humans are instinctively wary of such sounds.
Therefore,
- strong distortion
- metallic noise
- extreme volume
These create psychological tension.
In the late 20th century, musicians began to use this effect intentionally.
Noise is not just noise. It was a way to directly stimulate emotions.
The advent of noise music
Since the 1970s, a music genre centered around noise has been born.
- Feedback
- electronic noise
- destructive sounds
This music was often extreme.
But that’s not a coincidence.
Experimental music was also a study of how humans ““react to sound.’’
Noise was not just noise, but a sound that directly touched the human senses.
“Incomprehensible” as a culture
New art is always rejected
History shows that new art is almost always rejected.
- impressionist painting
- jazz
- rock and roll
All were initially subject to criticism.
Experimental music followed the same path.
What you don’t understand creates anxiety.
And anxiety often turns into rejection.
But over time, the art is gradually understood.
Experiments create the future
Much experimental music has created the future of popular music.
- electronic music
- sampling
- Ambient
Techniques that were once avant-garde have become commonplace in today’s music.
In other words, experimental music is like a musical laboratory.
Much of today’s pop music comes from experiments that were never understood before.
Chronology of experimental music
Major events
| Year | Events |
|---|---|
| 1913 | Futurists’ declaration of noise art |
| 1930s | Start of electronic music research |
| 1952 | Advent of accidental music |
| 1960s | Fluxus movement |
| 1970s | Development of noise music |
| 1990s | Expansion of electronic experimental music |
| 2000s | Popularization of digital music |
The history of experimental music has always been one of pushing the boundaries of music.
Why do people still continue to make experimental music?
Curiosity about unknown sounds
The history of music has always been a history of discovering new sounds.
- new instruments
- new technology
- New expression
Experimental music is at the forefront of this.
Even if it is difficult for many people to understand, there is a genuine exploration in it.
To what extent can sound become music?
That question has not yet been completely answered.
Fear is proof of the unknown
It’s natural to feel afraid of experimental music.
The unknown makes people anxious.
However, at the same time, the unknown is also the source of creation.
Art has always been born between fear and curiosity.
And experimental music continues to stand on the border.
The reason experimental music is scary is because it represents the future of sound that no one knows about yet.
