The role of music - good or bad?

So basically I tend to like melancholy music - not really depressing or serious music, just slightly nostalgic, bittersweet etc. - and recently I have simply been avoiding music, because I've got compilations which remind me of happier times (when I was in Argentina) and AT THE SAME TIME are slightly melancholic and nostalgic (like all Argentine music). So I just avoid it, because I find it easier not to feel emotions most of the time. But right now I was so bored, and I did - and well, it gave me the impetus to go for a alk and lift some weights, and on the one hand made me happy because I am feeling alive, but on the other hand I feel like the sadness is too much to take and I just need to be with the people who understand so I can share it with them.

so what effect does music have on you, and can you identify?

ive always considered music my salvation, even though it was almost essential during the years i was self injuring myself, kinda like a medium of sorts

im commited to music even to this day and hope i will be able to do the same for others what my bands did for me...

kinda egotistic i know (right word hope so :S)

anyways even though i listened to slipknot while i was cutting myself i still listen to it these days with almost a kind of satisfaction

it does bring back some of the old feelings and i do get emotional if i really listen to it but still i wouldnt want to loose it for the world

anyways that what i had to say or atleast what im able to conjur up at the moment ;p cheerio and have a nice night

An interesting topic.

I have just recently got into metal music and now I have been wondering that has it made me more depressed or was I already very depressed and listening to metal is like the expression of it.

When I'm listening to metal it doesn't make me feel angry or sad or or hopeless. Quite the contrary actually it gives the boost that I need and it makes me feel strong.

However in the long run I have been getting more darker thoughts....But surely it can't be the music fault, eh?

And in the end I'm not a metal head. Although most of the music is melancholic or heavy I also like to listen some happier and softer stuff...I guess it balances me.

music tells alot about what a person is like, it's an expression of the artist mind and soul, and the fact that one identifies with it makes it a part of them too.

i listen to pink floyd like it's going out of style, the melancholy lyrics are sootheing, unless i'm heading towards a psychotic eps. then i can't let myself listen to the out there stuff,

or, musci is just what we like to listen too:)

I think music can have adverse psychological effects. Sometimes I have suicidal ideation when I find the song very appealing and moving. I'm still addicted, though. Grunge, alternative, and Sonic Youth are just too amazing. By the way...I have perfect pitch. :P

Interesting question.

I remember reading an old article recently by Metallica. They were talking about the song 'Fade To Black', and how after it was released, there was a big uproar that the song would encourage people to commit suicide, but Metallica recieved hundreds of letters from fans saying listening to the song stopped them from going through with it, because they can relate to the song.

I know I was the same, I haven't had suicidal thoughts for a while, but when I did, I used to play Fade to Black a lot (It seems a wierd thing to do looking back) but it didn't inspire me to go through with it, I don't know, I just layed there listening to the song over and over until my mood was a bit clearer.

I think music is very powerful, there is a song me and my ex gf used to play when we were together, we have remained friends, but neither of us can listen to the song without having a lot of feelings coming back.

for me, somtimes listening to the song about suicide or whatever, would help me not to self injur, because it would know my pain.