By Zainab Al-Mashoor

KUWAIT: While music often serves as a refuge from reality, it can also evoke painful memories, acting as an echo of past experiences. For some, music becomes an addiction, captivating them with its melodies, while for others, it becomes a guiding force, influencing their life decisions through its lyrics. The Kuwait Times recently spoke to individuals about the impact of music on their lives.

Music makes Faten’s world colorful; it’s a helping hand to Khalid, a motivation to Mohammed, an expression to Zena’s hidden emotions, a good vibe changer and acknowledgment to Yousef, a tool for skills and cheering up Hassan, a voice of silence to Abdelrahman, a distraction to Shymaa, whereas it’s a validity to Hala’s feelings.

Faten finds that music transports her to a colorful world, disconnecting her from reality. She shares, “While listening to certain songs, my imagination paints a world full of rainbows, positivity, and happiness. However, some songs trigger memories of loss, such as my grandma’s passing. I relate to the denial portrayed in one song about the loss of his wife, as I once experienced a similar phase when I lost my grandma. Another song serves as a reminder of how much I miss her presence.”

Khaled shares how music has been a key factor in shaping his life, especially as an only child. The time spent listening and playing music in his growth has built more of a personal bond between himself and the artists. Khalid remarks, “Music not only helps me cope with loneliness and helps with my sleepless nights, but also inspires my approach to various aspects of life. It aids in relaxation and can provide clarity during moments of confusion and different directions to deal with problems. Music isn’t merely an escape from reality but an enriching addition, infusing another dimension into our existence.”

Mohammed uses music as a source of motivation while engaging in various tasks, such as going to the gym, which boosts his energy and keeps him going, doing household activities to make it smoother for him, or even writing, which helps him think creatively. However, he acknowledges that certain songs can evoke memories, both pleasant and unpleasant.

Zena reflects on the emotional spectrum of music, stating, “While some songs boost my mood, others elicit deep sadness, leading to tears. Music has the power to unearth hidden emotions within me. However, it’s essential to be cautious with music choices, as some can induce overthinking and even contribute to depression.” She advises separating life decisions from the influence of music.

With confusion in Yousef’s feelings and emotions, music serves as a helping hand in clearing his feelings, acknowledging his emotions in a physical form, and sometimes compensating for a sad thought or feeling. For him, music is an amazing tool to deviate his mind from reality, making him enjoy moments. He explained how music in the background of a gathering could capitalize on the vibe by adjusting a mood or awkward silence and adding to an enjoyable conversation.

Hassan has a unique approach to his listening habits. He explains, “I often choose music that contrasts with my current emotions, either to uplift my mood or to delve deeper into my thoughts, depending on the genre I’m listening to. This contrast sometimes gives me a sense of power and energy.” Additionally, Hassan mentioned using music during routine activities, such as walking his dogs, to make it more enjoyable. Reflecting on nostalgia, Hassan reminisced about the music of the 80s and 90s, which holds a special place in his heart. Certain songs serve as a reminder to his late uncle, as they enjoyed them together.

As a guitarist, Hassan utilizes music not only for enjoyment but also as a tool for learning. He listens to specific pieces to study new scales and melodies. Moreover, he appreciates music’s storytelling aspect, finding inspiration in songs that convey real-life narratives. Being a quiet person who doesn’t like sharing his emotions, Abdelrahman listens to music whenever he is upset, as it serves as an expression of his feelings. He also listens to it to be able to focus at work and mute the noise of distractions around him.

Shymaa listens to music as a distraction from overthinking and anxiety, and other times she listens to it to hype herself up and finish her chores faster. It also serves as nostalgia for certain memories. As a teenager, Hala feels safe listening to lyrics that validate her feelings, reminding her that it’s okay, that it’s common to feel in a certain way, and that she isn’t suffering alone with those feelings. “Music acts like a bandage to the unexpressed emotions in me.”