How Music Defines You: What You Listen To Says Something About Yourself

      When people first meet, they like to get to know each other. They ask questions such as: "Are you a dog or a cat person? What do you plan on majoring in? What are your favorite foods?" Another common question is, "What kind of music do you listen to?" Why do we ask this question when we get to know people? A big reason would be to see if they listen to anything similar. However, why does it matter if they listen to the same things we do? Do we unconsciously feel that those who listen to the same music we do are more relatable? 

      "People do actually define themselves through music and relate to other people through it but we haven’t known in detail how music is connected to identity." We definitely feel this way. Why? Because what someone listens to says something about their personality. Someone who listens to classical music while they study is probably more concentrated, focused, and studious than someone who listens to heavy metal while they study. "People may define their musical identity by wearing particular clothes..." Someone who listens to country music would fine someone wearing a Kenny Chesney shirt more approachable than someone sporting some Odd Future attire. We assume people wearing Bob Marley shirts and Sublime wristbands are stoners. Why? People people that listen to this music tend to be more laid back and calm. I know if I someone walking down the street wearing a Rage Against the Machine or a Suicidal Tendencies t-shirt, I'd assume they'd be more willing to pick a fight than someone in a Kid Cudi shirt or someone wearing a Foxing hat. 

      Our musical preferences are tied to our identities. We may not realize it, but we listen to music that we can relate to. Why does someone who constantly feels sadness prefer to listen to Told Slant over Bruno Mars? Why does someone who is happy with themselves and life listen to Los Campesinos!? Because certain music appeals to different people with different personalities. No wonder we ask what our friends what their favorite artists/bands are. We want to know what kind of person they are. 

For more information on how music is tied to personality, click here.

Preferred Music Style Is Tied to Personality. (n.d.). Retrieved November 29, 2014, from http://psychcentral.com/lib/preferred-music-style-is-tied-to-personality/0001438