“Music is the universal language of (hu)mankind” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)
People and music. Music and people. We have always had a connection with music, and it is present in every society there is. Humans love music as it can tell stories, make us feel connected across regions, languages and cultures, and can transform our mood on a day-to-day or even hourly basis!
Let’s take the top four songs ranked globally (as of 30 August 2022). What do these songs have in common?
- Quevedo: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 52, by Argentine producer Bizarrap and Spanish rapper Quevedo
- Pink Venom, by Blackpink, a popular K-pop girl group
- As It Was, by Harry Styles, International superstar
- Me Porto Bonito, by Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny
At first glance, nothing. They are by artists from the four corners of the world, have completely different styles, audiences and even languages. So, what is it that makes them so popular?
It’s their tonality – which is the principle of organizing musical compositions around a central note, and also the tonic or key note – along with their tempo, rhythm and lyrics which make them ‘catchy’ and memorable. This in turn allows the artists to transcend the boundaries of geographical and cultural constraints and connect with their audiences.
In fact, if we look at the charts across the world, we will find similarities in what people find popular at the time. This is due to the societal and cultural behaviors, and the current global influences.
In 2019, Harvard University completed a comprehensive study on music as a cultural product. The study found that, across societies, music is associated with behaviors from infant care, healing, dance, and love, all the way through to mourning, warfare, processions, and spiritual rituals!
So how can we use the power of music in the workplace?
Harvard Business Review examines how music in the workplace can increase mood, energy, engagement, cooperation, concentration and even memory. What we deem as ‘workplace’ music, might actually be music that allows our brain to enter a workflow or increase our productivity.
Using music as a tool, means finding your team’s soundtrack – incorporating elements into meetings, and encouraging staff to use music to increase their work rate.
As a team building and engagement tool, the science of music can go a long way to building stronger relationships and encouraging cooperation within culturally diverse and geographically spread out teams.
Music can be a great way to set the tone in meetings, create team cohesion, make your events memorable and highlight your brand’s themes.
SongDivision brings music to teams, workplaces and events. Our world-renowned artists work with your people to craft lyrics into a memorable song for face-to-face or online programs. SongDivision knows how to inject the science of music and the art of engagement to create short-term success and long-term impact.
Contact us today and we’ll help you tune into your team’s soundtrack.