Painful events that shaped music

The connection between pain and music

As Albert Einstein said, "Creativity is intelligence having fun," which is one of the core identities that Soundbrenner strives to maintain. We are featuring a few fun pieces on the topic of pop culture and music composition, exploring why music is the way it is. In this first entry, we will briefly explore music that has been inspired by pain. Here's how we believe suffering is sometimes a necessary component of music.

Pandemic blues

Humans have always tried to make sense of confusing and troubling times through the arts, particularly through pain and music. It's what separates us from our animal counterparts, gives us hope, and represents shifts in world history, whether it be the emancipation of slavery or a global pandemic.

The term "pandemic" may seem like a buzzword now. However, back in 1918, the Spanish Influenza shook the world, killing between 20-50 million victims worldwide. The song “Influenza 1918” by Essie Jenkins paints a bleak picture of the effects of the “Spanish flu,” stating it would “kill you rich or poor.” It uses blues and an English hymn style of composition for its arrangement.

Another notable example of music inspired by pain is the cover of “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell. This song took on a new meaning during the AIDS and HIV crisis compared to its 1964 original by Gloria Jones. Most recently, a remix by iMarkkeyz samples Cardi B saying “CORONAVIRUS!” This became a viral song, providing much-needed, albeit comical, relief during lockdowns. Through these songs, we see how pain and music intertwine to help us cope with difficult times.

War (What is it good for)

What about other types of collective trauma? No matter what side you were on, hundreds of songs were written to boost morale and quell homesickness. A notable example is “We’ll Meet Again” by Vera Lynn, written during World War II. Trying to make sense of the horrors they’ve witnessed through music can be cathartic for both the listener and the musician.

Heartbreak and its influence

Heartbreak, perhaps the most relatable form of pain, has inspired a multitude of artists. Several artists have even made it their entire brand. I’m not naming names…Adele. “Greensleeves” is an old example of a 16th-century folk song about love and loss. It was supposedly written by the infamous Tudor King, Henry VIII, after being repeatedly rejected by Anne Boleyn. Being heartbroken or in pain has influenced some of the most powerful music, which is one good thing that comes out of it.

The legacy of slavery and the Civil Rights Movement

Slavery and the Black rights movement have birthed a multitude of genres that have been fused, mixed, and even stolen to create a rich tapestry of sounds we enjoy today. “Oh Freedom” (1865), an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement made popular by human rights activist and singer Odetta, is one of many examples. The composer and writer of the song remains unknown. Despite the lyrical context, this song communicates its ideas in a transcendent way. My personal favorite is “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke.

The universality of pain and music

So, next time there’s an event that shakes the world or even a heartbroken teen from a small town, know that not far behind any of these events, an artist will be brewing a song in the background. A song that captures the sounds of the moment, where pain and music intertwine to form a poignant narrative. This song will channel the raw emotion of the experience, weaving together the threads of anguish and hope into melodies that resonate deeply. It will be given to the world so we feel less alone and more understood, as the harmony of pain and music creates a universal language of empathy and connection.

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