The impact of rock music on Indian young adults: a qualitative study on emotions and moods

Rock music is a popular music genre widely celebrated amongst adolescents and young adults. Discovered in the early 50s, this genre of popular music has used its medium to talk about social and political issues [1]. However, many observers believed Rock n’ Roll harmed the youth; in a sense, the music (supposedly) encouraged teenagers to rebel against the societal rules, parents, and authoritative figures, leading to experts conducting research. Most of the studies show that music, in general, impacts the individual’s personality, actions, moods, decisions, and even cognitive enhancement [2].

To begin with, listening to music has reportedly proven to be an effective means of boosting mood, increasing productivity, and relaxation. Several readings show those adolescents, adults, and even the elderly population use music for mood regulation [3]. Music has proven to play a vital role in social and emotional development in teenagers and young adults. From contemplation, developing self-identity, understanding interpersonal relationships, and providing possibilities of experience mastery, agency, and self-control with the help of self-directed activities, music helps its audience develop in all aspects of life [4]. Music boosts an individual’s mood and helps deal with negative emotions, uplifts the spirits, and provides them with some relaxing experience(s) [5]. Studies also suggest adults strongly connect to music, as it helps in emotional development and self-conceptual processing. A study conducted by Sloboda, O’Neil, and Ivaldi proves that music and its effect on the adult samples were closely related to moods, memories, and emotions [6]. Affect Regulation is an important concept discussed in various academic papers to understand music and its effects. According to experts, individuals make conscious decisions to listen to music to alter their moods and emotions, called Affect Regulation [7].

Rock n’ Roll first emerged in Cleveland through a radio show in 1951. Alan Freed, a radio host in Cleveland, played some rock in the radio station for the listeners. According to several findings, Freed hosted Moondog Coronation Ball – the first-ever rock n’ roll concert [8]. Then comes the 1960s, the decade when Rock n’ Roll thrived and became the ‘pop’ music. Several artists experimented with this genre and gained popularity, like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Buddy Holly, and Little Richard. Rock n’ Roll expanded such that, with time, it was identified as ‘Rock Music’ and gained major traction [9]. After a worldwide rock movement, popular bands emerged like The Beatles, Gerry, Pacemakers, Freddie and the Dreamers, Animals, and Rolling Stones. However, that is not where it stops; rock music continued to expand, the artists experimented with the popular genre and created sub-genres like Psychedelic Rock, Punk Rock, Glam Rock, Roots Rock, and Heavy Metal. Rock music has evolved throughout the years, and it is observed that today Pop Rock and Indie Rock are highly popular among the youngsters [10].

Rock music, since its existence, has been more than entertainment; artists expressed themselves and shared their opinions through their musical pieces. Infamous for promoting drugs and alcohol, Rock Music used its platform to enlighten the audience about taboo topics like racism, inequality, and other social issues [11]. Studies show Rock Music enabled freedom of speech since the 1960s in the most honest and effective form [12]. Experts believe that rock is a rebellious genre of music, projecting negative emotions, especially in youth culture; however, research conducted by scholars from the University of Queensland found that Rock Music can be a potential mood booster and improve listener’s well-being, and is effective for anger management [13]. Rock music can be distinguished into two types: Hard Rock and Soft Rock. Both types serve different moods to the listeners [14]. For instance, Soft Rock regulates positive emotions and increases productivity while Hard Rock induces negative emotions [15]. Several studies suggest that Rock Music and Metal Music increase feeling, and extreme music helps individuals achieve positive emotions.

For this research paper, a qualitative methodology was adopted to understand the psychology and effects of Rock Music on emotions and moods. Data collection was done via in-depth interviews, through virtual video calls [16]. Young adults between the ages of 21 to 26 were targeted, as they have a better understanding and control over their emotions. Fifteen in-depth interviews were conducted, and the analysis was done from the data collected [17].