Column: Silence

A nice introduction of the new concept Looking forward to future articles!And about less music... I think silence does make your mind 'free' for a moment. When there's music, you don't have to think sound, as there is sound. When its silent for a longer time, your mind gets free and melodies just float around out of nowhere (sometimes existing songs, sometimes something new, or at least something you don't know where it comes from). At least that's what happens to me!For music making I think silence is even more important. Only then you will be able to 'think clearly' of what you would like to make.

Silence for me is a big distraction. Despite how strange it sounds I always pick up sounds in so called 'silence'. Of course it's natural, because there is no such thing as a perfect silence (in the most silent room you can hear your own heartbeat). I got used to music so much that these distractions in silence just keep me disturbed and I prefer falling asleep with music playing than street sounds out there (unless I'm not sleeping alone). But I agree that in order to appreciate the light you have to see the darkness. But for me silence is hardly a thing I enjoy. Any suggestions how to get rid of this music addiction?

First things first: I love how philosophy and music meet here. Great idea, great topic, well written!

Now, my opinion: I often have music on. The reason differs, sometimes because I want to be in a certain state of mind (and I believe music can influence this greatly, whether it's subconscious or conscious) or I just prefer it over other sounds, like certain kinds of citynoise. Sometimes, yes, of course I just love to enjoy the sounds in the music. This is the main one. Also, perfect silence does not exist. There's always something, from a jet flying over to the sound of blood rushing in your ears. So I think that this silence we appreciate is not so much the silence but the little amount of sound there is, which we find nice to listen to or which is so little that it's easy for us to process, so we become calm. So I think appreciating silence is actually appreciating how just a few sounds can also be just as (or more) satisfying as a lot of sound. Basically, I think that's a story about essence, and what kind of sounds are nice (which are, when people talk about 'silence', usually sounds from nature). Which is definitely interesting when producing music. So, Kristian, that combination of producing and liking silence, I think it's not so strange after all.

Thanks a lot for your comments, guys! This is exactly the kind of feedback and interaction I was hoping to get; interesting and thoughtful replies. I'm very happy now!

@ Voci:

Yeah, I think there's something to that. I find it easier to think creatively and create something I like when I'm not affected by all the music I listen to.

@ Nemezijus:

Well, I've never really been addicted to music, but I am overcoming my web browsing addiction, which I guess is similar in some ways. We've both acknowledged our respective addictions, which according to movies is the first step in overcoming an addiction :P

Blogs like Zen Habits and The Minimalists have lots of interesting articles on similar subjects, such as: http://zenhabits.net/edit-your-life-...-a-media-fast/ and http://www.theminimalists.com/internet/ - I still spend too much time online, but incorporating routines like reading a book the last hour/hours of my day, and going for a walk every day have helped a lot.

@ Alex E:

I somehow forgot to include what I had to say about the definition of silence. You expressed it much better than I did in the old version of the article anyway, so thanks! I like the thought of appreciating everything from the tiniest brighest clink, to the hugest largest rumble.

You could perhaps look at all sound like an ecosystem, ranging from elephants to ants, from whales to algae, from trees to their leaves, and everything in between. If that doesn't make the music production process interesting, I don't know what does!

And of course, music's effect on mood and psyche is tremendously interesting. My father actually works as a music therapist, and I imagine there's an abundance of interesting material out there.

Being addicted to music I find it difficult to experience silence's. At home that is. When being outside in the nature, at the beach, int he forest etc it's much much easier.

I did noticed that some kind of balance in listening to music is very important. Keeping things fresh a little bit.

Thanks a bunch for these words, big pleasure to read and for sure looking forward to your future contributions here.

Lovely read, looking forward to the next column article

Thanks to the both of you! I'm looking forward to publishing more. I've been thinking some more about this subject. This week, I've used music in various ways: I've used it for blocking out unwanted sound, or to just get in a certain mood. I wasn't listening properly to the music in either of the cases, but I -was- aware of the music's role. I guess that's a better way to put it; put on music for a reason, and know whether you're listening or not.

Really a great article, very different and well-written, thank you. Can't wait to read the follow-ups! I also enjoyed reading Alex E's thoughts about this subject, as I think he really pointed out how silence and creation are deeply connected.
Silence is indeed something to enjoy just as it is. I've always tried to make my life a long symphony of silences and music, as the two are complementary and I truly think that one cannot go without the other. But it's a difficult thing to do as noise is everywhere and tends to ruin this harmony.
Having said that, I should clarify the fact that I include nature sounds (sea, woods etc) in silence. It's not only the small amount of sounds around you (to use Alex E's words) but also the simple fact that silence comes with loneliness: and that unusual loneliness is exhilarating. That's the way I feel the silence, and that's why I need silence in my life, just as I need music. The two are connected in some way.

Thanks! I'm also looking forward to the follow-ups, especially if they're going to encourage good discussions like this one!

I wouldn't say silence comes with loneliness (sounds negative to my ears), but rather solitude and peace of mind. Like you say, I think it's important to have a dynamic relationship between the two.

I imagine our brains aren't evolved to deal with all the information we're receiving nowadays. Humans are very adaptable, but I think most people would be able to think better if they could hear themselves once in a while. The silence is of course one of the great things about living in a small village; waking up to silence or birds chirping, rather than car alarms.

In addition to incorporating more silence into the day, I think many would benefit from starting and finishing their days with one hour of silence. Watching the news and having all the world's problems blasted at you seems to me like a horrible way to start/finish one's day. Dumb radio/TV shows and pop music also can't be good. :P

Edit: Just remembered that I read about silence quite a while ago on one of my favourite blogs, Mark's Daily Apple: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/how-n...s-your-health/ and http://www.marksdailyapple.com/silence/

Very nice read. I often find that silence can be such a powerful element when making inspirational music...