Music, Entertainment and Emotion: Three Inseparable Entities
It’s been said that music feeds the soul and brings a certain vibrancy to life, but that’s not the only arena where melodic tunes help to enliven.
For centuries music has been used by creative types as a way to evoke certain emotions and create an atmosphere. From the court jester using music as a backdrop to their comedic performances, to the silent film actor using musical notes as their narrator, tunes have been used to give countless mediums a soul.
Of course, outlining every genre that music has enlivened in a single article is impossible. However, it is possible to run through some of the main mediums that music feeds and the impact it has on those participating or watching.
Cinema – When it comes to the usage of music, movies as well as TV shows are the top of the pops. Helping to spark a range of emotions, from fear, passion, love and laughter, music and cinema are virtually inseparable entities. In fact, back in the days when dialogue was scarce (think Charlie Chaplin), music was used as a vehicle to move the story along and add various effects to the pictures on the screen.
Naturally, throughout New Zealand’s music culture there have been a plethora of bands willing to lend their lyrics and chords to the silver screen. In fact, one young pop star wannabe was intent on breaking into both arenas. Before he became a Hollywood star, Russell Crowe was part of a band called Russ Le Roq. Although his music career was short-lived, his time in the industry shows the intimate connection between film and music.
Obviously, however, one of the most famous music/movie collaborations for a New Zealand outfit in recent years was the one between Southside of Bombay and Once Were Warriors. The 1994 film was an adaptation of Alan Duff’s bestselling novel and gave Southside of Bombay one of their biggest hits with What’s the Time Mr. Wolf?
Casinos – Across New Zealand you’ll find a sprawling network of casinos, all of which offer gaming facilities and music events. From musical theatre to international pop acts, New Zealand’s casinos have hosted some of the biggest events in modern times. However, that’s not the only time you’ll hear a few tunes at the gaming table.
As we’ve noted, music can be used to control various emotions and, while there’s an undeniable rush of adrenaline that courses through your veins when you gamble, your main aim should be to stay calm. In all casinos, whether you’re anteing up inside Christchurch Casino, SkyCity Auckland or playing in a real money casino online, music can be a great way to stay relaxed as you shoot for big money prizes.
Although there’s no one track that will help you stay cool in the heat of battle, comedy is always a great way to relax which makes Flight of the Conchords’ The Bus Driver Song a great choice (no matter how ridiculous the lyrics are).
Sports Arena – If there’s one arena in which New Zealand has fused music and action better than anyone else, it’s the rugby pitch. Around the world the Haka has been used both as a form of intimidation and as a way to show off the country’s warrior roots.
A dramatic combination of action, chanting and dancing, the Haka is an iconic combination of sport and music that evokes a series of powerful emotions before the start of each All Blacks game. Like a tribe heading into war, the Haka has helped the team gain the edge over a number of opponents in the past. If there’s any better use of music to spark some emotion than the Haka, then we’re yet to see it.
Main image:
by Au Kirk
