By: Hannah Scott
We all know life isn’t just sunshine; it’s got its fair share of storms, too. Everyone carries their private struggles, and while talking about mental battles is getting easier, sometimes words just fall short.
That’s where music steps in. It’s not just background noise; it’s a powerful tool that helps people express challenging emotions and heal.
Just think about the last time throwing on a track helped during a rough day. Where the piano keys weren’t just played—they were felt deeply, stirring memories and emotions. It’s almost as if each melody is a soundtrack to the different chapters of a person’s struggles, playing back moments of their lives where they’ve faced challenges and reminding them of their resilience.
“In its unique way, music acts like a friend who knows exactly what we’re going through, sitting beside us in silence, offering comfort without a single word,” says Tar Dior, an African-American musician.
Raised at the intersection of Harlem’s hustle and Senegal’s rhythmic heritage, Tar has mixed cultural influences into his life and work. After studying fine arts at DePauw University and exploring careers in modeling and competitive basketball, he channels his diverse experiences into his music and visual art. And in this artistic journey, one of the themes he often explores is pain.
His brand, 3mbryo, is a testament to this journey. It explores the themes of love, pain, and growth—emotions that resonate with audiences everywhere. Through 3mbryo, he connects deeply with fans by transforming personal anguish into relatable narratives, showing that pain, like music, is a universal language. Some of his known songs include “Pain Killers,” “Dont Cry,” and “Night Mode.”
So, what makes music such a strong channel to express complex emotions like pain?
Tar believes that the notes and lyrics of a song play a significant role in this. They decide how to connect with the listeners and in what sense. “Through layering emotional lyrics on melancholic chords, artists try to build a wall where people can feel free to be emotional,” he adds.
This combination enables listeners to hear the music and the emotion put into it, making it a comforting companion during hard times.
For example, Tar’s song “Never Again” powerfully conveys themes of suffering and human pain through impactful lyrics. In the song, Tar captures a common struggle with the line, “all the hate that I ever accepted.” This sheds light on how quietly enduring negativity can eat away at us, something many of us quietly deal with.
Another reason music is a medium for expressing pain is the vital connection it builds with listeners. As stated before, music is a universal language that connects well with everyone. That’s because it taps into the basic human instincts.
Tar points out, “Music aligns with our body’s natural rhythms and has a unique way of expressing and soothing our emotions, almost like it’s speaking directly to our souls.”
This universal language of music can cross cultures and personal boundaries, providing a shared healing experience. Music in different languages is also catching on all over the globe. Even if the words are a mystery, the tunes and rhythms speak their language, creating an aura everyone can feel and connect with.
Going beyond individual feelings, music has a role in traditions associated with grief and overcoming losses in different cultures. Across the globe, whether in joyous celebrations or times of sorrow, it has a way of expressing and soothing emotions like nothing else can.
In many cultures, specific songs or instruments become a part of healing rituals or remembrance ceremonies. For instance, in Mexican traditions, the mariachi song “Las Golondrinas” is often played at farewells and funerals. This helps mourners process their grief and honor the departed, creating a shared emotional experience through music.
“Many cultures have their music for grief, but the essence is the same; all we need to do is feel the vibe,” Tar says.
Considering all that’s been said, it won’t be wrong to say that music isn’t just for entertainment—it’s a powerful medium for expressing and processing the complex emotions associated with pain. Artists like Tar capture the nuances of human suffering and offer a soundtrack of hope and a path toward healing.
So, if one ever feels lost or alone, listening to a favorite musician might offer the solace needed to get through the day.
Published by: Khy Talara
