In response to Samantha’s question, “Why does music generate or invoke certain emotions in the listener?”

Music can generate or invoke emotions in the listener for a couple different reasons. One reason might be the song triggers memories, such as people and events. These different memories would then most likely be the reason for the emotions.  For example if you and your partner have/ had a song together than every time you heard that song you would not only be reminded of the person and some of the different events you were at together when that song was playing. My friend who pasted away about a year ago use to play the piano so whenever I heard a song that he use to play I always think of him and although it may make me smile it makes me sad too because e isn’t here anymore.

Another reason why it may seem like the music we listen to generates different emotions is because we choose the type of music we listen to based on how we feel and these songs just make theses emotions even stronger. For example many people when they break up with someone usually listen to love songs because they are upset. Another example would be is usually when people are happy they listen to more fast pace and upbeat music. I know this is true for me and when I am upset with my dad I listen to the song titled “Father of Mine” by Everclear. It all depends on how you use music to cope.

Question:

What about smells that generate memories and emotions??