Let’s face it. Music is the oldest drug around. It’s the one thing that allows us to escape from mundane life, the boring 9-5, or a really long day.
We’re not going to get into the science of why or even how music makes us feel high. At the end of the day, music is made up of sound waves, notes, chord progressions and magic. On top of that, depending on which instrument is delivering this energy, us, the listener can respond differently.
Getting High off Hollywood Movie Scores
Have you ever wondered how a music score for a big hit Hollywood film manages to bring you through a roller coaster of emotions and feelings?
It starts with a talented musical composer and producer. Someone like John Williams who is famous for classic movies like Jurassic Park, Superman, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and the list goes on.
One of my favorite movie music producers is Hans Zimmer who is famous for writing the Inception song called Time. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, go search it – please. Chances are you’ve heard it before. If not, I’m sure you’ve seen Pirates of the Carribean with Johnny Depp, right? This movie always brings a jolly smile to my face when I’m down. Close your eyes on your bed, and chances are you will feel uplifted.. And potentially high.
Another hit that Hans Zimmer wrote is Batman Rises that always manages to make me feel like I can take on the world.
And then there’s Steve Jalonsky who wrote the transformers theme. He does such an amazing job bringing a lot of those snappy FX sounds into his compositions. With hints of darkness coming through the cello and off notes gleaming via synths, he takes you through a ride that has you imagining you are a Transformer yourself making your way to earth. Or better yet, a human flying away from the Earth into the vast universe. Go onto Youtube and have a listen to Steve Jablonsky’s Transformers.
Uplifting Trance
We’re just scratching the surface when it comes to music that makes you feel high.
Since music is multidimensional, what makes me feel one way might make you feel a bit different.
One thing is for sure, when I was young and let’s say “experimental,” the music of choice for me was trance.
There is a bit of a formula to trance and house music that includes a 4/4 kick bass drum that is somewhat consistent throughout the song and an eventual buildup that involves some filtering, sound effects and such. But we’re not going to get into the nitty gritty of how to produce a trance song today. Some classic trance DJ’s include Ferry Corsten, Armin Van Buuren, Super 8 & Tab, Paul Van Dyk, and again the list goes on.
If you’re into layered synth and want to get elevated, try System F Out of the Blue. A classic but one of my faves.
Future Bass
This genre of music is more modern and this term is a bit wide in the sense that it incorporates a bit from other genres like dubstep, house/trance, acid, and hip hop trap.
So what I’m going to say won’t apply to all Future Bass since I’m sure some people will be thinking this isn’t that or that isn’t this – you get the point.
There is some future bass and uplifting trap that really gets me going. Sometimes when I want a good escape while I pound away on my keyboard, this type of music helps me get through the day.
You’ll also see a lot of gamers listening to this type of music. Maybe it helps with performance?
Do a little search for Future Bass or Uplifting Trap and see where it brings you.
Final Thoughts
Again, we can talk about the science of music, but it’s an art that doesn’t need to be talked about. The moral of the story is that music can be a healer, it can change our mood and emotion with the click of a mouse or a button and a speaker or pair of headphones.
Can it make us feel high? There’s no doubt about that.