The very first time I truly felt the healing power of music, was in 2014, while I was in the pain of losing someone who was part of my life. It was a rough patch in my life; the weight of grief seemed too much to bear. One night, while I was surfing the net, checking how I would embrace my grief, I stumbled upon Billie Eilish’s “Everything I Wanted. As I listened, to the haunting melody and introspective lyrics, it personally spoke to my heart. It was as if Billie had quietly looked into my soul and poured out everything I was feeling into a song. The music became a sanctuary where I could lose myself, where I could find solace in the fact that someone else understood my pain, and even more wonderfully to put it as a song.
Given that Billie Eilish’s music often touches on themes of depression, anxiety, and self-reflection, it again makes it a therapeutic escape for many listeners who are paying attention to every word she uses. Her raw honesty and unique sound create a space where emotions are validated and comforted. The same applies to, Lana Del Rey’s melancholic tunes, such as “Summertime Sadness” and “Video Games”. It has the propensity to transport listeners to a nostalgic world where they can process their emotions independently. Lana’s music acts like a balm, soothing the wounds of heartbreak and loss, allowing fans to wallow and heal at the same time.
In the same vein, Sasha Alex Sloan, who is known for her deeply personal and introspective songs, is another artist whose music serves as a portal of therapy. Tracks like “Older” and “Dancing With Your Ghost” examine themes of familial strife and longing for lost loved ones. Sasha’s ability to articulate complex emotions in simple yet profound lyrics offers listeners a mirror to their struggles, providing comfort in shared experiences. Her music becomes a companion in times of solitude, offering a sense of understanding and compassion.
In Nigeria for instance, artists like Asa and Johnny Drille create music that resonates deeply with listeners on an emotional level. Asa’s soulful voice and poignant lyrics in songs like “Jailer” and “Bibanke” identify themes of societal pressures and personal struggles, giving a therapeutic gateway for those facing similar issues. The next in line is Johnny Drille’s “Wait For Me” and “Romeo & Juliet. It encapsulates the pain and beauty of love, making his music a refuge for the brokenhearted, especially when you feel empty, desolate and lost. These artists braid in pleasant lines the rich cultural values of Nigeria into their music, adding layers of relatability and healing for their audience.
Ultimately, music’s therapeutic power lies in its ability to make us feel seen and understood. Whether it’s the haunting melodies of Billie Eilish, the nostalgic vibes of Lana Del Rey, the introspective lyrics of Sasha Alex Sloan, or the soulful tunes of Nigerian artists like Asa and Johnny Drille, music still creates a sanctuary where we can process our emotions, feel light and become energised. It acts as a portal, transporting us to a place of healing and solace, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. With music, we can find a powerful form of therapy that speaks to the deepest parts of our souls and it gives us the strength that nothing else could ever do.
