The Neuroscience of Music: Why Certain Songs Give Us Goosebumps
- The Literary Vault Book Blog
- 47 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The tingling on your skin, the hair on your arms and legs standing straight up, the confusing rush of emotion, these aren't all coincidental reactions; they are all responses your brain generates. Welcome to the intersection of music and the psyche.
What Are Goosebumps, Anyway?
Goosebumps, a.k.a. piloerection, are a biological response triggered by the human body's autonomic nervous system. Our ancestors developed this response to retain heat and as a means of self-defense against predators.
Music as a Trigger: The Emotional Brain at Work
When listening to music, especially an emotionally evocative song, your limbic system, the emotional center of the brain, becomes activated. Here are the inner workings:
First, the Auditory Cortex processes the sound. Then the Amygdala evaluates the emotional content. Finally, the Nucleus Accumbens, which is a part of the brain in charge of controlling the reward center, releases dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure.
This feeling of dopamine is the same chemical reaction experienced associated with food, drugs, and happiness. It essentially creates an atmosphere of satisfaction.
What Kind of Music Causes Goosebumps?
Not all songs have the power to produce chills. Research shows that the most common triggers are:
Sudden changes in volume or harmony
Unexpected instrumental entrances
Emotionally moving lyrics
Slow build-ups which lead to climactic moments
In short, songs that surprise and emotionally engage you are most likely to produce this powerful response.
Interestingly enough, many people are unable to experience goosebumps from music. In fact, studies show that those who tend to have:
Stronger connections between the auditory and emotional centers of the brain
Higher openness to experience, which has a direct relationship with creativity and imagination
Musical training or deep emotional associations with certain songs
Fun fact: Harvard scientists worked on a study that found that people who experienced music-induced chills had more fibers connecting their auditory cortex to brain areas that deal with emotions.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Sound
The next time you feel the hair on your skin stand up and feel the sensation of goosebumps, keep in mind: it's not mood or nostalgia. It's your brain talking to the physical world. Music is the bridge between the body and the mind.