MUSIC MOODS
ibis hotels conducted a pan-European survey to discover the emotional power of music, how it affects our mood and what role music has played in our lives during the pandemic
A pan-European study of 6,000 people conducted by ibis hotels found more than a quarter (27%) of people have turned to music to help them through the pandemic.
More than half (52%) admit listening to particular songs improves their mood dramatically, with 44% creating different playlists depending on how they feel. 54% of people have certain songs which evoke memories and one in six have listened to particular songs to help them feel connected to people of places during the pandemic.
Adults put music on four times during the average week specifically to get themselves out of a grump. 40% have particular songs to cheer themselves up when feeling sad or fed-up, 53% of which have admitted to playing them more in the last 18 months.
A further 23% wouldn’t ‘dream’ of getting ready for a night out without playing some background tunes and 15% find music helps them concentrate on work.
The research was commissioned by ibis hotels, which is creating a playlist of songs which have helped people through the pandemic and an uplifting playlist as we, hopefully, return to ‘normal’ life.
James Wheatcroft, a spokesperson for ibis said: “So much of our mood can be affected by music – it can take us back to special memories, make us feel close to someone half the world away and pick us up when we feel sad of stressed. So as we come out of the pandemic, out of lockdowns we wanted to create a playlist to celebrate the return to normal life, and another to honour the role music has played during Covid times. It’s a thank you to music!”
27% claim songs helped them get through the unprecedented times and more than a quarter (23%) said music has been more important to them than ever during this time. 16% of Europeans polled say they have listen to songs to remind them of people who have sadly passed away.
The study also found the pandemic had an impact on listening habits, making 13% of people more experimental with what they’ve listened to. The research showed radio is making a come back, with one in ten (9%) listening to the radio more than before the pandemic. Music consumption was up across the board with a a fifth (19%) streaming more music than ever before. As we emerge from lockdowns and Covid restrictions, more than a quarter (26%) of people are looking forward to seeing live music again.
More than half of people (54%) have certain tracks which evoke memories and three quarters of people (76%) admit music has brought them to tears. Rock is the second most popular music genre to listen to when happy, pop being the most popular happy mood music with 44% listening to pop music when in a good mood.
James added: “The research proves what an impact music has on moods and how music has helped keep us connected to people during the pandemic. Music brings people to tears of both joy and sadness, and for some, songs help remind them of people who are sadly no longer with us. Music is powerful, it unites people, it keeps people connected to places and memories and it has been more important than ever in the last 18 months.
“While live music was off limits, it’s nice to see people experimented with different genres
connected with others.”
ibis is known for its passion for live music, offering guests playlists curated for every mood and access to exclusive gigs with up-and-coming musicians.
ibis is collating a playlist of music that has kept us connected to people and places during the pandemic and songs that lift us up as we emerge from these challenging times.
INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS SHARE THEIR TOP MOOD-BOOSTING TUNES FROM THE PANDEMIC
Kasia Lins - Poland
Polish soul singer-songwriter and pianist Kasia Lins suggests turning back the clock and unwinding to the classic sounds of Fleetwood Mac’s chart-topping single Dreams.
“I have no idea why during a pandemic I felt the need to return to classic 70s FM sounds. Maybe it's the peace, perhaps some kind of bliss you feel in a melancholy state, and there is everything here in this song, including hope. There are also many connotations with this music of being on the road and associations with travel, preferably distant, which was a pipe dream back then, and yet when I listen to ‘Dreams’, even today, I am taken to a different place. Maybe this illusion was crucial during that time…” she said.
Prinz Pi - Germany
Leading German rapper Prinz Pi enjoyed a more modern playlist during the pandemic, and couldn’t choose just one song.
“My recommendation would be Kanye West's album "Graduation". Always good and for me a definite hit during the pandemic time,” he said.
Bruckner - Germany
Germany’s Bruckner recommends the tongue-in-cheek tune Tesla, performed by his favourite German hip-hop artist Goldroger.
“You can party to this song, but also appreciate the wit of the lyrics, which make you chuckle after every line as they portrait today’s race in what the artist calls the “Open-Source Renaissance,” he said.
Pixey – UK
Liverpool based performer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Pixey prefers to pump a 90’s playlist for a pick-me-up.
“Cornershop’s ‘Brimful of Asha’ is one song that gets me back into a good mood no matter what’s got me down,” she said.
About ibis
Since 1974, ibis has been a trailblazing brand, open and welcoming to all. ibis hotels are beloved by travelers and locals for their contemporary style, vibrant social hubs, rooms that feel like home, lively bars, satisfying dining options, and easy mobile check-in experience. The brand is known for its passion for live music, offering guests playlists curated for every mood and access to exclusive gigs with up-and-coming musicians. No matter where in the world a guest may travel, ibis always feels like the right place to be. With over 1,200 hotels in 65+ countries, ibis is recognized across the globe as the leading brand in economy hospitality. ibis is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,200 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.
ibis.com | all.accor.com | group.accor.com
Press contacts
Sarah Wilson – Communications, Accor Northern Europe
Sarah.wilson@accor.com