It’s true. A scientifically verified, indisputable cross-my-heart-and-hope-to-die god’s honest fact. Music is nice.
In fact, I’ll challenge anyone to say they don’t like music.
And yet, I can’t really see myself going on a date to a Take That concert. Nor can I see myself finding a Girls Aloud fan attractive. There’s clearly something in the type of music and a shared liking for similar genres that informs our attraction to others.
This all sounds a little obvious I know. But do you know just how important shared musical tastes are in informing our level of attraction to someone? A study conducted back in 2012 showed that in the first five weeks a couple are getting to know each other, music was by far the most discussed topic.
My initial thought was that a shared taste in music indicated similar personality types and thus increased the possibility of attraction. It turns out, our musical tastes tell us something far deeper than that.
Music and expression are interconnected. The music we listen to and like represents the way in which we want to express ourselves publicly. Indeed, music is a far greater signifier than the clothes we wear, the books we read or even the food we eat (Books come a close second though).
However, this expression is less about personality type than it is about the values we hold dear - Are we open-minded or conservative, or are we open to change, rather than are we confident or shy or responsible or giddy personality types.
The music we like is an expression of our values. When we share values with someone we’re far more likely to be attracted to them. You could be the most outgoing person in the room but you are more likely to fall for someone who is a recluse if you share similar tastes in music than you would for someone with a similar personality but different musical tastes. This is as true of friendships as it is for romantic connections and such ‘musical bonding’ is a significant part of how we move through the early stages of a relationship.
Interestingly, this trait is not culturally specific although more research is needed to determine what musical elements can be compared across radically different genres and cultural types. It’s enough though, that within culturally similar musical histories sharing musical tastes is a signifier of mutual attraction holds true.
So why am I telling you this? I’m always pointing out that speed dating is the perfect way to meet someone because four minutes is long enough to find out if you’re attracted to someone and not too long if you’re not. And now we’re launching a UK first that will help you discover if you have an even deeper connection with someone in exactly the same amount of time. Ladies and gentlemen, introducing STEREO SPEED DATING™ - Rocking the City, One Date at a Time.
The format remains the same – four minutes with each person with gents moving on after each date. This time however, you’ll play/sing/mime your date a tune of your choice. Will mods and rockers finally kiss and make up? Will Bach beat Blur in the game of love? There’s really only one way to find out.
What are you waiting for? We’ve already sold 30% of tickets for the first event. Book your place now and find out if your musical tastes really are the best guide to attraction.
WORDS BY JOHN DAVIS