#101 Harnessing the Power of Music and Sound to Enhance Brain Health with INXS Lead Singer - Ciaran Gribbin
Jul 31, 2024
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Ciaran Gribbin, the lead singer of INXS, shares his insights on using music to enhance brain health and personal growth. He recounts a childhood experience where music saved his life and discusses its therapeutic effects, especially for those with dementia. Ciaran emphasizes that anyone can engage with music playfully and provides warm-up techniques for performers. The power of shared songs to shape memories and create community moments is explored, as well as the importance of pre-performance routines to calm nerves.
Ciaran Gribbin emphasizes the emotional power of music, illustrating how it can transform environments and foster connections in challenging situations.
The podcast highlights the significance of early musical exposure for children's cognitive development and emotional resilience through playful engagement.
Ciaran advocates for a joyful approach to music, encouraging everyone to participate and embrace their creativity without the fear of judgment.
Deep dives
The Transformative Power of Music
Music has the extraordinary ability to change the ambiance of a room and the emotional state of its inhabitants. The right song, played at the right time, can evoke powerful feelings and shift the energy of an entire gathering. Kieran Griffin, a seasoned performer and Grammy-nominated songwriter, illustrates this through his experiences, highlighting how music has a profound impact on human connection and can even foster joyous interactions in challenging circumstances. Through his concept of 'Rock and Roll Team Building', he demonstrates how strategic use of music enhances group dynamics and motivates audiences globally.
Music as a Lifelong Companion
From an early age, Kieran recognized the deep emotional resonance of music, recalling formative moments like writing his first songs as a child. He notes how memories tied to music can shape a person's identity, invoking feelings of joy, nostalgia, and connection. This emotional link extends to significant life events, where specific songs can evoke vivid recollections and sentiments, reinforcing the notion that memory and music are inextricably linked. Integrating music into personal experiences can enrich lives, create lasting memories, and heighten emotional awareness.
The Benefits of Musical Exposure in Childhood
Research suggests that early exposure to music greatly benefits children's development, enhancing cognitive skills and emotional resilience. Programs incorporating music and drama into school curriculums have shown remarkable improvements in overall academic performance. Kieran emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where children can explore music freely, akin to the upbringing of successful musicians who had access to instruments and music without pressure. This playful engagement encourages creativity, self-expression, and strengthens family bonds through shared musical experiences.
Music's Profound Impact on Mental Health
Listening to music can significantly enhance mental well-being, providing relief from stress, anxiety, and depression. Studies have demonstrated that specific sound frequencies can even influence brain activity and improve cognitive function. Kieran discusses instances where music therapy has been effectively used to awaken memories in patients suffering from dementia, showcasing its therapeutic potential. These insights underscore the necessity of recognizing music as a valuable tool for promoting psychological health and enhancing the quality of life.
Embracing Music as a Form of Play
Kieran advocates for approaching music with a playful mindset, highlighting that everyone can engage with music regardless of their perceived talent. Music should not be seen as a daunting or mystical pursuit but rather as a joyous activity that fosters creativity and connection. Simple practices, such as humming or playing instruments, can be fulfilling and liberating, breaking down barriers of self-doubt. He encourages individuals to embrace their musicality, reminding them that the essence of music lies in enjoyment, expression, and shared experience.
4:40 When Ciaran realised the power of music, the song Ciaran wrote as a 6 year old and Ciaran’s story of playing a gig for the high command of the UVF where music literally saved his life.
10:00 Excerpts from Ciaran’s recent live presentation in Canberra with the Australian Defence Force, Using music to help people with dementia and Ciaran and Andrew’s experiences with sound baths.
27:45 Don’t be afraid of music, anyone can do it, how Ciaran learned to play music as a child and music should be fun and playful.
32:40 How to get into playing music, the benefits of humming in music warmups and downregulation and some of the warmups Ciaran does before a gig.
42:10 How Ciaran sets up his day to have a successful gig at night, humming an INXS song and Ciaran’s tips to not be nervous before public speaking.
48:10 Why yawning can be a good vocal warmup, the soundtrack of your life exercise and the Wizard’s soundtrack of his life.
1:01:00 Andrew’s memories involving Robbie Williams’ Angels, the power of a large crowd singing and how Ciaran focuses his energy during live gigs.
1:05:00 creating your own playlist of precious gems from each year, Ciaran singing Don’t Change by INXS and Ciaran’s reflection on his career so far.
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