For young people, music became a lifeline during the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic. During lockdown periods, music emerged as more than just entertainment since it became essential for people's daily lives. With mental health concerns like depression and anxiety stemming from lockdowns and social distancing, Gen Z turned to music as a vital coping strategy. The pandemic changed numerous aspects of daily life and impacted how people connect and cope with challenges, which caused music to provide a source of comfort, connection, and creativity for Gen Z individuals.
The usage of streaming services and social media platforms increased during the pandemic, which allowed Gen Z people to easily dive into vast music categories. In 2020, Spotify reported an increase of over 20% in audio streaming among users aged 16-24. Many found solace in playlists, live-streamed concerts, and viral music challenges, which offered distractions and a sense of routine in their otherwise chaotic lives. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram became virtual gathering spaces, as users engaged in dance challenges or shared their favorite songs, which fostered a sense of community. There was such an extensive span of choreographed TikTok dances in 2020 that a new trending challenge arose. In this challenge, users would dance to a few seconds of different songs played that were used for TikTok dances to see how many they could remember over the past year.
Video of TikTok user Carlos Marques
participating in a 2020 TikTok
dance challenge.
Platforms like YouTube and Instagram Live transformed into performance venues, allowing artists to reach their audiences directly from home. When live events were cancelled, virtual performances surged, allowing for artists to find innovative ways to connect with their audiences. This shift not only preserved music’s relevance during lockdowns but also inspired creativity among established and emerging artists. In 2020 alone, over one million live-streamed concerts were held, allowing fans to experience music in intimate settings. This included a myriad of artists with Gen Z prominence, including Billie Eilish, Tame Impala, Justin Bieber, Phoebe Bridgers, Dua Lipa, Melanie Martinez, and more. Music From the Home Front, a live album recorded by various Australian and New Zealand artists, fostered community and empathy through its heartfelt lyricism. Its tagline was "for the fight against COVID-19," which received recognition through the artists' determination and optimistic perspective.
For many Gen Z individuals, expressing emotions became essential during the pandemic, and lyrics often reflected feelings of anxiety and loneliness. Artists were open about their battles, encouraging Gen Z to view music as more than just entertainment but also a vital coping mechanism. Artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Charli xcx spoke about the real stuggles young people faced while experiencing isolation in a digital landscape. This enabled gen z to empathize with their favorite artists and recognize they were not alone in their emotions. For instance, Olivia Rodrigo's "drivers license," which topped charts globally, became an anthem for heartbreak and yearning, echoing the shared emotions during lockdowns. These connections through music helped foster storytelling and understanding among peers, proving the importance of artistry in relatable themes.
Charli xcx's album how i'm feeling now was released in the midst of lockdowns during May 2020, which allowed fans to listen to her struggles and emotions from the pandemic in real time. Her energetic, chaotic song "anthems" stressed her boredom, the need for excitement in her life, and loss of connections with friends.
Music therapy is known for its healing benefits, and the pandemic made these benefits more accessible. Research indicates that listening to music can significantly reduce stress, and many individuals report improved mood through music exposure. Gen Z utilized music as a self-care tool by curating playlists for various situations, such as calming study sessions or energizing workout routines. For instance, Spotify users saw a major increase in playlists titled "Chill Vibes," showcasing how music tailored to emotions shaped their daily lives, offering comfort through sound. As mental health struggles surfaced during the pandemic, the conversation surrounding emotional well-being also intensified, with music increasingly playing a healing role. Many young people, myself included, created mental health playlists filled with comforting songs that resonated deeply with their experiences. This caused various genres to blend together as young people explored new sounds. For instance, genres like pop, rap, and indie crossed paths, heightening the generation's musical knowledge.
A Spotify mental health playlist made by user Amelia Jayne Turnbull in 2020 showing gen z's variety in music genres through indie, folk, soft rock, and electro-indie that blend together.
As the world slowly recovers from the pandemic, the bond between music and Gen Z will likely continue to evolve, and the focus on authenticity and emotional connection through music is likely to influence emerging trends. Music often represents societal changes, and the pandemic has left a significant mark. In the years ahead, Gen Z will continue to shape the music industry with paramount global issues and occurrences, such as the 2024 Presidential Election that we just experienced. In a time of uncertainty and isolation, music became an essential mechanism for coping, connection, and healing for Gen Z individuals. With a deep awareness of music's power, Gen Z used it not only for escapism but also as a means of community and expression. As the world moves forward, the lessons learned through music will continue to resonate, reminding us of its unique ability to heal, unify, and inspire.
Citations
Billboard Staff. “Coronavirus: Ongoing List of Virtual Concerts & Livestreams.” Billboard, Billboard, 26 Jan. 2021, www.billboard.com/music/pop/coronavirus-quarantine-music-events-online-streams-9335531/.
“Coping with Covid-19 through Music.” Www.mpg.de, www.mpg.de/17281877/coping-with-corona-through-music.
Marques, Carlos. “TikTok @Cdmc07.” Tiktok.com, 2020, www.tiktok.com/t/ZTYx9gKa6/. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.
Mushroom. “Music from the Home Front (Live Stream).” YouTube, 25 Apr. 2020, www.youtube.com/watch?v=18TVSKWYQ6w.
Nast, Condé. “How to Help Musicians during the COVID-19 Crisis.” Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2020, pitchfork.com/news/how-to-help-musicians-during-the-covid-19-crisis/.
Olivia Rodrigo. “Olivia Rodrigo - Drivers License (Official Video).” YouTube, 7 Jan. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmDBbnmKpqQ.
Spotify. “The Trends That Shaped Streaming in 2020.” Spotify, 1 Dec. 2020, newsroom.spotify.com/2020-12-01/the-trends-that-shaped-streaming-in-2020/.
Thoma, Myriam V., et al. “The Effect of Music on the Human Stress Response.” PLoS ONE, vol. 8, no. 8, 5 Aug. 2013, p. e70156, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3734071/, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0070156.
xcx, Charli. Anthems. 15 May 2020, open.spotify.com/track/2ljvO8ZpKFMT3HXwCjW4Yw?si=46a354b34e554dc8.
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