Nostalgia vs novelty: Decoding the psychology behind musical preferences

I can’t recall the last time I deliberately looked for new music online. If my Spotify playlist was on shuffle and a new song came on, I’d give it a listen, but I don’t think I ever went back and searched for it again. My search history on Spotify typically includes older tracks—popular tunes from the late ‘90s to the mid-2010s. 

I’m drawn to old classics and often feel more attached to them than the music I’ve heard in recent years. Of course, this isn’t to put down new artists or their music. In fact, I’m probably not the first (certainly not the last either) to have a playlist filled with older music. And while most of my social circle will occasionally give in to the nostalgia, they are usually constantly searching for new music, be it through Spotify’s Top 10 playlists or YouTube subscriptions. This difference never really felt odd to me because I always saw it as everyone having their own distinct taste in music. But it wasn’t until recently that I began to ponder this contrast.

I guess the thought came to me during a podcast, where the show’s host mentioned how one’s preference in music affected their personal growth, particularly the timeline of the music. But is that really true? Does listening to old music mean I’m strictly attached to my past? Does preferring new music mean someone is constantly trying to evolve? These are intriguing questions and we’re delving deep into the theory behind our musical preferences. Take a look. 

The appeal of the classics 

Music is a deeply personal medium. Oftentimes, our musical preferences, during any particular moment, can reflect our thoughts and emotions at that very moment. For instance, listening to mellow music when we’re feeling low, upbeat tracks for when we’re positively cheery, etc. The thing about these moods is that they are linked to feelings or memories. Many people are drawn to older music because it reminds them of familiar emotions or memories.

“People form deep emotional connections with timeless classics because these songs are often likely to serve as soundtracks to significant moments in their lives,” says clinical psychologist, Mehezabin Dordi. “These connections can enhance mental well-being by grounding individuals in their personal history.”

But it’s not just the familiarity, nostalgia too plays a crucial role, allowing people to relive past experiences and emotions, providing them with a sense of comfort and safety during uncertainty or change. “The brain’s reward centres are activated during nostalgic activities, releasing dopamine which increases joy,” says Sophia Peermohideen, psychologist and psychotherapist. “This explains why we feel pleasant emotions upon hearing a song from the past, even if it wasn’t a favourite at the time, as long as it was prevalent in popular culture or our lives.”

How familiar music shapes our identity

Music plays a very important role in shaping our personality, and our cultural backgrounds and upbringing are what influence our taste in music, as do generational differences. According to Dordi, each generation is defined by the music they grew up with, which is passed down and evolves over time. Agreeably, Peermohideen believes that music tied to cultural or familial experiences often resonates more emotionally. “People tend to favour music that aligns with their cultural background due to comfort with the familiar,” she says. 

Those who prefer timeless classics exhibit traits like conscientiousness and emotional stability. “These traits can shape one’s preferences by fostering a deep appreciation for the emotional and lyrical depth of classic songs.” Dordi points out. She further adds that people with a high need for stability and familiarity “may also be seen gravitating toward classic music as it may align with their preference for consistency and predictability.”

On the other hand, people who are constantly looking for new music crave novelty, stimulation, and intellectual curiosity. They exhibit traits such as high openness to experience and a lower need for cognitive closure, which can potentially lead to a preference for discovering new sounds and genres. Such people may find excitement and satisfaction in the exploration and novelty that new music provides.

Familiarity vs novelty

One of the great things about old music is that it creates a sense of familiarity, which can serve as a great coping mechanism for dealing with stress and anxiety. “Familiar music evokes comfort and security, stabilising mood with its predictable and soothing nature. This is especially helpful during stress, providing a sense of control and stability,” Peermohideen adds. 

On the other hand, humans have an innate curiosity and a desire for novelty. New music stimulates the brain’s reward centres, providing a sense of pleasure and satisfaction. Music is a powerful tool for managing emotions. Individuals might seek new music to match or shift their mood, helping them cope with stress and sadness, or even to amplify feelings of joy. Social dynamics play a significant role. People often explore new music to fit in with peer groups, stay updated with popular trends, or engage in social conversations.

Should you find a way to bridge the gap? 

This is more of an “if you want to, you should” situation, but occasionally mixing up your playlist can significantly benefit your personal growth and development as an adult, according to Dordi. “Engaging with a diverse range of music enhances cognitive flexibility, broadens cultural awareness, and improves emotional intelligence. This exposure helps shape identity, reduces stress, and fosters well-being,” she says.

Additionally, sharing and discussing varied musical tastes can strengthen social connections and provide opportunities for meaningful conversations. “Overall, exploring both familiar and new music enriches cognitive, emotional, and social life, contributing positively to personal development,” Dordi concludes.

Inputs by Mehezabin Dordi, clinical psychologist, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, and Sophia Peermohideen, Psychologist (Clinical)and Psychotherapist, Director, Mind Wellness Center. 

Lead image credit: Pexels 

Also read: Five female independent artists on balancing creative freedom with financial challenges

Also read: The best music schools in India you need to know about