Live Audience Soundscape Experiment
HOW DO YOU FEEL NOW? A LIVE AUDIENCE SOUNDSCAPE EXPERIMENT REVEALS SOUND'S MEASURABLE IMPACT ON MOOD AND CONNECTION.
At THE FUTURE IS SOUND five-year milestone event, renowned DJ, producer & psychotherapeutic counselor Matthew 'Bushwacka' Benjamin applied his unique music and sound science expertise to lead a groundbreaking live experiment on the effects of soundscapes. This interactive study invited the 500+ strong audience to respond to the question, “How do you feel now?” both before and after experiencing a soundscape carefully produced by Matthew himself.
Using a specially designed QR code link, audience members rated their moods in real time, allowing for an immediate comparison of emotional states before and after the soundscape experience. Crafted with Matthew’s deep understanding of music and sound science, the immersive, five-minute soundscape encouraged participants to reflect on their emotions and connect with the present moment.
HOW THE SOUNDSCAPE RESONATED WITH THE AUDIENCE
In just five minutes of listening to the soundscape, the results were staggering:
78% of participants reported a positive shift in mood.
62% describing a significant increase in feelings of calm and relaxation.
Nearly 70% of attendees felt a heightened sense of connection to themselves or the group, while 56% noted reduced stress levels.
Common reflections included phrases like "more connected to myself and the group" "energised" and "grounded" underscoring the power of soundscapes to transform mood and foster emotional openness.
Many participants described experiencing deep relaxation, connection and even transcendence.
HERE’S WHAT SOME OF THEM HAD TO SAY AFTER EXPERIENCING THE SOUNDSCAPE:
“Serene & Focused” JULIE BLORE-BIZOT, L-ACOUSTICS
“Very Calm & Relaxed” SEAMUS HAJI, DEFECTED RECORDS
“Calm & Light “ SUBB-AN, ELECTRONIC MUSIC ARTIST
“Relaxed, Inspired, Escaping” STEPHANIE BOUCHET, ROUGEFROG
Jimmy Kyriacou, founder of THE FUTURE IS SOUND reflects on the experiment's impact:
‘This live experiment truly demonstrates the power of sound to shift our emotional landscape. It’s inspiring to see how music and sound science continue to merge, creating real-time, measurable shifts in mood and a profound sense of connection. This is the future of sound—a powerful, everyday tool for enhancing well-being.’
Reflecting on the experiment’s findings, Matthew states: ‘There were many variables that may have affected people’s experience of this soundscape experiment, and of course, the subjectivity of the impact of the frequencies can vary between participants. With this in mind, I was really optimistic about the results in terms of further development in this area, using tones mixed with binaural beats, immersive audio and personalised mantras. Sound is a very powerful vessel’
Audience immersed in the soundscape The event united a remarkable mix of visionaries: senior executives from two of the world’s leading sound technology companies, founders of the UK’s most innovative festivals, and pioneering academics and researchers exploring the science of sound. Joining them were Heads of A&R redefining the future of music, neuroscientists examining sound’s effects on brain health, and trailblazers in music publishing committed to advancing artistic expression. The audience also included renowned music producers, sound therapy practitioners, venture capitalists driving wellness technology, and other influential voices from the creative, cultural and business sectors.
Sandra Schembri, CEO Nordoff and RobbinsThis landmark experiment not only celebrated THE FUTURE IS SOUND’s five-year milestone but also highlighted the growing significance of sound therapy in mental wellness. Adding to the depth of the event, Sandra Schembri, CEO of Nordoff and Robbins—the UK’s largest music therapy charity—shared insights into the organisation’s groundbreaking work in music therapy research and practice. Together, these presentations underscored the profound impact of music and sound on emotional well-being, reinforcing soundscapes as an accessible and powerful tool for fostering calm, connection, and self-awareness.
To learn more about Matthew Benjamin’s transformative work with Listen Up Therapy—redefining mental health wellness and support in the creative industries you can contact the team directly HERE
*DATA SOURCE : Attendees at THE FUTURE IS SOUND, ALEXANDRA PALACE, OCTOBER 11TH 2024