Low frequencies in music make people dance more, new study confirms

Recently published in accredited journal Current Biology, a new academic study has validated the (largely already assumed) notion that very low-frequency (VLF) sound causes more dancing and movement among concert-goers. Spearheaded by neuroscientist Dr. Daniel Cameron, the newly published data derives from real concert attendees’ voluntary participation in a study held at a live electronic music event, during which 43 individuals donned motion-capture headbands so the research team could detect their continued movements.

The live event featured a 55-minute DJ set from Canadian electronic duo Orphyx. As the show ensued, Cameron’s team toggled between low-frequency speakers every two-and-a-half minutes. Data collected from the show revealed that those who wore the headbands moved 11.8% more, on average, while the VLF speakers were enabled. Cameron noted,

“We’d lose all ecological validity if we just cranked the speakers, they become bone-rattling and everyone can tell, ‘oh something different is really happening here,’ he said. “We didn’t want them to be aware of what we’re doing.”

After the show, Cameron’s team had 51 event attendees fill out a questionnaire asking whether they could feel the music in their bodies, and whether or not that sensation encouraged them to move or dance. Because the questionnaire participants did not indicate that they felt more compelled to dance at this event than at similar ones, the study maintained its validity in assessing the unbeknownst hike in dancing and movement while the VLF speakers were active. He elaborated,

“The study does a great job of monitoring individuals’ movements during a real concert, and questionnaires showed that participants thoroughly enjoyed themselves during the experience – something that usually doesn’t happen in the lab.”

Featured image: Rukes

Tags: Bass, bass music, Club, low end, Orphynx, study

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