Orphx performing at the LIVELab space at McMaster University (Photo: LIVElab)

Have you ever wondered what makes us dance? A team of scientists from LIVElab at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, dove into what musical elements signal to our brains that it’s time to get our groove on. They found that low-frequency tones, otherwise known as bass, could be the key.

“I'm trained as a drummer, and most of my research career has been focused on the rhythmic aspects of music and how they make us move,” says Daniel Cameron, neuroscientist and lead researcher. “Music is a biological curiosity—it doesn't reproduce us, it doesn't feed us, and it doesn't shelter us, so why do humans like it and why do they like to move to it?”

The McMaster LIVELab is not your typical lab; it’s a live performance space equipped with state-of-the-art 3D motion capture technology, a sound system that can replicate the experience of a concert, and enhanced speakers that can produce ultra-low frequencies that are undetectable to the human ear. (If you’ve ever been close to the stage at a concert and felt the bass shaking in your chest, it’s a similar concept.)

During the study, volunteers wore motion-sensing headsets to track their dancing as the EDM duo Orphx performed a 45-minute set. Throughout the concert, researchers operated the undetectable bass-producing speakers, turning them on every 2.5 minutes and then turning them off. The research team found that when the low frequencies were played, participants danced about 12% more—even though they couldn’t hear it.

So, why did this happen? Cameron explains our vestibular and tactile systems are behind it. The body’s vestibular system, aka our inner-ear structures that keep us balanced and tell us our body’s position in space, “is sensitive to low-frequency stimulation, especially if it's loud,” the neuroscientist explains.

Cameron adds that our tactile system, or sense of touch, is also sensitive to bass and its vibrations. “[The bass is] feeding into our motor system in the brain, the movement control system in our brain. So it's adding a little bit of gain. It's giving a little more energy [to the body]…from that stimulation through those systems.” As their study states, our anatomy can detect low frequencies, even if we can’t hear it, and “increase ratings of groove (the pleasurable urge to move to music), and modulate musical rhythm perception.”

Researchers state that while their findings show a direct correlation between bass and movement, they don’t necessarily mean they would be the same in real-world, complex situations, like live concerts. Nonetheless, musicians were keen on participating in the study, “because of their interest in this idea that bass can change how the music is experienced in a way that impacts movement,” Cameron says. “The study had high ecological validity, as this was a real musical and dance experience for people at a real live show.”

So, next time you’re grabbing tickets for a concert, look for seats close to the speakers to ensure a night full of dancing.

A team of scientists from LIVELab at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada dove into what musical elements signal to our brains it's time to get our groove on—the answer, it seems, is bass.

Photo: itsh01/Depositphotos

The McMaster LIVELab is a live performance space equipped with 3D motion capture technology, a special sound system, and enhanced speakers that produce undetectable bass.

 

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Volunteers wore motion-sensing headsets to track their dancing as the EDM duo Orphyx performed a 45-minute set. Throughout the concert, researchers operated the undetectable bass-producing speakers, turning them on every 2.5 minutes and then turning them off.

Photo: Sandy Kawadkar

The research team found that when the low frequencies were played, participants danced about 12% more, even though they couldn’t hear it.

Photo: Aleksandr Popov

Daniel Cameron, a neuroscientist and the study’s lead researcher, explains that our body’s vestibular and tactile systems are the reasons why.

 

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A post shared by LIVELab (@live.lab)

The body’s vestibular system, our inner-ear structures that keep us balanced and tell us our body’s position in space, “is sensitive to low-frequency stimulation, especially if it's loud,” he states.

Photo: prettyvectors/Depositphotos

Cameron adds that our tactile system, or sense of touch, is also sensitive to bass and its vibrations.

Photo: Karori Production

So when these low frequencies are introduced to the environment, even if we can’t hear them, our anatomy controls our bodies’ rhythm perception and signals an urge to move.

Photo: Antoine J.

Researchers state that while their findings show a direct correlation between bass and movement, they don’t necessarily mean they would be the same in real-world, complex situations, like live concerts.

Photo: Aditya Chinchure

Nonetheless, musicians were keen on participating in the study, because learning how bass affects concertgoers’ movements is important to keep the interest of a crowd.

Photo: Marcela Laskoski

So, next time you’re grabbing tickets for a concert, look for seats close to the speakers to ensure a night full of dancing.

Photo: AllaSerebrina/Depositphotos

h/t: [NPR]

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READ: Want To Turn up the Dance Floor? Science Says Turn up the Bass

Photo: “M.C. Escher: Journey to Infinity”

While reading biographies is a great way to learn about famous figures from history, seeing their lives played out in films can offer a fresh perspective. Now, anyone interested in discovering more about their favorite artists, musicians, and cultural icons, can check out a playlist of documentaries from film distributor Kino Lorber. All 80 films—ranging from an hour to two hours long—are free to watch on YouTube.

Among this diverse collection of documentaries are features dedicated to much-loved creative figures like M.C. Escher. Directed by Robin Lutz and narrated by Stephen Fry, this film, titled M.C. Escher: Journey to Infinity, includes excerpts from the Dutch artist's letters and correspondence and insight into his legacy of tesselation art. Similarly, the program titled Hieronymus Bosch: Touched by the Devil offers a look at one of art history's more elusive painters responsible for creating the incomparable The Garden of Earthly Delights.

In addition to artists, this collection of documentaries also has content dedicated to world-renowned musicians like Elvis Presley. The hour-and-a-half-long film, titled Elvis: Return to Tupelo, walks through the entertainer’s humble beginnings in the South to his transformation into the “King of Rock and Roll.” Alternatively, the film Captured on Films: The True Story of Marion Davies, shines a light on the life and performances of 1920s comedy actress Marion Davies, narrated by Charlize Theron.

You can check out Kino Lorber's full playlist of documentaries on YouTube.

Film distributor Kino Lorber has made 80 documentaries free to watch on YouTube, covering art, music, and more.

Some of the videos cover artistic icons like M.C. Escher, Hieronymus Bosch, and Hilma af Klint.

You can find the full playlist of films available on YouTube.

h/t: [Open Culture]

All images via YouTube.

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READ: 80 Documentaries From Kino Lorber Are Free to Watch on YouTube

Photo: K.Klimenko/Depositphotos

Every 10 years, film lovers everywhere wait for the British Film Institute's Sight and Sound team to release their list of greatest films of all time. The decennial tradition dates all the way back to 1952, and for many decades, Citizen Kane reigned supreme. This year, there are many firsts—including a new number one.

Belgian film Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles is this year’s greatest film of all time. Jeanne Dielman, the movie’s subject, grapples with self-liberation and identity as a widowed mother and prostitute. Directed by Chantal Akerman, the movie is the first film directed by a woman to hold the top spot, and the first to ever even be in the top 10. But that’s not all that’s new.

This year marked the beginning of 2010 films being eligible for critics’ consideration, and many contemporary works have joined the likes of Vertigo, Singin’ in the Rain, and The Godfather. Jordan Peele’s Get Out, Barry Jenkins' Moonlight, Céline Sciamma’s Portrait of a Lady on Fire, and Bong Joon-ho's Parasite were all selected. As well, seven Black filmmakers were on the list, six more than there were in 2012’s list. And, for the first time ever, animated films have joined the ranks. Two of Hayao Miyazaki’s films, My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, are 72nd and 75th, respectively.

You can find the entire list on BFI’s website here.

Since 1952, BFI’s Sight and Sound have released their list of greatest films of all time every 10 years. For many decades, Citizen Kane reigned supreme, but in this year’s list, there are many firsts.

Embed from Getty Images

Beating out Vertigo for the number one spot is Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles, making it the first time ever that a film directed by a woman landed the number one spot or even made it into the top 10.

 

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This year marked the beginning of 2010 films being eligible for critics’ consideration, and many contemporary works—like Get Out, Portrait of a Lady on Fire, and Parasite—have joined the classics.

 

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Another first for this year: seven Black filmmakers were selected for the list, up from only one in the last list.

Embed from Getty Images

Animated movies have also been selected for the first time. Two of Hayao Miyazaki’s films, My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, are 72nd and 75th, respectively.

Embed from Getty Images

With so many historic firsts for the prestigious list, it's all the more exciting to see what will come in 2034.

 

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h/t: [Mental Floss]

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READ: There’s a New No. 1 on “Sight and Sound” Greatest Films of All Time

Photo: Screenshot from YouTube

Musician Petr Spatina makes melodies with drinking glasses. What might be seen as an elaborate party trick is actually a musical discipline. The practice comprises upright wine glasses filled with water at varying levels. These “instruments” are altogether referred to as a glass harp. To make a sound, Spatina runs his fingers around the rim of the glasses in different combinations and the vibrations create a variety of notes. The result is a delicate and lush sound reminiscent of the string harp.

Spatina is from the Czech Republic and has been playing music for most of his life. When he was younger, he learned the accordion and the piano before eventually mastering the glass harp. This ultimately became his instrument of choice, and Spatina has been writing and playing his own music for it for two decades.

The dedicated musician takes his glass harp to the streets, where he wows passersby with the combination of beautiful music and the unusual sight of 33 drinking vessels on a table on the sidewalk. Spatina always draws a crowd, and he’s gained worldwide attention thanks to spectators watching him work his magic and sharing it online.

Watch the videos below to enjoy some of Spatina’s glass harp music.

Musician Petr Spatina makes melodies with a series of drinking glasses, which is an instrument known as a glass harp.

He uses upright wine glasses filled with water at varying levels.

To make a sound, Spatina runs his fingers around the rim of the glasses in different combinations and the vibrations create a variety of notes.

Spatina plays his music on the streets of Prague for all to enjoy.

h/t: [Reddit]

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READ: Watch a Musician Create Lush Melodies on 33 Wine Glasses Filled With Water

Belgian singer Stromae quickly rose to fame in the early 2010s, and soon after, the pressures of public life took their toll. The artist has been open about his depression and anxiety, the cause of his seven-year hiatus from pop stardom. With the recent release of his long-awaited album Multitude, the maestro is back and ready to bare all—even stripping his complex electronic pop hits all the way down to an intimate live performance.

Stromae’s music relies on intricate, heavy layering of global sounds and tracks. During live performances, this often means pre-recorded tracks are essential to maintaining the original sound of his music. And while this practice works well for selling out Madison Square Garden, it’s not how performances usually go at NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts. For this engagement, NPR gave the short instructions, “no preset sounds,” and Stromae’s team got to work finding a way to carefully craft his music in real time.

The team came early a day before to rehearse for hours, bringing in an array of computers, synthesizers, mixers, and producers to accomplish the feat. The resulting performance shows the marvel of modern technology and the ingenuity of Stromae. Starting with “L’enfer,” Stromae digs his heels into the darkness of the song’s lyrics, relishing in the intimacy of Tiny Desk to belt out alongside members of the Yasna Voices NY Bulgarian Women's Choir. Stromae’s “Santé” somehow maintains the upbeat, cumbia spirit of its studio-recorded predecessor, while the performance of “Alors on danse” refreshes the 2009 megahit. Releasing all of the electronic elements of the previous songs, the group ends the session by performing an incredible a cappella rendition of “Mon amour.”

Stromae’s Tiny Desk Concert shows an artist relinquishing themselves to the bare bones of their music, resulting in a perfect capsule of a long, successful career.

Scroll down to watch and listen to Stromae’s captivating Tiny Desk Concert.

With the recent release of Stromae’s long-awaited album Multitude, the singer is ready to bare all—even stripping his complex electronic pop hits into an intimate live performance at NPR’s Tiny Desk.

NPR Music: Youtube | Website | Facebook
h/t: [NPR]

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READ: Stromae’s Tiny Desk Concert Strips Down His Dance Pop Hits

 

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Earlier this season, singer Pink wowed the world with her rendition of “Hopelessly Devoted to You” during a tribute to the late Olivia Newton-John. Now, it’s her daughter who is marveling audiences with her performance, and she chose to cover a tune by a singer named Olivia, too—Olivia Rodrigo. Willow Sage Hart, Pink's 11 year-old child, sang “The Rose Song” from High School Musical: The Musical: The Series at her school's Christmas recital, and proved that she has a voice as enchanting as her mom's.

“So proud of this girl (first recital) nailed it,” Pink wrote on the video of the performance, which she posted on Instagram. “This 11 year old (11,000 year old soul) blows me away,” she added to the caption. The positive reactions poured in, including a comment from Rodrigo herself, who said, “I’m crying!!!!! what a special girl.” Other celebrities chimed in, including Mandy Moore, who wrote, “Holy cow!!! What a voice! What composure. Superstar.” Actor Jeremy Renner also congratulated Pink with the message, “You must be so ridiculously proud !!!”

It may be Willow’s first time on that stage, but she's no stranger to being on other ones while following her mom on tour. She even has a hit song alongside Pink—their duet “Cover Me in Sunshine,” which they performed together at the Grammy awards. If the talent displayed in the video is any indication, Willow has an amazing future in front of her, and maybe one day the performance will appear in a story about the beginnings of a rising star.

Willow Sage Hart, Pink's 11 year-old child, sang “The Rose Song” at her school's Christmas recital, and proved that she has a voice as enchanting as her mom's.

 

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Una publicación compartida por P!NK (@pink)

This may be her first school recital, but she’s no stranger to performing music. She even has a hit song alongside her pop star mom—their duet “Cover Me in Sunshine.” Watch the video below.

h/t: [Popsugar]

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READ: Pink’s Daughter Willow Nails a Cover of an Olivia Rodrigo Song at Her First School Recital

 

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Theatergoers at the opening night of the Broadway show A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical got a special surprise. Neil Diamond himself made an appearance and sang an impromptu performance of his beloved song “Sweet Caroline” to an ecstatic crowd.

The spontaneous session, performed on December 5, 2022, is fitting considering the musical is about Diamond’s life. It’s also exceedingly rare. This was the first time that Diamond had performed in New York City since 2017. In 2018, he announced that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and was retiring from touring.

Fans were already jazzed at the start of the musical when Diamond and his wife Katie McNeil arrived at the theater; they even received a standing ovation from the crowd. They then went to their box seats, and that’s where Diamond got on the mic and sang “Sweet Caroline” to attendees who cheered and sang along.

Although Diamond’s neurological disorder has made it too difficult for him to perform at stadiums like he used to, he hasn’t given up music. “I plan to remain active in writing, recording, and other projects for a long time to come,” he said in a statement. “My thanks goes out to my loyal and devoted audiences around the world. You will always have my appreciation for your support and encouragement. This ride has been ‘so good, so good, so good' thanks to you.”

A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical is now playing at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City.

Neil Diamond surprised theatergoers on the opening night of the Broadway show A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical. He performed the song “Sweet Caroline” from his box seat. Watch him sing it below:

Listen to the classic “Sweet Caroline” in full.

A Beautiful Noise Musical: Website | Instagram
h/t: [People]

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READ: Neil Diamond Surprises Broadway Crowd With a Performance of ‘Sweet Caroline’

Photo: Screenshot from Twitter

As one of the most famous songs in history, there is no shortage of covers of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Queen's iconic six-minute suite. We've seen everything, from it being performed by 28 trombonists to a crowd of 65,000 spontaneously coming together to sing along to it. But now, a much more minimal version is making waves online. The video of a young boy singing “Bohemian Rhapsody” and accompanying himself on the piano is melting hearts around the world thanks to the kid's energy and sweet voice. It's like he's channeling Freddie Mercury!

Although little is known about the boy's identity, there's no doubt about his talent and charisma. Sporting pajamas and smiling wide at the end, his performance will move you. The video has been received with universal praise. “Epic! What talent,” one Twitter user said, while others are just wondering if he's the reincarnation of Mercury.

Ever since its release in 1975, “Bohemian Rhapsody” has become a staple of popular music. It topped charts around the world and sold over six million copies. After the biopic of the same name came out, it became the most streamed song from the 20th century. It has also been certified “Diamond” in the United States for combined digital sales and streams equal to 10 million units.

While the original song experimented with different genres, this sweet video proves that it still sounds amazing on its bare bones when it's sung from the heart. Check the boy's performance below.

A young boy is melting hearts with his sweet cover of Queen's “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Twitter users were moved by his talent and charisma.

Wow! How beautiful! What a talent , what a voice and then the killing smile.

— amohandasblr (@amohandasblr) October 31, 2022

Wow. Stoped me scrolling and had me listen to it all. Beautiful.

— Micky Chaudhry (@sidd321) October 31, 2022

Check his amazing performance below:

Young boy performs cover of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody' on the piano.

What talent! 🎹🎵🎶💯❤️

pic.twitter.com/oE3nFdMDBH

— GoodNewsCorrespondent (@GoodNewsCorres1) October 31, 2022

h/t: [Boing Boing]

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READ: Boy Wows the Internet With His Cover of “Bohemian Rhapsody”

 

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There is a whole slew of products marketed to women with the promise of “turning back the clock” or, inversely, ensuring the clock stops before the signs of aging have a chance to strike. The fear of looking in the mirror to find gray hairs or wrinkles is instilled early on. Often, advertisements for these products have young models or actors with unbelievably glowing and flawless skin. In an industry where beauty is often determined by physical appearance—and more specifically, youth—one acotr is standing up to say enough.

Earlier this year at the Radically Reframing Aging Summit, hosted by Maria Shriver, Jamie Lee Curtis spoke about reassessing how we talk about aging. “This word ‘anti-aging' has to be struck,” Curtis said. “I am pro-aging. I want to age with intelligence and grace and dignity and verve and energy.” The actor emphasized, “I don’t want to hide from it as if it’s a bad thing.”

Stating to be a “free masterclass in aging well,” the week-long online event sought out to provide “a new outlook” on aging. The summit had a range of expert speakers including doctors, authors, sociologists, and celebrities such as Goldie Hawn and William Shatner. By offering a range of views, the summit addressed the question, “People are living longer, fuller lives than ever before. So why is our society so behind in its attitudes about aging?”

In Shiver’s conversation with Curtis, the actor spoke frankly about how she has come to terms with her older body. One way, she says, is to not look in the mirror as much. “I’m not denying what I look like, of course I’ve seen what I look like,” Curtis stated. “I am trying to live in acceptance. If I look in the mirror, it’s harder for me to be in acceptance. I’m more critical. Whereas, if I just don’t look, I’m not so worried about it.”

The Halloween star has been candid about beauty and aging standards on her social media as well. When reflecting on the filming of Everything, Everywhere, All at Once, Curtis stated that there is an industry of “hiding things,” using a multitude of means like concealer and fillers, “to conceal the reality of who we are.” The actor decided against that for her character, saying, “And my instruction to everybody was: I want there to be no concealing of anything.” She continues, “I've been sucking my stomach in since I was 11, when you start being conscious of boys and bodies, and the jeans are super tight. I very specifically decided to relinquish and release every muscle I had that I used to clench to hide the reality. That was my goal. I have never felt more free creatively and physically.”

At the summit, Curtis also reflected on her heritage and how worrying takes time away from moments that count. “I am 63 years old. My mother died at 76. My father died at 85. I have no effing time to waste,” Curtis asserted. “My motto is, ‘If not now, when? And, if not me, who?’ And, that has unleashed me and freed me, and allowed me to do everything I’m doing with zero attachment.”

In an industry where beauty is often determined by physical appearance—and more specifically, youth—one actor is standing up to say enough.

 

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Earlier this year at the Radically Reframing Aging Summit, Jamie Lee Curtis spoke about reassessing how we talk about aging. “This word ‘anti-aging' has to be struck,” Curtis said.

 

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“I am pro-aging. I want to age with intelligence and grace and dignity and verve and energy.” The actor emphasized, “I don’t want to hide from it as if it’s a bad thing.”

 

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A post shared by Sounds True (@soundstrue)

The Halloween star has been candid about beauty and aging standards on her social media as well.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis)

 

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A post shared by Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis)

At the summit, Curtis also reflected on her heritage and how worrying about beauty standards takes time away from the moments that truly count. “I am 63 years old. My mother died at 76. My father died at 85. I have no effing time to waste,” she asserted.

 

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A post shared by Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis)

“My motto is, ‘If not now, when? And, if not me, who?’ And, that has unleashed me and freed me, and allowed me to do everything I’m doing with zero attachment.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis)

h/t: [Upworthy]

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READ: Jamie Lee Curtis Declares She Is “Pro-Aging,” Wants Us To Move Past the Term “Anti-Aging”

Photo: Screenshot from YouTube

Lizzo has been everywhere in 2022, from releasing her fourth studio album Special, to making history by playing  James Madison's crystal flute. Now, the “About Damn Time” singer has been recognized for using her platform for good; and true to her style, she decided to further the messages that need it the most. At the 2022 People's Choice Awards, the talented musician received the People's Champion Award, given to someone who works to make the world a better place. As a testament that she lives up to the title, Lizzo brought out and put the spotlight on 17 female activists who work on a wide array of causes during her speech.

Lizzo was introduced by her mom, Shari Johnson-Jefferson, who praised her for being a champion of others. “She has shown us all that we don’t have to conform to anyone’s standards in order to be happy, to be creative and to feel worthy. I know that Lizzo has literally saved lives. No one is more deserving of this honor and I’m so proud of her,” said Johnson-Jefferson.

Once she took the stage, the singer shared that she wasn't sure about the accolade at first. “When I first heard about this award, I was on the fence about whether I should accept because, if I’m the people’s champ, I don’t need a trophy for championing people,” she said. “I’m here tonight, because to be an icon isn’t about how long you’ve had your platform. Being an icon is what you do with that platform. And ever since the beginning of my career I’ve used my platform to amplify marginalized voices.”

And amplify she did. “I am sharing this honor. Make some noise for the people, y’all. These are all activists and people that I think deserve the spotlight,” said the singer before welcoming the 17 women to the stage. Taking her time, Lizzo named each one of them and presented the causes they work on—such as Indigenous representation, abortion access, transgender visibility, and the Iranian women's fight—while black and white portraits of them were projected on the screens.

The women Lizzo shared the stage with are Mari Copeny, Shirley Raines, Yasmine Aker, Emiliana Guereca, Esther Young Lim, Felicia “Fe” Montes, Jayla Rose Sullivan, Kara Roselle Smith, Maggie Mireles Thomas—whose introduction as the sister of a teacher who died at the Uvalde mass shooting made Lizzo's voice quiver)—Amelia Bonow, Odilia Romero, Tarlan Rabizadeh, Sahar Pirzada, Chandi Moore, Crystal Echo Hawk, Reshma Saujani and Tamika Palmer, mother of Breonna Taylor.

After embracing them all once she was done with the introductions, the room gave them all standing ovations, with the singer leading the praise: “Give them their flowers! Power will always be to the people!”

Lizzo received the People's Champion Award at the 2022 People's Choice Awards and decided to share the spotlight with 17 female activists.

Photo: Screenshot from YouTube

“I’m here tonight, because to be an icon isn’t about how long you’ve had your platform. Being an icon is what you do with that platform,” said the singer before welcoming the 17 women to the stage.

Photo: Screenshot from YouTube

Lizzo named each one of them and presented the causes they work on, such as Indigenous representation, abortion access, transgender visibility, and the Iranian women's fight.

Photo: Screenshot from YouTube

Watch Lizzo's People's Champion Award acceptance speech below.

Lizzo: Website|Instagram|Spotify
h/t: [Vulture]

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READ: Lizzo Shares the Spotlight With 17 Female Activists After Winning People’s Champion Award