I got so hooked on the idea of music getting people pumped up that I forgot why most people, myself included, listen to music in the first place.

To decompress.

I think we’re at the point in the semester where stress is starting to build. It can become overpowering if left unchecked, and many relieve stress by listening to music.

So, I wandered campus with the intention of finding out what music students are listening to when they need to relax, unwind, and take a Deep Breath.

The first student I met is Lucas Billings.

Billings admittedly listens to music that’s “a little different from most what most people listen to.”

He prefers intense heavy metal.

Hey man, whatever floats your boat.

The group he mentioned was a group called “ICE NINE KILLS,” particularly their albums “The Silver Scream,” and “Horrorwood: The Silver Scream 2.” Right away these albums give off big horror movie vibes, which is why Billings listens to them.

“It makes me think of horror movies, and that’s something that I enjoy,” he said.

The whole death metal vibe isn’t for me, but I love his logic. I’m a huge horror movie fan and these songs directly reference a bunch of my favorites.

The music itself isn’t even that bad. The vocalist has the voice of a tamed lion that I absolutely love. Some of this is really good, and something I could see myself relaxing to, but some of it definitely isn’t. In the end, it did what Billings said it would, which is take my mind off of the stress of reality, I just don’t find some of the tones to be relaxing.

Although, I’m the guy who listens to Mötley Crüe to de-stress, so I can’t hate on this, but some of it’s just too heavy for me.

The songs “A Grave Mistake,” “Thank God It’s Friday,” and “Rainy Day” are the standouts to me.

Next up is Michael Martin.

“Heavy metal. Three Days Grace.”

Ok what the fuck.

I mean I like the “One-X” album from Three Days grace, but come on, I was kinda hoping for some chill music.

“When I listen to music that makes me want to put my head through a wall, it just gets takes your mind off things.”

Whatever, let’s just play the music.

“Chalk Outline” by Three Days Grace – Maybe I overreacted before. I dig this song, and I think he might be onto something. The stress of everyday life isn’t necessarily melting away as people say, but more like being ripped away.

“Burn MF” by Five Finger Death Punch – Now you lost me. I don’t hate the song – It’s got a really sick guitar riff, and a lot of intensity – but I don’t feel relaxed at all. This song would’ve been great for the workout playlist, but not what I’m looking for here.

Lastly, we have Emma Falquero.

Please God, give me something actually relaxing.

“There’s this Wiz Khalifa song. It’s very calming, and it’s not really fast-paced.”

My prayers were answered.

“The Count” by Curren$y, Harry Fraud, and Wiz Khalifa – Yessssss. This is just so relaxing. Let me just take a second to appreciate this…

Ok, I’m back.

This song is beautifully mellow and chill. I feel like I’m in paradise. I literally have no worries about anything in the world right now. Let’s see what else she’s got.

“Wandered To LA” by Juice WRLD and Justin Bieber – This is what I had in mind when I thought of this playlist. It’s just really easy on the ears, and it allows my mind to wander away from reality. My mind really did wander to LA.

We had a solid mix of both hits and misses, but I really hoped for some more chill music this time, but that just wasn’t the case. Maybe we’ll get a better turnout next time.

And remember to take a Deep Breath. You got this.