When it comes to music, there’s no genre that has the scope and depth of rock. When looking closely at rock music and its dozens of subgenres, from metal to post-punk, there are countless hits, legends, and albums to look through. In fact, since rock’n roll first emerged in the 1940s and 50s, it has been one of the primary foundations upon which music has been built.
But what’s behind the ongoing reach? Is rock music simply a foundation or is it still alive and evolving today? Regardless of the answer, there’s a sentiment in rock that seems to transcend eras and musical trends. This spirit harkens back to that of adventure, the drive to experience life’s highs, to get into trouble and then get out of trouble, and keep having a good time throughout it all.
In other words, rock music taps into the urge to be free that lives in everyone. But on top of that, rockers have never failed to deliver on weirdness—and that weirdness itself is another layer of freedom. From Robert Plants’ obsession with fantasy worlds to Freddie Mercury’s vocal range and lyrical style to Radiohead’s more current foray into ‘art rock’, there’s always a frontier of weird in the rock’n roll world that keeps listeners hooked.
In fact, some fans rely on rock to help get them through their workday. Let’s take a closer look at the professionals who listen to rock music (or its many subgenres) to help them get their work done.
Professional Poker Players
If you’ve watched live poker, then you know it’s not uncommon for certain players to wear headphones. This helps them get into a flow and avoid revealing their bluffs. But even when players compete online, they might rely on rock music to keep their minds focused.
Thanks to its upbeat rhythm, rock has a reliable BPM to keep a player’s energy levels high and keep their mind moving. In fact, music is such an embedded part of the experience that earbuds are mentioned on many lists of what to bring to live tournaments.
Weightlifters
Fitness buffs of all stripes use music to tune into the right pace—but weightlifters, in particular, are more likely to gravitate toward rock music. In fact, some studies have shown that powerlifters can increase their output by listening to music either before a session or during. That’s because it prepares the brain for what’s going to happen next, allowing the lifter time to focus and get grounded.
In reality, while rock music might give them the energetic boost to lift more, listening to music helps because it influences the neurochemicals released into our brains. In other words, it chemically prepares athletes to take on their next challenge.
Surgeons
So far, we’ve covered how rock music can help poker players get into a flow and prepare athletes like powerlifters to go the distance. But even professionals like surgeons can use rock music to get their brains moving. For many surgeons, the goal of listening to music is to focus their minds, like a poker player, while also reducing stress.
Because many surgeries can last for hours, some organizations allow surgeons to listen to music in order to soothe their nerves and foster a greater sense of concentration. However, each surgeon is different, and it’s most common for the head surgeon to choose the music—which means unless they like rock music, another genre like jazz or pop might be on the playlist instead.
Video Game Designers
Let’s round off this list with one of the coolest professions that involves rock music: video game designer. Already, most people are probably thinking of releases like 1993’s DOOM, which introduced the world to hardcore shooter action and death metal-calibre soundtracks. Since the release of DOOM, music has become a hugely important element of video game releases, compounding the game’s theme and mood.
And rock has left its impression on this world. Along with hits like DOOM, games like Call of Duty: Black Ops II and Tony Hawk Pro Skater have kept the rock’n roll spirit alive for gamers. Meanwhile, simulations like Rock Band and Guitar Hero branched out into unique hardware territory, giving players a chance to step into the shoes of their favorite rockers.
