The art of rebound relationships in music
By Melanie Nava Urribarri
Earworms, not to be mistaken for earwigs–who have a poor reputation from the old European myth where these creatures burrow into the ears of sleeping people and lay eggs in their brains–can be perhaps one of every day’s greatest nuisances. Though they aren’t literal creatures, these tunes can certainly feel like wiggling, persistent worms that won’t go away, making a home in your head and adding yet another voice to block out.
Luckily, there are ways to fix this problem. Like finding a good rebound to get over that pesky ex, here are some Canadian earworm remedies that will have you swooning for another song in no time.
The Classic
How many times have you had that song on replay? Have your family and friends already begun to give you the stink eye? Oh, what’s that? You just can’t get it out of your head? Well, have you tried the musical version of “Have you turned it on and off again” by simply playing a different song on repeat? This classic solution can be more effective than you think if you play your cards right. For example, if you’re stuck in 2012 with an infamous Canadian earworm like “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen, there’s no need to change decades for the right counterattack. Stay in the year of the theorized apocalypse with Grimes’ promotional single “Oblivion”. A much more difficult Canadian song to hit the notes to, perfect for erasing numbers.
Change your environment
Just as being in a room for too long can suck away your energy and creativity, sometimes, the problem might not be you at all but your surroundings. How can you get over Avril Lavigne’s song “Girlfriend” if you’re stuck in the angry energy of your bedroom with all the memories of them? Get out and have some fun! Maybe go to your kitchen and treat yourself to something sweet with Nelly Furtado’s “Maneater”. Change your looping song from desiring to being desired and cure that earworm by switching locations and moods.
Chew
Stuck on 2010s Canadian heartthrobs like Justin Bieber or Shawn Mendes? According to the UK Counselling Directory, chewing gum or eating can create a new sensory experience, diverting your attention and possibly helping with a bad earworm. Instead of looping “As Long As You Love Me” with your young, hopeless romantic heart or “Treat You Better” –an earworm that peaked on the Billboard charts in 2016 and became a lovesick anthem–try eating the worm away like you might eat ice cream after a bad breakup.
Read a Book
Yes, reminiscing on the “best days of [your] life” with Canadian singer Bryan Adams and his recorded song “Summer of ‘69” can be all you need on a dreary day, but what happens when you simply can’t stop? Choosing a new distraction that requires new concentration can be just the way to do it.f you still want to do some nostalgic reflecting, maybe you can pick up Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables for a heartwarming, coming-of-age other than your own.
Make a Playlist
Play games with your brain and battle the earworm with a combination move called “the playlist.” Much like simply playing a new song for your brain to catch, this strategic tip gives your mind something new to set its sights on– or many new somethings. Feel new adrenaline and satisfaction with a good playlist, such as one created by The Guardian with 30 of Toronto rapper Drake’s best songs.
Embrace it
People are wired to look for patterns. Our brain likes consistent stimulation, and as stated by Harvard Medical School, some songs are created with specific musical intervals and tempos that are just more appealing to us subconsciously. Earworms can be harmless, and, sometimes it’s really not that serious. So if you can, embrace your earworm! Listen to that song on a loop and dance the annoyed glares away. The artists receiving a rush of streams on their songs might just thank you.