On the Usefulness of Entertainment
Illustrated through the musical practice of TINOÉ.
Usefulness can be considered to be at the core of a good life. 1
In a recent conversation with friend and artist, TINOÉ, this hypothesis led the both of us to explore this topic in regard to entertainment, more specifically his musical practice. Where does music fit into this framework of a good life, and how can it provide actual value?
Emotion
Music has the power to change or amplify certain moods and emotions. This isn’t limited to a singular emotion, however. A diverse set of emotions can be induced. According to TINOÉ, this is because “every emotion that has been felt, has been already been expressed through music.” Nonetheless, the emotions being felt are not universal, “the beauty is that we experience music through our own individual lens.”
So, interpretations of pieces of art can differ. Even between creator and listener. The creator’s interpretation “doesn’t have to be the interpretation of the listener - perhaps the foundational pieces are shared but not necessarily the emotions themselves - interpretation is genuinely ambiguous and moves on a spectrum.” This is a kind of exciting freedom TINOÉ likes to use for his current art as well as coming releases, 2 he is trying to find his own way on this spectrum and “give people the opportunity to interpret it in their own unique way.” The job of an artist, as it is for TINOÉ, therefore “is to give as many people as possible, as many opportunities as possible – to feel something.”
Expression
This act of giving is done through expression. “Expression for [TINOÉ] is the act of creation without any internal monologue, though this is difficult because in music you also need structure & other variables.” The structuring of music is done through the process of creation. This emotional process behind expression can be of a therapeutic nature, “since you confront yourself with the emotions that you felt in the act of this expression.” It is a kind of journal, a journal that is shared – by a community of people.
Community
Emotions can bond. Shared experiences can bond. This is why music has the power to build community. Take, for example, the rise of K-Pop. Besides the language barrier, this genre of music has transcended geographical borders and reached international acclaim. 3 According to TINOÉ, this is an aspirational thing to pursue, to cross these borders and gain a bigger sense of community. However, it rarely occurs with pieces outside the ones in English, 4 yet he believes that this is indeed possible – as it was with K-Pop. It is a kind of mission he strives to pursue.
One may conclude that music or entertainment in broad can be considered to have value and be of use, both for the creator and listener alike. From the power of creating or amplifying emotions, the act of expression as a therapeutic measure and feeling of freedom, to a sense of community that transcends borders.
www.youtube.com. (n.d.). Elon Musk: Advice for Young People | Lex Fridman Podcast Clips. [online] Available at: https://youtu.be/M-ZH3psUbfU?t=29 [Accessed 16 Jun. 2022].
BLOG HANDSOME. (2022). TINOÉ - FRONT ROW, White Lines Series und Zukunft für deutsche Musik. [online] Available at: https://bloghandsome.com/tinoe_fridaytalks/ [Accessed 16 Jun. 2022].
Statista. (2018). South Korea: K-pop popularity worldwide 2018 | Statista. [online] Available at: https://www.statista.com/statistics/937232/south-korea-kpop-popularity-worldwide/.
ChartMasters. (n.d.). Spotify most followed artists. [online] Available at: https://chartmasters.org/spotify-most-followed-artists/.