What is Scary Music and How to Write It
Scary music is a type of music that evokes fear, suspense, horror, or dread in the listener. It is often used in horror films to enhance the mood, atmosphere, and tension of the scenes. Scary music can also be found in other genres, such as horrorcore, a subgenre of hip hop that features dark, violent, and transgressive lyrics and imagery. Scary music can be created using various instruments and techniques, such as synthesizers, strings, pipe organs, harpsichords, drums, vocals, sound effects, and more. Scary music can have different effects on the listener, such as increasing heart rate, blood pressure, skin conductance, and emotional arousal. Scary music can also trigger primal instincts and reactions in the brain, such as fear, anxiety, curiosity, anticipation, and relief.
In this article, we will explore the history, elements, and effects of scary music. We will also give you some tips and advice on how to write your own scary music. Whether you are a fan of horror films, horrorcore music, or just want to experiment with some spooky sounds, this article is for you.
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The History of Scary Music
Scary music has a long history in horror films, where it is used to enhance the mood, atmosphere, and tension of the scenes. The origins of scary music can be traced back to the early days of cinema, when silent films were accompanied by live music. Some of the first horror films, such as The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920), Nosferatu (1922), and The Phantom of the Opera (1925), used orchestral music to create a sense of dread and suspense. Some of the musical techniques used in these films were dissonant chords, chromatic notes, low or high pitches, and sudden changes in dynamics or tempo.
As sound technology improved in the 1930s and 1940s, horror film composers started to experiment with more diverse and innovative musical styles and instruments. Some of the notable horror film composers of this era were Max Steiner (King Kong), Franz Waxman (The Bride of Frankenstein), and Miklós Rózsa (The Lost Weekend). Some of the musical techniques used in these films were leitmotifs (recurring musical themes associated with characters or situations), theremin (an electronic instrument that produces eerie sounds), and diegetic music (music that is part of the story world).
The Masters of Horror Film Music
In the 1950s and 1960s, horror film music reached new heights of creativity and sophistication with the works of some of the most influential horror film composers of all time. Some of them are:
Bernard Herrmann: He is best known for his collaboration with Alfred Hitchcock on films such as Psycho (1960), The Birds (1963), and Marnie (1964). He used strings, percussion, harpsichord, and other instruments to create a tense and atmospheric score that matched Hitchcock's visual style. His most famous musical cue is the shower scene from Psycho, where he used high-pitched violin stabs to mimic the sound of stabbing.
John Williams: He is best known for his collaboration with Steven Spielberg on films such as Jaws (1975), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), and Jurassic Park (1993). He used orchestral music to create a majestic and emotional score that enhanced Spielberg's cinematic vision. His most famous musical cue is the main theme from Jaws, where he used two alternating notes to create a sense of impending danger.
Ennio Morricone: He is best known for his collaboration with Sergio Leone on films such as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966), Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), and Once Upon a Time in America (1984). He used guitars, harmonicas, whistles, choirs, and other instruments to create a unique and eclectic score that blended different genres and cultures. His most famous musical cue is the main theme from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, where he used a coyote howl to create a sense of wilderness.
Fabio Frizzi: He is best known for his collaboration with Lucio Fulci on films such as Zombi 2 (1979), The Beyond (1981), and City of the Living Dead (1980). He used synthesizers , drums, vocals, and sound effects to create a dark and atmospheric score that matched Fulci's gory and surreal style. His most famous musical cue is the main theme from Zombi 2, where he used a pulsating synth bass to create a sense of dread.
The Rise of Horrorcore Music
Scary music can also be found in other genres, such as horrorcore, a subgenre of hip hop that features dark, violent, and transgressive lyrics and imagery. Horrorcore emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a reaction to the mainstream and commercial rap music of the time. Horrorcore artists often used horror film samples, distorted beats, and low-pitched vocals to create a sinister and menacing sound. Some of them are:
Geto Boys: They are considered to be one of the pioneers of horrorcore with their album We Can't Be Stopped (1991), which featured songs such as "Mind Playing Tricks on Me", "Chuckie", and "Mind of a Lunatic". They used graphic and violent lyrics to depict the harsh realities of life in the ghetto.
Gravediggaz: They are considered to be one of the founders of horrorcore with their album 6 Feet Deep (1994), which featured songs such as "Diary of a Madman", "1-800-Suicide", and "Nowhere to Run, Nowhere to Hide". They used dark humor and metaphors to criticize the social and political issues of the time.
Insane Clown Posse: They are considered to be one of the most popular and controversial horrorcore groups with their album The Great Milenko (1997), which featured songs such as "Halls of Illusions", "Piggy Pie", and "Boogie Woogie Wu". They used clown makeup and costumes to create a cult-like fan base known as Juggalos.
Eminem: He is considered to be one of the most successful and influential horrorcore artists with his album The Slim Shady LP (1999), which featured songs such as "My Name Is", "Guilty Conscience", and "'97 Bonnie & Clyde". He used witty and sarcastic lyrics to express his anger and frustration with his personal and professional life.
The Elements of Scary Music
Scary music can be created using various instruments and techniques, such as synthesizers, strings, pipe organs, harpsichords, drums, vocals, sound effects, and more. Scary music can also use different musical features, such as eerie intervals, chromatic notes, dissonant chords, minor scales, low or high pitches, distorted sounds, sudden changes in dynamics or tempo, and repetition. These elements can create a sense of fear, suspense, horror, or dread in the listener by creating contrast, tension, uncertainty, or surprise.
The Instruments of Scary Music
Some of the common instruments used in scary music and their effects are:
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InstrumentEffect
SynthesizerCan produce a wide range of sounds, from electronic to organic, that can create a futuristic or alien atmosphere.
StringsCan produce high-pitched or low-pitched sounds that can create a sense of tension or danger.
Pipe organCan produce loud or soft sounds that can create a sense of grandeur or doom.
HarpsichordCan produce sharp or plucked sounds that can create a sense of mystery or madness.
DrumsCan produce rhythmic or irregular sounds that can create a sense of urgency or chaos.
VocalsCan produce human or non-human sounds that can create a sense of emotion or terror.
Sound effectsCan produce realistic or unrealistic sounds that can create a sense of realism or fantasy.
The Musical Features of Scary Music
Some of the common musical features used in scary music and their effects are:
Musical FeatureEffect
Eerie intervalsCan produce dissonant or unpleasant sounds that can create a sense of unease or discomfort. Examples are tritones, minor seconds, major sevenths, etc.
Chromatic notesCan produce unexpected or out-of -key sounds that can create a sense of surprise or confusion. Examples are notes that do not belong to the scale or mode of the music.
Dissonant chordsCan produce harsh or clashing sounds that can create a sense of tension or conflict. Examples are diminished, augmented, or dominant seventh chords.
Minor scalesCan produce sad or dark sounds that can create a sense of sadness or fear. Examples are natural minor, harmonic minor, or melodic minor scales.
Low or high pitchesCan produce deep or shrill sounds that can create a sense of power or vulnerability. Examples are bass or soprano instruments or voices.
Distorted soundsCan produce fuzzy or noisy sounds that can create a sense of distortion or chaos. Examples are electric guitars, synthesizers, or sound effects.
Sudden changes in dynamics or tempoCan produce loud or fast sounds that can create a sense of shock or urgency. Examples are forte or presto markings, crescendos, accelerandos, etc.
RepetitionCan produce recurring or persistent sounds that can create a sense of obsession or madness. Examples are ostinatos, motifs, loops, etc.
The Effects of Scary Music
Scary music can have different effects on the listener physically and psychologically. Scary music can stimulate the autonomic nervous system, which controls the involuntary functions of the body, such as heart rate, blood pressure, skin conductance, and breathing. Scary music can also activate the amygdala, which is the part of the brain that processes emotions, especially fear and anxiety. Scary music can also influence the cognitive and behavioral responses of the listener, such as attention, memory, perception, and decision-making.
The Physiological Effects of Scary Music
Some of the physiological effects of scary music and their causes are:
EffectCause
Increase in heart rateThe heart pumps faster to prepare the body for action or escape.
Increase in blood pressureThe blood vessels constrict to increase the blood flow to the vital organs.
Increase in skin conductanceThe sweat glands secrete more sweat to cool down the body and improve the grip.
Increase in breathing rateThe lungs inhale more oxygen to fuel the muscles and brain.
The Psychological Effects of Scary Music
Some of the psychological effects of scary music and their causes are:
EffectCause
FearThe listener feels threatened by the scary music and anticipates something bad to happen.
AnxietyThe listener feels nervous and uneasy about the scary music and worries about the outcome.
CuriosityThe listener feels intrigued by the scary music and wants to know more about it.
AnticipationThe listener feels excited by the scary music and expects something to happen.
ReliefThe listener feels relieved by the scary music and realizes that nothing bad happened.
How to Write Your Own Scary Music
If you want to write your own scary music, here are some tips and advice that can help you:
Choose Your Genre and Style
Before you start writing your scary music, you need to decide what genre and style you want to use. There are many genres and styles that can be used for scary music, such as classical, rock, metal, hip hop, electronic, ambient, etc. Each genre and style has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your purpose and audience. For example, classical music can create a sense of elegance and sophistication, but it can also be seen as outdated or boring. Rock music can create a sense of energy and aggression, but it can also be seen as noisy or violent. Hip hop music can create a sense of realism and creativity, but it can also be seen as vulgar or offensive. Electronic music can create a sense of innovation and diversity, but it can also be seen as artificial or repetitive. Ambient music can create a sense of atmosphere and immersion, but it can also be seen as dull or vague. You need to choose the genre and style that best suits your vision and message.
Choose Your Instruments and Sounds
After you choose your genre and style, you need to choose your instruments and sounds. There are many instruments and sounds that can be used for scary music, such as synthesizers, strings, pipe organs, harpsichords, drums, vocals, sound effects, etc. Each instrument and sound has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your genre and style. For example, synthesizers can produce a wide range of sounds, from electronic to organic, but they can also sound unnatural or generic. Strings can produce high-pitched or low-pitched sounds, but they can also sound cliché or predictable. Pipe organs can produce loud or soft sounds, but they can also sound old-fashioned or religious. Harpsichords can produce sharp or plucked sounds, but they can also sound whimsical or childish. Drums can produce rhythmic or irregular sounds, but they can also sound simple or chaotic. Vocals can produce human or non-human sounds, but they can also sound emotional or terrifying. Sound effects can produce realistic or unrealistic sounds, but they can also sound cheesy or overdone. You need to choose the instruments and sounds that best fit your genre and style.
Choose Your Musical Features and Techniques
Finally, you need to choose your musical features and techniques. There are many musical features and techniques that can be used for scary music, such as eerie intervals, chromatic notes, dissonant chords, minor scales, low or high pitches , distorted sounds, sudden changes in dynamics or tempo, and repetition. Each musical feature and technique has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your instruments and sounds. For example, eerie intervals can produce dissonant or unpleasant sounds, but they can also sound boring or predictable. Chromatic notes can produce unexpected or out-of-key sounds, but they can also sound confusing or random. Dissonant chords can produce harsh or clashing sounds, but they can also sound noisy or messy. Minor scales can produce sad or dark sounds, but they can also sound depressing or monotonous. Low or high pitches can produce deep or shrill sounds, but they can also sound dull or annoying. Distorted sounds can produce fuzzy or noisy sounds, but they can also sound distorted or chaotic. Sudden changes in dynamics or tempo can produce loud or fast sounds, but they can also sound abrupt or inconsistent. Repetition can produce recurring or persistent sounds, but they can also sound obsessive or mad. You need to choose the musical features and techniques that best complement your instruments and sounds.
Conclusion
Scary music is a type of music that evokes fear, suspense, horror, or dread in the listener. It is often used in horror films to enhance the mood, atmosphere, and tension of the scenes. Scary music can also be found in other genres, such as horrorcore, a subgenre of hip hop that features dark, violent, and transgressive lyrics and imagery. Scary music can be created using various instruments and techniques, such as synthesizers, strings, pipe organs, harpsichords, drums, vocals, sound effects, and more. Scary music can also use different musical features, such as eerie intervals, chromatic notes, dissonant chords, minor scales, low or high pitches , distorted sounds, sudden changes in dynamics or tempo, and repetition. These elements can create a sense of fear, suspense, horror, or dread in the listener by creating contrast, tension, uncertainty, or surprise.
Scary music can have different effects on the listener physically and psychologically. Scary music can stimulate the autonomic nervous system, which controls the involuntary functions of the body, such as heart rate, blood pressure, skin conductance, and breathing. Scary music can also activate the amygdala, which is the part of the brain that processes emotions, especially fear and anxiety. Scary music can also influence the cognitive and behavioral responses of the listener, such as attention, memory, perception, and decision-making.
If you want to write your own scary music, you need to decide what genre and style you want to use, what instruments and sounds you want to use, and what musical features and techniques you want to use. You need to choose the elements that best suit your vision and message. You also need to experiment with different combinations and variations of these elements to create your own unique and original scary music.
We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about scary music. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. Thank you for reading and happy writing!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about scary music:
What is the difference between scary music and horror music?
Scary music is a broad term that can refer to any type of music that evokes fear, suspense, horror, or dread in the listener. Horror music is a specific term that can refer to a genre or style of music that is associated with horror films or horrorcore music.
What are some examples of scary music in popular culture?
Some examples of scary music in popular culture are: - The theme song from The Exorcist (1973), composed by Mike Oldfield. - The theme song from Halloween (1978), composed by John Carpenter. - The theme song from The X-Files (1993), composed by Mark Snow. - The theme song from Stranger Things (2016), composed by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein. - The song "Thriller" (1982) by Michael Jackson.
What are some benefits of listening to scary music?
Some benefits of listening to scary music are: - It can stimulate the brain and improve cognitive functions, such as attention, memory, perception, and decision-making. - It can enhance the emotional experience and increase the enjoyment of horror films or games. - It can provide a safe and controlled way of experiencing fear and anxiety without any real danger or harm. - It can help overcome phobias or fears by exposing oneself to them in a gradual and manageable way.
What are some drawbacks of listening to scary music?
Some drawbacks of listening to scary music are: - It can cause stress and discomfort in some listeners who are sensitive or prone to fear or anxiety. - It can induce nightmares or sleep disturbances in some listeners who are affected by the scary images or sounds. - It can desensitize or numb some listeners who are exposed to too much or too often to scary music. - It can influence some listeners to adopt negative or violent attitudes or behaviors that are depicted in the scary lyrics or imagery.
How can I learn more about scary music?
Some ways to learn more about scary music are: - Reading books or articles about scary music theory, history, or analysis. - Listening to podcasts or watching videos about scary music reviews, recommendations, or interviews. - Taking courses or workshops about scary music composition, production, or performance. - Joining online forums or communities about scary music fans, creators, or critics.
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