Dancing, Connection, Electronic Music & The Science Behind Why We Need Them All

Filmed over the span of two years, We Become One is an inspiring and affirming new documentary journey from Alpha Theta, looking into the scientific relationship between our love of music, particularly electronic music, and the dancefloor. 

Fronted by electronic DJ Kikelomo, whose background is fittingly rooted in science, the documentary spanned multiple continents and interviewed experts and music lovers alike about our connection with the dancefloor. 

It wasn't too long ago when the way in which we interacted with music drastically changed. Clubs were closed and the euphoria of the dancefloor was a forbidden high. With live music resigned to a screen in the home, DJ sets just didn't feel the same. But why? Why does music feel so particularly profound when experienced as a collective on the dancefloor? To answer such questions, We  Become One drew answers from incredibly knowledgeable and articulate professionals, which included psychologist and neuroscientists Dr Daniel Levitin and Dr Julia Basso; as well as live electronic DJ KiNK; DJ and producer Seth Troxler; and musical extraordinaire Moodyman. 

As so aptly and passionately explained by Dr Julia, who is also a dancer and Professor, when people are dancing together, specific parts of the brain are simultaneously stimulated, leading to a feeling  of unity amongst the crowd. Through a harmonious concoction of activated neurons, electrical impulses and chemicals like Oxytocin, we begin to feel as though we are part of  something bigger. Oxytocin is the body's natural "love drug" and encourages social behaviours, such as trust and communication, which enhances that feeling of togetherness. Interestingly, the documentary did not touch upon the stereotype that often permeates discussions of rave culture: drugs. Given the current climate surrounding UK nightlife, choosing to instead spotlight the real values and emotions tied to raving was a very welcomed choice. 

Kikelomo's journey into the relationship between music and connection extended to countries that  might not necessarily be associated with electronic music, most notably South Africa and Ghana. However, during her visit to the United States, Kikelomo visits the home of Techno, and is reminded that Chicago House and Detroit Techno originated as underground resistance music that allowed black and queer folk to move their bodies and express themselves during a time of oppression. What is considered "Black music" is more far-ranging than is often given credit for. It is therefore fitting, that the end of Kikelomo's journey takes her to Oroko Radio and Vibrate Studios, both situated in Accra, Ghana, to discover how electronic music can play a role in bridging sociological divisions on and off the dancefloor.  

We Become One is a unique and fascinating journey into scientifically recognising a feeling all music lovers have experienced on the dancefloor, yet cannot quite put a name to. But it is also more than that. Its findings are a moving and introspective insight to the shared human experience. Despite geographical, racial, sexual, spiritual, or gender differences, the shared musical experience is one that elicits a reaction in each of us that is purely human. Perfectly described by Steve Braines, Co-Founder of He.She.They. Label and Events, "[the dancefloor] is a safe haven [where] you remember that actually people are just people and that there is more that unites us than divides us.” This documentary demonstrated that music is a unifier with a special ability to transcend borders, both physical and otherwise. Its implications are curious and have great potential to be explored in wider aspects of society.

Check out the full documentary below: