True Emotions

Music to Understand the Human Emotions That Join Us All

Explore the universal emotional language that connects humanity through music. This interactive map reveals how 17 diverse musical traditions, from Bachata to Blues, Fado to Flamenco, express the same fundamental emotions that bind us all.

The Emotional Landscape of Global Music

Bachata Fado Blues Tango Flamenco Country Ranchera Enka Morna Sámi Joik Griot Music Ladino Ballads Cajun Zydeco Norteño Corridos Qawwali Nostalgia Melancholy Love Passion Pain Longing Identity Resignation Social Reality

Hover over a genre or emotion to see connections

How to Explore

Musical Genres

Click to explore cultural and historical context

Emotional Themes

Click to understand each emotion's role

Connection intensity indicates the strength of emotional expression in each genre

Discover the Research

Dive deeper into the methodology, findings, and cultural insights that reveal how music channels our shared emotional spectrum centered on Love, Passion, Longing, Identity, and Pain.