Music Is Healing | Cherry-Coloured Funk

The greatest gift I’ve bought myself recently is a pair of headphones.

I know, I know… as a musician & sound healer - how did I not already have a pair, you might ask?

Honest answer - I’ve been rocking my tiny Apple earphones with the long cord for years. They’ve seen me through plane journeys, summer walks & long phone talks perfectly.

But I felt this urge recently, even more of a need - to be IMMERSED in the sounds.

I consume a lot of music day to day. Whether that’s driving in my little Mini, coming home and putting a vinyl on while we eat in the evening, or picking up my guitar in the corner of the room…

Music is everywhere, within & around me.

And yet, something in me has been craving more, so I bought myself the most joyfully pink pair of Sony headphones - and they are pure MAGIC.

Yesterday, I set off on my usual mindful walk by the river and got caught in the most incredible April shower.

I sheltered under the trees for a moment, finding a little pocket of peace as I watched heavy, fat raindrops create big, circular ripples on the water’s surface. Behind me, the strongest, warmest spring sunshine lingered.

As I stood there, getting totally drenched, I let the rain wash away all the tension I’d been holding from the week.

I even had a little dance, turning my face up to the sky and letting myself soak it alllll in.

When the rain passed & that fresh, earthy scent began to rise, I wandered home past my favourite row of cherry blossom trees.

Oh, they are so beautiful - standing proud along the cobbled street, welcoming you into town.

And that’s when it happened.

I reached into my bag, put on my headphones, and pressed play on one of my favourite songs in the entire universe:

Cherry-Coloured Funk by the Cocteau Twins.

I first heard this song when I was about 15.

At that age, there’s this perfect combination of raging hormones, naivety, first kisses & idle time - allowing you to absorb music with sheer wonder.

Cherry-Coloured Funk hit me hard & in the heart.

If you’ve never heard it - know that there are lyrics, but Elizabeth Fraser sings in what I can only describe as tongues. You hear whatever you need to hear. Laying the meaning of your experience over her melodies.

You get completely lost in the sound.

The song opens with an instant drum hit & a glittering guitar that moves you along & along & along.

Then Frasers voice soars into the chorus. It’s like hearing spring burst into colour all at the same time & it never fails to give me full body goosebumps.

It makes me feel all the feels.

Even now, 16 years on. (Crazy to think I’ve lived my whole lifetime again since I first heard it.)

And in that moment, standing there with the blossoms in the warmth of the sun - I remembered what it feels like to truly listen.

I wish, sometimes, I could experience music the way I did at 15. I wish I had the endless time, the never ending space, the lack of responsibility, the naivety. But also, I'm so very glad I get to tap into this healing feeling whenever I want - just by pressing play.

And truthfully… that’s what I try to create in a sound bath. I wish to take you on that journey with me - into the unknown & into all the feels. Into the corners of your mind where wonder is hiding & where a pocket of peace can still be found.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be taking a little pause from in-person offerings & sound baths for personal reasons.

But as soon as I’m back, I will let you know when you can book on to a session to come and find your moment of calm, restoration & a little moment of escapism from the craziness of life.

In the meantime, I’ll continue sharing my online offerings & little stories like this one to stay connected.

Before I go, I’d love to hear…

What was your favourite song at 15? The one that changed something in you? The one that made you feel it all?

Let me know in the comments below.

Take good care & speak soon,

Hannah x