The Soundtrack To Us: 4 Couples On What They Listen To (And When)

There are some things that simply all couples do. They call each other disgustingly cute pet names, they create their own weird little languages, and they share a knowing look and a smile whenever they hear a certain song.

For most of us, music plays a big role in our relationships. You’ll always remember the anxious moment you show your new crush your favourite song. Three years into dating, you’re probably still playfully arguing about what to listen to on a road trip to your partner’s family Christmas.

Music is like the third person in our relationships, and you know what? We’re thrilled to have it!

So we decided to speak to some loved-up couples about how music has helped them throughout their relationships – from first getting together to spending the night apart – and how their musical taste has evolved thanks to each other.

Wanna Go Out Sometime?

When Jess and Taylor started dating, they went to a music festival together. There was just one small problem: Jess didn’t know any of the bands. So Taylor made her a Spotify playlist with the artists he was most excited to see.

“I loved the thought he put into building a playlist for me,” says Jess. “And I loved the music! I think it did bring us closer together.”

The music we listen to can be an insight into who we are, how we process emotions, and specific moments in our lives. Sharing that with someone can help them get to know you, especially early on in a relationship when you might not have opened up to each other much.

“Very early on in our relationship, my now husband took me to a gig for an artist I knew but wasn’t into,” says Camille. “I completely fell in love with the artist and we started seeing them live whenever we could.”

Going The Distance

Music’s ability to make us feel connected is especially important if you’re away from the people you love. For Camille and Jake, who were in a long-distance relationship for years, it became even more meaningful.

“I’d catch a three-hour train to visit Jake and I’d listen to music for most of the trip. Certain songs would make me happy or sad depending on whether I was on my way to see him or heading back home.”

Platforms like Spotify make it easy for people to share music from anywhere. Almost instantly, couples can share their favourite songs, music that reminds them of each other, or great new finds.

In 2020, sharing music has become a fully-fledged love language for couples, but sharing podcasts can be equally insightful. Who hasn’t sent their crush an episode to suss out if you share a fascination with true crime, internet mysteries, or behind-the-scenes looks at cult classic TV shows.

And, facts are facts: podcasts are way better when you share them because you get to discuss everything afterwards with someone who’s equally passionate.

That’s the idea behind Spotify Premium Duo, a new subscription plan for couples that makes it easier to share everything you love listening to. You and your significant other could save by getting two Premium accounts for only $15.99 a month (T&Cs apply). You also get your own Duo Mix, which combines the genres, artists, and songs you’re both listening to into a single, shared playlist.

We’re Endgame, Baby

Not many people would admit that their music taste now is the same as it was when they were a teenager (with the exception of angsty pop punk bangers, of course, which are timeless). Our taste is constantly evolving, and it happens a lot faster when we’re in a relationship.

“Bridgette introduced me to a heap of new artists and genres that I literally had no idea existed,” says Anthony. He adds that some of his girlfriend’s music has ended up in his daily rotation.

For Bridgette, dating Anthony has helped her reconnect with bands she used to love. “Anthony reminded me of so many of the great bands from the ‘80s and ‘90s Manchester scene, and they’ve definitely been in heavy rotation.”

For Lauren and Kyall, dating didn’t change what music they listened to, it just introduced them to more of it. “We’re constantly sharing new music with each other, says Lauren. “[Kyall] shares clips of himself lip-syncing and dancing to songs that we both love.”

“I don’t think I realised how important it was until a few years into our relationship when I thought back to all the moments we shared where we were connecting to each other through music. Whether it was listening together, sharing new music with each other, cooking together, just hanging out, driving together, or going to gigs, I realised that music is very important to us.”

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Premium Duo. Two accounts, one plan. All the Premium benefits. Join now and get one month free if you’re new to Premium.

Only $15.99/mo after. For two people who reside at the same address. T&Cs apply.

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Lead image: Chinh Le Duc/ Unsplash