Celebrities join mass experiment on music hooks
29 Oct 2013
New citizen science experiment launched at Manchester Science Festival could aid future research into Alzheimer's disease
‘I Can’t Get You Out of My Head’ by Kylie Minogue has been voted as the catchiest tune in a poll of 700 people to launch the largest ever experiment into what makes music memorable as part of Manchester Science Festival.
Amongst those who nominated their favourite catchy tunes were actress Lily Cole (‘Anyone’s Ghost’ from The National), TV presenter Carol Vorderman (‘Get Lucky’ by Daft Punk), broadcaster Janet Street-Porter ('Nothing Compares 2 U' by Sinead O'Connor) and Science Minister David Willetts (‘Perpetuum Mobile’ by the Penguin Cafe Orchestra).
‘#Hooked’ is a citizen science project carried out by MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry, Manchester) and created by computational musicologist John Ashley Burgoyne and his team at The University of Amsterdam and Utrecht University, with support from the Wellcome Trust. This mass experiment will see thousands of people nominating a tune for the playlist and helping scientists understand our musical memory.
The researchers hope that results from #Hooked could aid future research into Alzheimer’s disease, as the experiment could help scientists predict the catchiest musical fragments and devise ways to trigger memories and provide therapeutic benefits.
The initial survey of 700 participants was held to launch an appeal for song nominations for a larger #Hooked playlist with thousands of songs suggested by the public. Once enough songs are gathered, people will be invited to play a simple ‘name-that-tune’ citizen science game designed by Dr Burgoyne that will be launched in early 2014. The game aims to identify the most catchy part of the tune, how it sounds and why is it so memorable.
Erinma Ochu, based in Life Sciences and currently MOSI’s resident citizen science pioneer and Wellcome Trust Engagement Fellow, said: "This mass experiment is a not only a great way to harness the wisdom of the crowd to gather data on what makes a musical hook but it will hopefully also get people talking about, listening to and sharing music. Much of human history is remembered through songs and as an added bonus, we aim to tap into, evoke and share the musical memories of many generations around the world."
Professor Alistair Burns of the Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health at The University of Manchester said: "Music is really important in accessing long term memories. Many dementia support groups use music, singing and personalised playlists to help those with failing memory. The results from #Hooked could certainly have implications for improving the quality of life for people with dementia."
To nominate your catchiest tune to the #Hooked playlist and find out more about #Hooked and Manchester Science Festival, visit: