Extramusical

/ˌɛkstrəˈmjuːzɪkəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or involving elements outside music itself; describing non-musical factors that influence how music is perceived or created.

Etymology

From Latin 'extra' (outside) + 'musical' (from Latin 'musica'). Musicians and composers adopted this term in the 20th century to describe contextual elements beyond notes and rhythm.

Kelly Says

A song's 'extramusical' elements are everything except the actual sounds—the album artwork, the artist's story, who you were with when you heard it. This is why the same song hits differently when you learn heartbreaking backstory about the artist.

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