I have been doing a good bit of viewing and reading about ASMR (Autonomous sensory meridian response) and Frisson (what is sometimes referred to as chills) which both have to do with reactions to sounds. As I have physical reactions to all of these things, I am looking at the claimed differences and what I perceive are misconceptions. I think it is more a matter of what you are trying to use the sounds FOR. What is the actual goal for that sound.
ASMR tends to be all about relaxation and wants to rely on just certain types of sounds for the sensations (tingling) and doesn't feel music can provide this type of experience. I'm going to say right now that's not true. However, because most people only experience brief sensations of chills when they hear parts of music, which is called Frisson, it is assumed that the other never happens. Simply not true. Not from my experiences. It's all part of the same neurological experience, but at different levels.
Often music is about excitement and stimulation. I get that part. But, for me, it is far more than getting a chill or two. I can get so high I can barely breath and with the right music, I am taken in for a ride, fly high and am gently returned at the end. With wave after wave of chills and tingling all over my body, but other physical feelings as well that are very hard to describe. I have learned to temper my breathing for the best effect, to make it harder and higher, my whole chest nearly bursting. It is as if I am breathing in the music itself. Into myself. This isn't just frisson, this is a whole body experience that I can repeat over and over. That I can even stimulate by memory of the music itself without even hearing it. I can make myself have chills and tingles without any stimulation.
But … music CAN do what ASMR does. The right kind. The kind that focuses on similar sounds that are being used in some of the ASMR videos I have seen and listened to. A lot of it is tiny clicking sounds, repeated sounds, whirring sounds that are soft and inviting. Kay Gardner may well be of the types of music that would qualify. Sitars have that sound in them. Droning is also another sound. Bagpipes can both excite and relax. Often those sounds are on the base lines of pieces and can be difficult for many to ascertain because of the other musical lines involved. These are often the lines I use to ride through a musical piece, however. To either relax, or to excite. It can be either or.
I am going to be pursuing this further. I hope to use this video below of the moving colors I have done just recently to explain some of the same ideas.
The choice of sounds and how the colors also affect me the same way as the sounds do. What thrills me is that we ALL have some of this to a degree. We are ALL impacted by sounds and music on some level. What I am hoping to do is crack open how and why as much as I am able. So that whether or not you are aware of it, you realize what is taking place on a subconscious level. Music, Sound, Color, Art - ALL are VERY Powerful. But KNOWLEDGE is the greatest Power of them all.