AlphaTheta has announced the release of We Become One, a documentary that delves into the profound ways in which music fosters connection and unity.
The 60-minute film, led by DJ, producer, and curator Kikelomo Oludemi, explores the neuroscience and psychology behind communal music experiences, featuring insights from leading researchers and artists. Journeying across multiple countries, clubs and festivals, the documentary uncovers how rhythm, sound, and shared musical encounters shape emotions, well-being, and human interactions.
The Science Behind Music and Mental Health
We Become One highlights how music and movement synchronize brain activity, fostering a sense of unity and altering states of consciousness. The documentary features interviews with experts, including cognitive psychologist and neuroscientist Daniel Levitin, neuroscientist Dr Julia C. Basso, and DJ and producer Moodymann. Their insights reveal that collective music experiences can help reduce anxiety, boost mood, and improve social bonding.
Scientific studies support this idea. Research published in Frontiers in Psychology found that group music experiences increase the release of endorphins, which enhance emotional resilience and create a natural sense of euphoria. Another study from the National Library of Medicine suggests that communal music listening can strengthen social ties and improve overall mental well-being.
Club Closures
The film’s release comes at a critical time for nightlife culture, as nightclubs in the UK are closing at record rates. According to the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), 65 nightclubs shut down between December 2023 and June 2024 — an average of 11 closures per month, or approximately three per week. This decline threatens not only the UK’s cultural heritage but also the well-being of those who rely on these venues for social connection, stress relief, and creative expression. With the closure of nightclubs, these benefits are at risk. Without them, alternative options for community-driven music experiences are shrinking, leaving many without an essential outlet for connection and self-expression.
Losing More Than Just Venues
Among the topics is how music transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, fostering communication on an instinctual level. It looks at examples such as Ghana’s Oroko Radio and Vibrate Studios, where music is used as a tool for empowerment and community-building. Similarly, Dan Ghenacia’s Alpha Wave Experience showcases how lighting and sound influence perception, intensifying the emotional depth of collective experiences.
We Become One is available to watch now.
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