Apple Music Introduces ‘Sound Therapy’ in Partnership with UMG

Apple Music and Universal Music Group (UMG) have introduced a new program called “Sound Therapy,” a curated collection of science-backed, reimagined songs designed to support listeners’ emotional and cognitive health.

Available exclusively on Apple Music, this initiative marks a growing commitment by both companies to explore the healing potential of music. The tracks are categorized into three key wellness goals: Focus, Relax, and Sleep.

“Sound Therapy” takes some of the world’s most recognizable pop hits and transforms them into calming, instrumental soundscapes. These new versions, stripped of vocals and reconstructed with soft lofi elements, ambient textures, and neuroscience-informed sound layers, are tailored to improve focus, encourage relaxation, and aid with sleep.

Each track in the collection has been re-engineered with the help of scientific principles around auditory stimuli and brainwave modulation. For instance, music categorized under “Focus” often includes gamma brainwave frequencies and white noise, which have been shown to enhance concentration.

Relax” uses theta wave stimulation, helpful for lowering stress and promoting calm. And “Sleep” blends delta waves with pink noise to encourage deeper, more restful sleep cycles.

Songs featured in the launch include instrumental reinterpretations of hits by artists such as Katy Perry, Post Malone, and Imagine Dragons. A new version of Perry’s “Double Rainbow” has been especially noted for its atmospheric, meditative qualities. These therapeutic renditions aim to deliver emotional resonance without the lyrical content.

This project follows a growing trend in the music industry where labels and platforms are recognizing the intersection between music and mental health. UMG has previously collaborated with Endel, a Berlin-based AI company specializing in personalized sound environments, to explore the science of sound wellness.