The Pulse Underneath Everything

Rhythm is the organization of sound in time. Strip away melody, harmony, and lyrics, and rhythm is what remains. It is the most fundamental element of music because it exists even without pitch — a drum circle has rhythm, a heartbeat has rhythm, footsteps on pavement have rhythm.

Your body responds to rhythm before your conscious mind does. Even infants just a few days old can detect a steady beat. Your heartbeat synchronizes with strong musical beats, your steps naturally align to a tempo, and your brain's motor cortex activates even when you are sitting perfectly still.