How are you feeling? What to listen to, read and watch if you're empathetic

With everything going on right now, from the constant news updates around COVID-19 to social distancing, it's easy to feel inundated. We're all cycling through a lot of emotions, many at the same time, and it can be overwhelming. 

That's why CBC Music created a series of curated care packages full of music, videos and stories to help, based on how you're feeling. We also asked CBC Music hosts and producers to pick a song to fit each mood. 

If you find yourself thinking more and more about others and how they are doing during all of this, you're in a good place to hear songs and stories about other people who feel the same. We hope this helps. 

To listen

Song: "Stronger Than That," Bahamas

"I chose 'Stronger Than That' because many folks are going through a hard time and it can bring out some negativity. 'How in the hell does one heart swell/ to the size of a beast with a bark like a big kick drum,' Bahamas sings. Just having someone who understands and is willing to be there for you can bring you back from the brink. 'I'd be standin' there to pay the taxi's fare/ and lend an ear, dry the tears of a friend who's down.' Love wins. — Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe

• If you're in your feelings more than ever right now, then you could use Motown in Love, with songs that cover all of the feelings, but especially love and heartbreak. But here, even the sad songs will leave you smiling.

• Canadian Love Songs gathers the best love songs from Canadian artists throughout the years, including Anne Murray, Bryan Adams, Céline Dion and more.

To read

Noah Reid's favourite love songs

When Patrick serenaded David on Schitt's Creek's open mic night in season 4, audiences around the world swooned.  Actor Noah Reid's acoustic cover of Bonnie Tyler's "(Simply) the Best" (which the actor-musician arranged himself) shot to No. 1 on iTunes Canada's charts. Here Reid shares his favourite love songs

The musical meet-cute: 15 adorable stories of bandmates falling for each other

Pop culture tells us that a meet-cute is the story of when two soon-to-be soulmates meet for the first time, but what about all the other loves of your life? In this time of isolation, why not learn about some musical meet-cutes, from Sharon Hampson and the late Lois Lilienstein (Sharon, Lois & Bram) to Snotty Nose Rez Kids.

Lizzo's first time listening to K-pop stars BTS turned out to be a very sexual experience

During CBC Music's game of Jam or Not a Jam with Lizzo, we played her "Boy With Luv" by Korean pop stars BTS. It turned out to be a very "sexual," and hilarious, encounter. 

How the congregational power of music keeps us connected

Music can create a feeling of transcendence in both listeners and musicians. That feeling seems amplified during times of crisis. CBC's Ideas explored the power of music in its episode "The Nerve, Pt 4: How the 'congregational power' of music keeps us connected."

Signature Series: G major, the trusty sidekick

Lastly, if you're feeling empathetic, you might be a G major.

To watch

• Feels like a good time for some of the best cathartic screams, yells and belts in music. 

• Watch Patrick Watson perform songs from his latest album, The Wave, for fans at CBC Music.

• Montreal-based pianist Alexandra Stréliski has been capturing a lot of attention thanks in part to filmmaker Jean-Marc Vallée's frequent use of her music in his movies and TV shows. Her newest album is about a journey into the self. Watch her perform it below. 

• If you can see a bit of your teenage self in Sarah McLachlan's "Building a Mystery," then this cover is for you.

We hope that helps. We also have care packages for if you're feeling sad, anxious, peaceful, hopeful, bored, inspired or angry.