Why Music Syncs Us + Breaking Tracks Into Stems

Nathan Fields
January 02, 2026

The Rareform Rundown #94

Hello Friends,

Happy New Year! It’s the first rundown of 2026 and I’m hyped to have you along for the ride. In this one, I’m diving into new research on how music syncs the brain and body in unexpected ways, plus a quick creative note on why breaking music apart with stems can unlock way more flexibility in sync, especially when a track needs to live in multiple worlds.

Let’s get to it!

New projects + music we are looking for

PROJECTS

Excited to announce that our track Colliding Worlds by Rory Cairnduff was featured in another spot for Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis!

Hyped to share that our tracks were featured in the campaign for Big Noon Kickoff! The placements included our remix of Moonlight Sonata, which I worked on with Darby Phillips, along with Zero Allegro, a collaboration with Haukur Karlsson.

Music does a lot more than we realize. Beyond tapping your foot or nodding along, new research shows that rhythm can influence things we do without even thinking about it, like blinking. A recent study digs into how sound and movement are connected at a neurological level, and what that means for how we experience music every day.

Quick read here:

Research Shows Music Synchronizes the Brain and Body in Subtle Ways

New research reveals how music synchronizes brain activity and involuntary physical responses like blinking. The study highlights the deep connection between rhythm, attention, and the nervous system, offering insight into why music is so effective across media and therapy. #MusicIndustry #MusicResearch

www.rareformaudio.com/blog/music-synchronizes-brain-body-research

When you listen to a finished track, you hear a polished whole, vocals, drums, bass, melodies, all living together in one mix. What often goes unnoticed is what sits underneath that final version, and why it matters so much for sync.

In this post, we’re breaking down stems, what they are, and why having access to them can open up far more creative and practical options when placing music. Read on for more insights.

Why Breaking Music Apart With Stems Unlocks Creative Flexibility in Sync

Discover why breaking music into stems unlocks powerful creative freedom for sync, remixing, and live performance. Learn how stems let you tailor tracks to fit film, ads, and more with precision and impact. A must-read for music supervisors, editors, and creators. #MusicProduction #SyncLicensing

www.nathanfieldsmusic.com/blog/why-breaking-music-apart-with-stems

I appreciate you being along for the ride and I can’t wait for you all to see what we have in store for 2026.

-Nathan

Products

Checkout Echelon — our first cinematic sound pack built for film composers and music producers looking to level up their sound and land more placements.