Why do some songs get stuck in your head while others vanish overnight?

In this episode of Starilum, Dora Jean Gillespie explores the science behind the elusive “hit factor”. From the brain’s reward system and the psychology of earworms, to the data that labels and A&R teams use to measure a track’s stickiness, we uncover what really makes a song memorable.

We’ll also look at how visuals album artwork, colour palettes and iconic imagery anchor music in culture and turn tracks into timeless moments.

Whether you’re an artist, manager, or label, this episode gives you practical insight into how science, strategy, and design combine to create songs that last.