**Playing music in public without your headphones is ride** Though we’re primarily discussing music, the argument is largely interchangeable with many sort of audio media including TikToks; the football and obnoxious phone conversations. This is best read as advocacy for people generally being quiet and leaving the rest of us in peace. A particular frustration is the daily commute. Though the majority the country unfortunately (or fortunately) lacks an underground rail system, trams and buses play an important role in the daily commute. For those of us without access to the underground; it’s hard to guess whether the benefit of convenience would outweigh being trapped underground with someone busting out tunes on their terrible, tinny phone speakers. It could be beautiful; serene, profound. It could be an actual, literal heavenly host of angels. It will still sound absolutely; excruciatingly, torturously bad through your phone speakers. It would be pleasant to have the option to stare listlessly out of the window for a good 25-60 minutes before having to spend a full day thinking about things. Down time is sacred. More than anything, it’s an imposition reliant on bystanders being too polite (or intimidated by the incredibly loud, obnoxious music) to address it. A risky game to play: there are others less tolerant of any interference with their comfort out there, and that is not a bear you want to prod.

I'm not overkeen on WITH the headphone either if I'm honest. When I am walking people are often wrapped up in their own portable little world,they sing along, completely unaware that we are not party to the music they hear and often they are hopelessly out of tune. Others are having animated conversations, possibly with themselves who would know. Years ago before mobile phones I would have been very wary of this sort of behaviour wondering if they had a problem of some sort, but now this intrusion into a peaceful walk is accepted behaviour. Why are people unable to exist without being wired up to this life support? Incapable of walking without speaking on the phone. Why not listen to the birds, exchange good morning greetings with others or just enjoy the calm. Human interaction should be encouraged. Of course busy city life may be noisy and they are attempting to drown out the noise but therein lies the danger of being unaware of what is happening around you. I've seen cyclists and motorists absorbed in this way rather than paying attention to their road safety.

**TL;DR – It isn't necessarily rude, but it will often make you seem self-absorbed or awkward; unless you really own it. It makes sense if you're quickly showing someone something and they are genuinely interested in it.** Playing music in public without headphones is unnecessary most of the time. If you don't have headphones, you've lost your privilege to listen to music. There is no easier way to make a joke out of yourself than listening to music awkwardly, alone, and aloud. It's acceptable if you're truly owning it. I live in Philadelphia where a lot of people ride around on bikes, do tricks, and blast music while they're doing it. It's bloody awesome. The only other time I'd let it slide is if something is showing something to someone they're with really quickly. They shouldn't even be allowed to play a whole song. 30 seconds max. here, people.

**TL;DR It depends on your environment** We've all been in a situation when someone is blaring their music loudly through their headphones, or playing loud audios on their mobile phone whilst on public transport - it's awkward to say the least, and inconsiderate to those around them. I think it's awkward in general to play music on public transport, even if it is quietly through headphones. I always have the fear that people can hear my music! However, I don't really think playing music in public is an issue if you are in a large enough space. For example, public parks or beaches are fine. Sometimes if I'm just sat alone it is nice to hear other people's music in the background. I personally love the feeling of walking through a busy street, or through a train station and hearing people performing, it always puts a smile on my face!

The least people can do is put on something good and in good quality.