What is ASMR? It stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response — a feeling of well-being caused by a specific stimulus, like a sound.

There are certain sounds you’ll hear around Nashville that will either have you wondering “what was that?” or offer you a sense of place. Whether it’s the whizzing of cars on Demonbreun Street or dogs barking at one of the 615’s 100+ parks, these ambient noises give our city life.

While much of the downtown area is dominated by honks and the hum of city traffic, there are a few sounds that are uniquely Nashville. Let’s take a look at some of those, and how they make us feel at home.

🔔 Ring a ling

You don’t need Alexa to hear that sweet Tennessee song. The bells at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, located in a carillon (or tower), hum the tune every hour + ring on the quarter hour until 11 p.m. each night.

🎶 Play me a tune

Subtle flex, but it is Music City, baby. We ranked No. 1 for the number of both full-time musicians and intimate concert spaces per capita via Clever’s 2022 findings. From Broadway honky tonks to independent music venues, you have your pick of live shows each night of the week. That’s not to mention the chance to cut your own single at the Mother Church or stand in the Opry circle.

🏗️ Crane you hear it

The sounds of construction might seem like a nuisance, but they are the sounds of a growing city. One project we’re keeping close eyes on is Nashville Yards — a venture bringing together a staggering 400,000+ sqft of retail and entertainment.

⚽ We’ve got a really big team

Er, should we say teams. And we have a lot to brag about. GEODIS Park opened this year as the largest soccer-specific stadium in the US (cue the crowd goes wild); the Titans could hit some new turf if plans for a new ~$2.2 billion stadium go through; and the Nashville Sounds were holding the No. 2 spot for total attendance in Minor League Baseball back in April.