Sound Over Pounds: Survey Finds Two Out Of Three People Cut Their Workout Short Or Ditch It Completely Without Headphones

SAN FRANCISCO, April 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- In a quest to better understand the power of music and headphones on people's daily lives, music lifestyle brand SOL REPUBLIC conducted a survey that showed that a whopping 62% of Americans say a day without music is worse than a day without human interaction and nearly 20% of respondents, who listen to music the most, would actually give up a meal a day instead of their music. The first-ever SOL REPUBLIC Music Snapshot also found that two out of three headphone owners would be less active without music to push them, while 40% would kill their workout completely if they didn't have their headphones.

The 2014 SOL REPUBLIC Music Snapshot was conducted by Critical Mix and polled 1,000 Americans in February 2014, revealing their listening preferences and the impact of music and showing that headphones have become nearly as indispensable as cell phones.

"SOL REPUBLIC was founded on a philosophy that music has the power to influence and enhance people's lives," said Seth Combs, SOL REPUBLIC co-founder and CMO. "The 2014 SOL REPUBLIC Music Snapshot shows how important music is to all of us and confirms that most of us listen to it every day. Our newest headphone, Relays, was created to be the one headphone that you can take with you everywhere because, without music to push you through the last mile of your run, the all night cram session or the daily grind, life just wouldn't be the same."

Millennials Are the Headphone Generation
The 2014 SOL REPUBLIC Music Snapshot also shows how music and headphones specifically impact the lives of millennials (adults, ages 18-34) and how integral they are to everyone's lifestyle. Specifically headphones are nearly as important to millennials as their cell phone, making them the first "headphone generation." More than half of millennials (53%) report they own three or more headphones and wear those headphones nearly four hours every day.

Perfect Fit For Function
Fifty-five percent of millennials reported using different styles of headphones for different activities, such as going to the gym, commuting to work and creating virtual "walls" at work.

The 2014 SOL REPUBLIC Music Snapshot shows that nearly everyone, regardless of age, wants music in their life during each day. Recognizing the need for a headphone that can keep up with all we do, SOL REPUBLIC's new Relays is the first cross-over headphone that has the style and sound you want at work and the fit and performance you want when you work out. Relays has great sound and an amazing fit that is comfortable, looks great and won't fall out no matter how hard you play. From the streets to the trails, the subway to the slopes, SOL REPUBLIC Relays keep you connected to your music without sacrificing amazing sound or style.

Music Is What Moves You
The 2014 SOL REPUBLIC Music Snapshot further revealed that headphones don't just connect us to music, but they are also used to tune-out distractions and other people, set the tone for the day, help or simply to help us unwind on a subway ride home.

• 45% of all respondents (millennials and non-millennials) wear their headphones to avoid interactions with other people;
  • 49% of women admitted to doing this, while only 40% of men only do it
  • 73% of millennials have worn their headphones to avoid interaction with other people
• 75% rely on music and their headphones in order to relax and unwind every day
  • 43% of millennials rely on music in order to help them "chill out"
• 48% of millennials wear headphones every day at work or at school

Classic 1980s Anthem Preferred To Katy Perry and Kanye West
In an interesting twist on what songs make us want to move, respondents of all ages said they would most want to listen to the classic Eye of Tiger by Survivor, distantly followed by:

• Roar by Katy Perry
• Chariots of Fire Theme
• Stronger by Kanye West
• Freebird by Lynyrd Skynyrd
• We are the Champions by Queen

The 2014 SOL REPUBLIC Music Snapshot reveals a variety of findings, but above all else it shows that headphones and music play a large role in nearly every aspect of Americans' lives. SOL REPUBLIC agrees and designed its new Relays to connect you with your music and keep up with your active life. Like the cross-trainer shoe, Relays keep up with you whether you're hanging out or working out, so you never have to go a day without music.

Relays are available now in Black, Black/White, Horizon Blue and Lemon Lime for $79.99 at SOLREPUBLIC.com/Relays and leading nationwide retailers including Best
Buy, RadioShack and Verizon Wireless as well as SOLREPUBLIC.com.

Methodology
The 2014 SOL REPUBLIC Music Snapshot was conducted online within the United States by Critical Mix and was sponsored by SOL REPUBLIC from February 6-11, 2014 among 1,001 adult (18+) headphone/earbud owners.

About SOL REPUBLIC
SOL REPUBLIC is a global consumer electronics company dedicated to enhancing people's lives through style, sound and technology. Comprised of music fanatics, SOL REPUBLIC develops its products from the ground up to look, sound and feel unlike anything else in the market. For more information, visit www.SOLREPUBLIC.com

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140402/NY96567-INFO

SOURCE SOL REPUBLIC