Music is the cornerstone to my creative outlet. I use the auditory gift to spark a nice flow state to any said project. I have been searching for new music lately and have really been into instrumental genres and sub genres. Here are some of my favorite playlists to invite inspiration:
Jazz Vibes
When I need some spark to my flow state, I like to ignite with some jazz vibes. I don't recall when jazz fell into my life. My earliest interest in the genre was out of curiosity when I was in a classical music phase. The classical radio station I would listen to had "evening jazz" that I'd run across during a late night drive home from work. Since then, the thumping pluck of the bass and out-of-step phrasing of the drums have lingered in my brain. This playlist is full of a paradoxical combination of drive and relaxation. Each track flows into the next allowing you to flow into a trance. I like to listen to it while writing because they're no words to distract my own wordplay. It's a perfect way to motivate your creativity and cut stress simultaneously.
Stream Music Jams
As a weathered video game player, I tend to lean towards "video game music" because I am used to concentrating with that type of music in the background. If you are or have been a fan of video games, then this playlist may be for you. It has tracks from popular games such as: The Binding of Isaac, Starcraft II, and Hotline Miami. The mix also has various synth wave artists, which blend a dark 80s new wave vibe and modern techno. I personal love the blend because it feels like my brain is driving the car from Knight Rider into different creative spaces of my mind. There are some tracks with vocals, but they are few and far between. The creator of the playlist is a successful Twitch streamer named DansGaming. He usually updates it or adds new tracks so you don't have to worry about it becoming repetitive. My personal experience with this playlist has been very positive. The result has been me treating various creative projects subconsciously as a video game. I enjoy work and study more with this auditory digital veil mascaraing through my ear canals.
““Without music, life would be a mistake” - Friedrich Nietzsche”
I had recently discovered this genre by looking up ambient music to study to on YouTube. There are channels that thrive on there that simply live stream these low key hip hop beats. The sound is very soft and easy with a beat that skips you along to your next task. I have always enjoyed instrumental tracks on hip hop albums, so this genre was right up my alley. I can't quite make out what kind of filter all of them use. It is a grainy sound that mimics a vinyl record. I can get lots of work done while listening to this playlist. The slow beats allow me to zone out into my creativity. The jazz vibe in each track tickle my synapses into a frenzy of thoughts and ideas. I found this playlist to be helpful for writing and anything mathematical. I only wish I would have discovered it earlier.
Organica
This worldly playlist has a driven folk sound that will submerge you in focus. It has a steady electronic beat with various cultural sounds. The listening experience here helps you stimulate your listener taste buds as well as your flow state. The mix of different cultural sounds derives from the regions of Africa, Latin America, and The Middle-East. As you focus on your activity, you may be inclined to think in a different direction that enhances the creativity of it. I enjoy listening to this playlist because I am a fan of electronic music and Latin American beat. The mix up with African and Middle-Eastern strengthen the flavor of music with similar types of rhythms and sampled instruments. If you enjoy electronica in general, I believe this playlist is right up your alley. It can be used for writing, mathematics, or even a good workout. It helps me stay focused and writing to the rhythm of the beat.
Intense Studying: Mixtape Edition
The cliche of studying while listening to classical music isn't just something imaginary, it's a real working practice. In my opinion there is no better music to study to. The works of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven are unrivaled in their structured musicality. The focus that is driven by a single concerto or sonata is like the composer is playing your thoughts and ideas into creative works. The sound of a solo piano singing into my earbuds fills my brain with an electronic emotion. I can almost see the MRI scan dancing along with the pattering tones of each note. Classical music has always been a love of mine. It helps me with studying, relaxing, and moments that require deep thought. I cannot think of a better playlist for a classical driven study session.
Find what works for you
Everyone is different. Some people may enjoy spoken word while writing an essay. I have met people that love opera or hip hop to complete written works or mathematical projects. The playlists above are ones that help me find focus and creativity. I have a great time discovering new genres of music and fitting them into my lifestyle. We should all be grateful for the power of music. It enhances our lives with an invisible auditory magic. As Friedrich Nietzsche said, "without music, life would be a mistake".