Staring at a blank screen before beginning a new project — whether it’s a writing project, a design project, or a web project — can be daunting. Sometimes, a little aural support goes a long way. In fact, research has proven that background noise at the right level can boost creative thinking! But when it comes to productivity, what type of noise works best for you?
When it comes to music for creativity, we’ve listed some of our favorite go-to’s to help inspiration strike and keep the good vibes flowing.
Classical Music
Classical music is a classic for a reason. Its rhythmic patterns, harmonious melodies, and lack of lyrics can fill the silence without being too distracting. Numerous studies have pointed to its ability to enhance cognitive performance, reduce stress, and improve mood. Whether that’s true or simply a placebo effect, there’s a reason why classical music playlists top the charts when it comes to music for productivity.
Some go-to composers include classics like Bach and Mozart, and more contemporary female composers like Saariaho and Clyne — but see where the music takes you!
Nature Sounds
One of the best solutions to a creative block is to go outside. Go for a walk, get some fresh air, just step away from whatever it is that’s got you stuck. With nature as a distraction, your focus becomes a background thought, creating space for inspiration.
It’s no surprise then that transporting yourself aurally into a natural scene has the same effect. Whether it’s the sound of rustling leaves in the wind, ocean waves crashing upon the sand, or a thunderstorm on repeat, immersing ourselves in nature aurally can enhance cognitive function and concentration.
Film Scores
The next time you want to feel your inner creative superpower charge up as you take on the villainy of a blank screen, go for a film score. Intense, dramatic, powerful, film scores are meant to heighten your emotions while watching and they have the same effect during a creative streak.
Pretty much anything John Williams (Harry Potter, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, etc.) or Rachel Portman (Cider House Rules, Chocolat, Emma) tops the list here but there are numerous film scores to be discovered. The next time you watch a movie, take note of whether it might be a good fit for those creative work times ahead.
Video Game Music
Starting or continuing a creative project can often feel like an epic quest. You know what else is an epic quest? A video game! What makes video game music the perfect background music for creativity is that they’re intentionally designed to help you focus on conquering a game.
The shifts between songs are subtle so as to not distract you from the game, and tempos can range from classical sounds to upbeat animations.
Lo-Fi
Lo-fi — or low-fidelity music — is all about the mood. It’s a mix of house, jazz, easy listening, and hip-hop, and covers all the basics. It’s relaxing yet energetic, lower in frequency, and is predictable in its rhythm.
It’s also a relatively new genre of music, evolving from the mid-2010s, but continues to be a popular source of productivity music. In fact, the popular YouTube channel, Lo-fi girl, is host to one of the longest live streams to ever take place on YouTube, lasting more than 13,000 hours.
Your Favorite Music
Surprise! Your favorite type of music does more than boost your mood when you hear it — it can also boost your productivity! However, there is a caveat: if it’s a song with lyrics that catches your attention or has a fast beat, it can distract you from the task at hand. The next time you’re listening to your favorite artist(s), think about which songs would work as background music and add it to a curated playlist.
We made a playlist to get people feeling good when they kick off new projects with us, which includes a bunch of our favorite songs to listen to while working. What are your go-to playlists for creativity?
