Welcome Wednesday: What music gets you to focus?

[Dave Liao]

When you want to get something done - whether it's a paid job or not - what music do you listen to? What songs or genres get you "in the zone"?

Curious what tunes motivate you! Or maybe you like to create in silence.

🎶 Sound off in the comments!

[Amanda Barber]

Great topic, @Dave Liao - I often enjoy classical versions of popular music like the Bridgerton soundtrack. When possible, I also enjoy podcasts - only works if I won't accidentally type the words I'm listening to!

[Magdalena Skoropada]

When someone asks me about music, I'm usually not indifferent because music is my best friend.

To answer the question, I don't have a single favorite genre. I go through them like a woman in her wardrobe.

One of my latest discoveries is film music pomme la nuit  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnbOcItqZPo&list=RDVnbOcItqZPo&start_radio=1

[Andy Gladstone]

Musical scores (not soundtracks) from films and plays. I can't listen to music with lyrics or podcasts (like @Amanda Barber) when I need to get in the work zone.

For indoor rides on Zwift it can be anything from the above OR 90's grunge music. Anything where I can belt out the lyrics when in the pain cave helps the time pass quicker.

[Matt Doar (Adaptavist)]

That's an excellent question, Dave. I agree with others, sometimes lyrics in a language I understand can be distracting. Otherwise it's a huge range of styles and periods. I have particularl affection for plain song chant, sixties rock and the music my children danced around to when they were young.

[Barbara Szczesniak]

When baking Christmas goodies, I have my smart speaker play Christmas music, of course.

For working, I seem to need the music to occupy a part of my brain so that the rest of it can concentrate on writing. I don't know why this works for me, but I put my iPod on shuffle and play songs I've heard so many times that I can sing along without consciously thinking about the words.

[Maya Sutton]

My Spotify wrapped listening age was 81 this year because my go-to "in the zone" music is jazz, specifically John Coltrane. If being 81 means having amazing taste, I'll take it! Great question @Dave Liao :) 

[Dave Liao]

I forgot to answer! When I want to create the perfect setting to create,  I usually listen to:

1. Electronic music 
2. Songs with non-English lyrics so I don't get too distracted by them

[Aimee Roddick _Walter_]

I'm a work in silence person. Anyone else?

[Ethan Collins]

For me, it really depends on my energy level. When I’m moderately tired but still need to focus, what gets me “in the zone” is calm instrumental music, especially soft piano pieces and classical music. The slower tempo and lack of lyrics help my mind stay clear and concentrated.

If I’m completely exhausted, though, even music can be distracting, and silence works better.