If you read Music for the Coding Soul, you know I generally stick to instrumental music for focus-intensive tasks. But for designing, I like something with more emotional triggers. In fact I have playlists based entirely on the kind of mood I’m in (or want to be in). I’m one of those people who can loop a playlist (or even just a song) and keep listening to it over and over. That may sound odd to some of you, but we all gotta find our own groove! :) Here’s a few selections that help me do just that.
-
- Coldplay – Viva la Vida is a great album but they’re all incredible.
-
- Greg Laswell – Thre Flights from Alto Nido. My latest kick.
-
- Snow Patrol – A Hundred Million Suns. Their best album yet.
-
- Sheryl Crow – Detours. She’s such a badass I love her.
-
- Joe Purdy – Paris in the Morning.
-
- Counting Crows – Films About Ghosts. Enough said.
-
- Van Morrison – He’s the bomb. Gotta dig Van.
-
- Ryan Adams – His music just makes me happy. ;)
-
- Ray Lamontagne – Gossip in the Grain = Poetic melancholy.
These artists elsewhere:
- Coldplay | @coldplay | last.fm
- Greg Laswell |@greglaswell | last.fm
- Snow Patrol | last.fm
- Sheryl Crow | @sherylcrow | last.fm
- Joe Purdy | @joepurdyrecords | last.fm
- Counting Crows | @countingcrows | last.fm
- Van Morrison | last.fm
- Ryan Adams | last.fm
- Ray Lamontagne | @raylamontagne | last.fm
There are so many others I could list. It’s hard to pick favorites because I have so many. Do we have similar musical interests? See me on last.fm! Feel free to add your favorite artist or album below. You might also want to check out Danny Outlaw’s music of design.
I like, while designing or coding:
1. Phantom of the Opera soundtrack (2004)
2. Various albums of The Beatles
3. May Queen by Heather Dale
4. The Reminder and Let it Die by Feist
5. World of Warcraft soundtrack
6. Harry Potter movie soundtracks
7. Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack
8. Wingspan: Hits by Paul McCartney and Wings
9. Out of Nowhere by Two Siberians
10. Vishten by Vishten
I’ve noticed, as you undoubtedly have, that instrumental music is preferable for coding (which I do a lot of).
I am the only designer in my company and the inspiration for the music I look for everywhere. This will be useful for me and thank you for this.
Your list moved me deeply. Different with most of my friends, I like some old songs and the same with you, I can keep listening to them over and over. You gave me another excellent list. Thank you sincerely!
I’m a music myself and I find it cool to listen to my favorite music while I’m working. I find it more fulfilling to work and sing as well. A true gift of talent for music lovers like me. for me, it’s not weird but natural.