Over the years, I’ve had a long and somewhat tumultuous relationship with what music I use to study. Sometimes it’s too distracting, sometimes it doesn’t fit the vibe, sometimes it definitely needs lyrics, others, it definitely doesn’t. Here is a comprehensive, somewhat chaotic, journey into what music I use to study.
INSTRUMENTALS
Let’s start with the basics: instrumentals. Two artists I’ve relied heavily on for instrumentals that aren’t just lo-fi or classical music are STRFKR and Louie Zong. STRFKR has an indie-pop feel whereas Louie Zong leans more toward jazz. These two artists are great for if I need to complete a reading, do some writing, or do anything that requires a bit more thinking.
DANCE MUSIC
Now let’s get a little bit more obscure: dance music. Do you have a task to complete that doesn’t require a whole lot of thinking? Dance music is great for this (in my experience). Think Pitbull, LMFAO, Daft Punk, Black Eyed Peas, or anything else that is fast-paced, good-spirited, and makes you feel like you can conquer the world (or an excel spreadsheet).
VIDEO GAME MUSIC
Okay, now it’s time to address perhaps the most peculiar of the music I’ve used to study: “Mario Kart” music. Now, this certainly wasn’t my idea, I saw it on Tik Tok, but it worked. I’m unsure of whether it was just a placebo effect, or whether it was actually the real deal. However, I did get around forty minutes into the 10 hour loop of “Coconut Mall” on YouTube, and around half an essay written. The fast paced nature of the track and my familiarity with it due to many hours spent playing “Mario Kart” as a child make it perfect for grinding out something I’ve been procrastinating for a while.
I have a study playlist that centers around the more conventional study music if you’re interested in checking that out.
Until next time,
Caitlin
