Music I use to concentrate
When I need to squeeze out some productivity1, these music channels are very effective at helping me concentrate on working.
Smooth Jazz Mike’s shows on Mixcloud
1–3 hours of smooth jazz, new age, chillout, bossa nova, ambient in each show. This is my favorite channel right now. Although uploads are quite infrequent there are a lot of shows in the archive. I like the variety of music styles in each show, and the music is very relaxing and soothing.
30-50 minutes of nonstop rhythm game music. They release 10–12 mixsets each year. Rhythm game music is known for its complex energetic beats and rhythm, covering a very wide range of genres. Great for when I want to listen to a variety of musical styles smoothly mixed together.
2 hours of nonstop uplifting trance music. Very steady beat (around 138~140 bpm throughout) with dramatic harmony (a mix or orchestral music and trance). Mixed by the CEO of a recording label that produces orchestral uplifting trance tracks. New episodes every week, mostly all instrumental. One episode per month will focus on vocal trance.
1-2 hours of ambient/chillout/lounge music. There are a few mixes every month.
1-2 hours of ambient music. “A series of mixes intended for listening while programming to focus the brain and inspire the mind (also compatible with other activities).” A few episodes each year, mixed by different people. Songs in these mixes seems to be less melodic and more of drone/atmospheric.
Footnotes
I am not a productivity junkie… When I use productivity methods like the pomodoro technique, it works really well, but also leaves me exhausted and depleted my willpower.
So, too much productivity is not good for my well-being, so I strive to be more efficient instead, so that I can chill more and operate from the “do only what you feel like doing” mode most of the time. While in that mode, I don’t need anything to help me concentrate at all; willpower is unnecessary.
But sometimes, things just have to be done. My room has to be cleaned up. Dishes need to be washed. The proposal has to be written. Even if I don’t feel like doing it. This is when some music really helps. ↩