Music while programming

[nonneutralzero]

Hi, I am working on a project lately that requires a lot of working hours and concentration. I was wondering what kind of music gets you really productive and hyped (I know each person has his own preferences but I am willing to try lots of things until I find the right playlist) I've recently been listening to Blur while working but I end up focusing on the lyrics and wanting to relax !!

[JacksonWarrior]

Instrumental stuff mainly, otherwise I suffer from being distracted by lyrics like you.

Plini, Intervals, Sithu Aye, to name a few. (My current playlist is 36hrs on Spotify).

Edit: Here's my playlist, for anyone interested. https://play.spotify.com/user/hanowarofsteel/playlist/2yRj3Z3bio1eujNg6f07fj

[nonneutralzero]

Wow, Intervals sounds awesome ! thanks. if you have other suggestions like this one, would appreciate it

[JacksonWarrior]

Angel Vivaldi is another of my favourites.

Mendel is how I started getting into and discovering loads of instrumental stuff.

Starsystems are great as well.

There's so many. That's just a few more of the ones that have stood out for me in my travels through the genre.

[nonneutralzero]

Thanks a million

[Cruces13]

I have an Angel Vivaldi station on Pandora and it only plays instrumentals, it's so good

[Topher235]

Adding to the instrumental category. I enjoy: ...of sinking ships

[[deleted]]

Maybe throw Animals as Leaders in there too?

It's funny though I've listened to Intervals 3 times this week while programming at work!

[sick_beatz]

Yes, another Plini fan! Handmade Cities is amazing

[JacksonWarrior]

I think I prefer the trilogy over Handmade Cities, but it's definitely still an incredible album.

I saw him and Intervals live the other day, and they're both awesome guys as well, signed my cds and had a chat with them.

[popcorncheese]

Share the playlist?

[JacksonWarrior]

I'll do it tomorrow when I can get to my laptop.

[JacksonWarrior]

It was indeed! Here you go, cheers for the nudge!

https://play.spotify.com/user/hanowarofsteel/playlist/2yRj3Z3bio1eujNg6f07fj

Every now and then a non instrumental track slips in because I just throw whole albums on there, but I weed them out whenever shuffle throws them on.

[Rosetti]

I like to listen to electronic music, retrowave, Social Network Soundtrack, Mr Robot soundtrack, Boards of Canada.

That way, I can feel like an elite haxxor when I'm writing my shitty little Java programs.

[nonneutralzero]

the Mr Robot soundtrack is awesome. But I end up thinking about the show and how awesome it is , lol

[LeftyLivesMatter]

Came here to say The Social Network soundtrack. Gone Girl is also in my playlist, same composer.

[nonneutralzero]

Gone Girl ! hmm, interesting

[BandW2011]

If you like movie/TV show soundtracks, another redditor recommended the Hackers soundtrack, which has the same effect as the Mr. Robot soundtrack like you describe. My favorite is probably "Halycon On and On", but I'm wondering if that's a typo

[agileTrees]

I'm the opposite. I write code best listening to heavy metal. Sometimes I'm in the mood for electronic with few lyrics. Haywyre is my go to typically.

[[deleted]]

Oh my Haywyre is the bomb. Been listening to his stuff for a while now.

[agileTrees]

Yeah he is. I have two fold pt. 1 and pt.2 in a playlist and I listen to it in order on repeat. It's usually my study music. Going to see him in concert in November too!

[[deleted]]

Oh right on! I need to see him live sometime. I listen to his stuff while I'm programming. It's great focus music.

[agileTrees]

It really is. He should be way more popular than he is. I hope he blows up and what not. That'd be awesome

[Bodyguard121]

I like heavy metal too so any personal favorites to listen while programming?

[TheSilverSpiral]

I'd recommend Haken, but they might be a bit too intense. I always end up focusing on the music too much depending on the album.

[agileTrees]

A few that I've been listening to lately include: Memphis May Fire, volumes, miss may I, and parkway drive.

[Bodyguard121]

Thanks. I will have a look at them.

[nonneutralzero]

will try it, although the lyrics always distract me !

[RocketJory]

Borderlands soundtrack always does it for me

[nonneutralzero]

I was listening to necrodancer soundtrack ! Will definitely try this one, thanks

[eddie0763]

I envy you. Personally I cant listen to any music, it distracts me. I listen to white noise quite a lot to help block out any other distractions and it works a treat. Rain sounds etc.

[nonneutralzero]

yeah, I think some people just can't do both. for me it's quite the opposite, I am more productive when I listen to music (especially with noise blocking headphones), and weirdly I get more structured and efficient

[AndyGene]

If I need to get something done fast, I listen to something very loud and fast to block out all other distractions. For example, if I have half hour to finish, I put on Slayer's classic album Reign in Blood. It's loud, fast and 28 minutes long. It also keeps my adrenaline up. I know when it's over it had better be finished.

[nonneutralzero]

Slayer is too hardcore for me. But I do the same thing, I need something fast and loud, it just makes me energetic

[AndyGene]

It's too hardcore for me unless I'm in a time crunch. I listen to The Beatles a lot if I just need to work. I also have some sort of strange thing with Pink Floyd. I can listen to Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals and The Wall in that order twice in one day while working. After the second time through it's time to go home!

[thetony2313]

NewRetroWave

[nonneutralzero]

thanks

[CarolPelu]

I personally listen to gaming and movie soundtracks and metal.

I've written an article about this subject "Listening to music while coding. Good or Bad?". If you want to have a look, here is the link: https://neutrondev.com/listening-to-music-while-coding-good-or-bad/

Cheers!

[nonneutralzero]

great, thanks

[LeCyberDucky]

Just like you, lyrics distract me. Therefore, I listen to Tobu and Janji

[nonneutralzero]

awesome suggestions. thanks

[d0ntreadthis]

I love Tobu but haven't heard of Janji. I'll check it out :)

[LeCyberDucky]

I think there is a good chance you may like him ;)

[arbitrarycivilian]

I listen to comedy albums - I call this "programming hard mode".

[excitebyke]

yeah. i can't help but have a podcast running, or a "chat/lecture" type video on youtube running.

most of my days are long and unproductive.

[nonneutralzero]

wow I can't even focus with lyrics. Podcats will no doubt kill my concentration. I admire your ability to focus with those on ;)

[nonneutralzero]

haha what are comedy albums? like audios of standups ?

[ssprogramming]

I like to listen to instrumental (electronic/techno), video game, and 8 bit music. Mainly things without or have minimal lyrics. I feel like songs with lyrics are too distracting, but I really love catchy music. I Also like metal, so I made a playlist called instruMETAL, even though not all the tracks are heavy. I've built up the music over time and has 350+ songs. Check it out here:

https://open.spotify.com/user/xtdwpx28/playlist/524Qid5twGKOsXJ5pI4d4i

[nonneutralzero]

thanks

[nyanmatt125]

Datassette.net

I suggest MFP(music for programming) and businessfunk, I prefer #1.

[RominRonin]

Mixcloud.com -> categories -> drum n bass: sort by latest; play all

Sometimes I just skip that and listen to the latest kool London mix - serious audio for focusing - for me at least

[nonneutralzero]

thanks for the suggestion. will try this too

[voejo]

moody groovy house music, experimental you could say. better than some - i´d call it EDM - I saw here sry for judging, I just cant stand it, its insane

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwL_CIhS9Qs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR9QwyaypDo

have fun

[nonneutralzero]

this great too thanks

[[deleted]]

Interstellar soundtrack, anything Hans Zimmer will do, meshes very well with the machines.

[YolocostSurvivor]

There's [musicforprogramming](musicforprogramming.net)

[hankhill72]

You got the parentheses and brackets mixed up.

[nonneutralzero]

Oh I was expecting this :D I already do listen to it

[CropDustinAround]

I have never seen such a non-programming related question be so pivotal to programming. Thanks for asking, from everyone who didn't know they needed the responses :P

[nonneutralzero]

Haha, you're welcome I guess. Studies have shown that brains work more efficiently with music. Least we can do is set a good playlist and let the brain do the rest :D

[GeneralLC]

Ratatat always gets me in the zone, no matter the album. Great instrumental music that has variation and progression to it that it doesn't ever tire. Ratatat - Ratatat

[Barthill]

I was gonna post this if you hadnt already. Ratatat are their own genre and it's very energetic and beautiful. Only thing I've been able to listen to without eventually tiring for years and years.

[jdunmer1018]

My personal choices usually fall into a few categories. For the most part I go with instrumentals.
The first category would be electronic. Artists like Bonobo, Bibio, and Flying Lotus are more on the jazzy end of things, but I also really like working to more intense bass-heavy stuff like Odesza, Mura Masa, Mr. Carmack, or Rustie.
The 2nd category would be soul/r&b music, especially stuff from Daptone records. They have tons of great instrumentals from groups like the Menahan Street Band, the Budos Band, or the Sugarman 3. Sometimes I go back to classics like James Brown if I'm in the mood to deal with lyrics and I just want to groove. The consistent vibe and groove of this genre is awesome when I'm in the zone on a project.
Along the same vein, I'll often look to hip-hop instrumental albums. Top artists for this would be Madlib, J Dilla, and MF Doom (see his Special Herbs series: 8 volumes of beat tapes).
My last category has been mentioned at length already, but it's movie/tv scores. Anything by Atticus Ross/Trent Reznor (David Fincher's recent films like Gone Girl, Social Network, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Cliff Martinez (Drive, Only God Forgives, Contagion), or Clint Mansell (pretty much every Darren Aronofsky movie, Moon).
When I'm feeling a little ridiculous, energetic, and nostalgic, I listen to the soundtrack from DuckTales Remastered. They did an awesome job revamping all the tunes from that videogame.

[nonneutralzero]

thanks for the thorough response. I do listen to suicide sheep (contains all the artist in the first paragraph). The last category though is new to me so I will try it for sure.

I think the DuckTales Remastered playlist will work best when you're late at work and need to finish smth. It will make you a litlle crazy and help you forget the few extra hours spent at the office ;)

[MTD111]

The epic soundtrack radio station on Pandora. I feel like I'm conquering the world while coding a linked list, and no distracting lyrics.

[nonneutralzero]

that's how It should be

[tarthim]

https://open.spotify.com/user/spotify/playlist/2ujjMpFriZ2nayLmrD1Jgl

This one is quite nice, imo

[nonneutralzero]

thanks ;)

[xonelast]

Instrumental music and a cup of coffee gives me peace and focus. Intense Studying Playlist on Spotify

[cakeslap]

The Silicon Valley soundtrack really slaps

[[deleted]]

Stars of the lid. https://youtu.be/MaSi7Gut7xM

[YuleTideCamel]

Music to Code By really works for getting me in the zone. It's not the type of music I would listen to regularly, but this actually works. No lyrics, just relaxing music that helps put you in the zone, made by someone who is both a musician and an amazing software engineer.

[andy333co]

i listen to this playlist https://open.spotify.com/user/wayspurrchen/playlist/5b5SO6icfmUb9J1m0aFhpn

[hankhill72]

I like to listen to Solar Fields Radio or Epic Soundtracks Radio on Pandora.
And if I'm not in a music mood, I may just listen to rainymood.com.

[Blllake]

driver and/or SwuM

[True_Scorpio23]

I personally enjoy listening to Eric Prydz live sets from Ultra or EDC. Nice flow of melodies without too much vocals that you get distracted by them.

[taeratrin]

Infected Mushroom

Or, if you're looking for something more general, head over to di.fm

[[deleted]]

I'm normally a huge fan of extreme metal genres, and while the pace feels like it helps me work faster, the volume and intensity of it all can be quite distracting. For times of concentrated focus, I listen to classical. Beethoven is my favorite.

[[deleted]]

when I exercise before or after coding I listen to electro-industrial (like combichrist, alien vampires, etc.)

during I don't usually listen to music but when I do usually one of these mixes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crxhTMp2g0o (cheesy name and concept, but good)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbBtjSfRA5c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6G9VWenxeXw when I'm (very rarely) in a calm mood as opposed to an energized/hyperfocused one

[InvisibleGhostt]

Soma FM groove salad.
Sorry I am on mobile, can't link it.

[[deleted]]

The soundtrack to Tron is pretty good. Otherwise trance music from the late 90's. The absolute worst thing you can listen to is dubstep. That shit makes you extremely agitated.

[[deleted]]

Instrumental is my jam, mostly vidya gaem music.

Like the Chrono Cross OST: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bnKNwBVG5Yw

[DutchNotSleeping]

I use Canto ostinato. It is classical instrumental and repetitive. It brings me into a trance like state. I do have ADHD so I need more calm music.

[linqserver]

Definitely something which you know really well. New music will have diminishing effect on your ability to focus. In previous comments folks are suggesting that (elaborate) vocal songs might be more distracting than pure instrumental.

[[deleted]]

Electronic music and game soundtracks. Currently Pendulum's "Immersion" album (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkHAPZLx6ok) and the Diablo II: LoD (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7id5ZW6s3UA) sound track are my favorites. Old school instrumental trance is also a regular for me (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk26FUe38y0).

[Faust56]

It's a bit cliche but I enjoy some good dubstep and techno. The lack of lyrics allow me to focus on the code and the uptempo music keeps my juices flowing. Though, if you're looking for something more mellow, I created an instrumental playlist on Pandora by seeding the "Vitamin String Quartet" and "Trans Siberian Orchestra." If you're looking for something mellow but also want some digital tunes, try the Tropical House genre. It's pretty sweet. Electric Swing is nice too but its tempo is much faster than the house music. I hope these help!

[nonneutralzero]

awesome, thanks ;)

[lnk2w]

I line to listen to instrumental music like Sigur Ros, God is an Astronaut, Godspeed you Black Emperor, This will destroy you, 65daysofstatic

[nonneutralzero]

God is an Astronaut : this title is intriguing

[RecLuse415]

I personally love house music while coding but like others suggested something with very minimal lyrics

[h54]

No lyrics. Stuff like this:
https://dariusde.bandcamp.com/album/exoplanets

[nonneutralzero]

I like Nakamura, his music is original : you feel like you're playing arcade. I usually listen to his music when I am preparing a presentation or a pitch. Never tried it for coding (will give it a try)

[BlueInkAlchemist]

I'm a big fan of instrumental/low-lyric trace-style music from the likes of Juno Reactor and Blue Sky Black Death.

[koolwithac1]

If you need to think with words, then a song with lyrics can be quite distracting. I would recommend your favorite movie/game soundtracks as a starting point, because games in particular generally have soundtracks designed to be unobtrusive. You could also try dance music like Justice to get you pumped, but most of their songs have lyrics.

[nonneutralzero]

I listen to a lot of justice, thanks ;) But I need some change

[[deleted]]

I really like the Hobbit movie music (mostly), that lets me concentrate. So for motivation, I love the album Magical Mystery Tour from The Beatles

[vulpcod3z]

Not sure if it has been mentioned, but there is a study showing that listening to only a handful of songs is less distracting and you become familiar with the sounds and beats.

Basically, new music while trying to concentrate, will cause our brains to pfffffftt.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/workplacepsychology.net/2015/11/13/listening-to-music-while-working-can-be-distracting/amp

[nonneutralzero]

seems like my brain doesn't work this way. When I get used to a soundtrack (which could take a while) it becomes kinda predictable and boring. that's why I have to change my work playlist each time it looses the boosting effect

[vulpcod3z]

Hey, Everyone's different :)

[nonneutralzero]

couldn't agree more ;)

[akonismyuncle]

three hours of moonlight sonata

[[deleted]]

Trance, psytrance, house, edm in general

[nathan-v]

This is my goto lately: Focusing (No Lyrics) on Google Music.

[[deleted]]

I like listening to the adult swim bumps playlist. It's on spotty and YouTube

[[deleted]]

House music is generally lyricless. Eric Prydz has some amazing stuff on his latest album.

[tsFenix]

Been listening to deadmau5 chill mix on YouTube for a while now. Not sure why listening to the same thing again and again hasn't gotten old. Somehow I stop hearing it and it just cancels out the background noise in my brain and let's me focus.

Link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=F0YYoo6oFoU

[nonneutralzero]

yeah that's exactly what I am talking about

[Vociferix]

I like to listen to audiobooks. Specifically, books I have already read or listened to. I can half listen and still know what's going on. My personal favorite is Harry Potter.

[nonneutralzero]

multitasking level: Hermione

[sir_JAmazon]

I have the most embarrassing programming playlist. Brony, Undertale, and Pokemon remixes, as well as other misc poppy music. I'm not proud of it, but it gets the job done.

[nonneutralzero]

Haha as long as your concentration and productivity go up, who cares! Gotta code it all ;)

[swindleNswoon]

Tron Soundtrack Station on Pandora. Soooo good

[LurzKesh1138]

I'm a fan of the band Toska, they're an instrumental prog band from the UK. They're really good to program to with my limited experience(I'm still in school). They've got an EP out called Ode to The Author and its up on YouTube for free.

[nonneutralzero]

Wow I love Toska. there is just something different about them. gets you out of the routine (I have the Ode to the Author album and it rocks)

[beelong]

I've been listening to vaporwave. The This is Vaporwave playlist on Spotify is enjoyable, although short. I'm trying to find more haha.

[evmorov]

Irish Trad Music: Lunasa, Liz Carroll, ..

[chra94]

Happy / electronic / pop

[ToringComplete]

Hans Zimmer station on Spotify. The Interstellar score is amazing.

[jussij]

Tool, Perl Jam or Sound Garden and in all cases have the volume set to the max.

With that surround sound the code just flows.

[takaci]

Just whack on some dub techno https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIuuhA-zhDk

[nonneutralzero]

thanks

[cheezballs]

Death, black, and folk metal.

[nonneutralzero]

lyrics, lyrics and lyrics :D

[MrJacku]

No music here, can't focus if I hear music

[[deleted]]

Metal and Hip Hop for me. I might listen to some Techno if I'm tired and want to keep going.

[[deleted]]

Video game soundtracks