Play the music, not the instrument. ~Author Unknown
Creativity cannot be rushed. Yet for it to be productive, it must.
What music helps you “put blinders on” so that you only see your canvas / screen / notepad / sketchpad?
“Creative Mood Music” that helps stir creativity:
- Film scores like Carl Orff: Carmina Burana
- Soundtracks from your favorite movies
- Slow Jazz, Instrumental, Environmental
- New Age
- Techno/electronica / dance / house (whatever this genre calls itself these days)
Perhaps there is a little coffee bar or jazz place on the water you can check out during lunch to breathe in the music. Your mood music should change depending on the creative endeavor, because music effects emotionally. I like to listen to smooth, sultry yet upbeat music from artists like Regina Spektor, Mandy Bergen, John Mayer, etc.
An artist trying to depict a dark message should probably listen to a different channel/track than a public relations professional trying to catch their bearings before coming up with new story angles.
Music that helps you focus and wrap out creativity before deadline time:
- Golden Oldies
- 90s alternative
- Classic Rock
(Psst: Sensing a pattern? Sometimes when you know the words so well you subconsciously sing along, or completely ignore the song altogether. Either way, it’s not getting in the way at your task at hand.)
I am one of those freaks that prefer silence during deadline time.
Not by choice, exactly.
My embarrassing lack of song lyrics knowledge makes for an interesting karaoke night, but not a fun working environment. My brain starts to get distracted and sing along, but since it never knows the proper words, it turns into a multitasking disaster.
