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The Best Music for Writing: 26 Playlists for Inspiration & Focus

  • February 21, 2024
  • 12 min read

Table of Contents:

Why music helps you write, 26 best music playlists to listen to while you write, writing music for every mood: english lyrics, 1. morning rhythms, 2. shoegaze classics, 3. have a great day, 4. chill + atmospheric, 5. melantronic, writing music in a foreign language, 6. french indie pop, 7. japanese city pop, 8. soweto beat/township jive, 9. bhangra bangers, 10.  spanish tapas bar, 11.  korean indie/chill/r&b, musical choices without lyrics:, 12.  japanese lofi hiphop, 13.  classical music for reading, 14. minimalism, 15. instrumental pop covers, 16. composer weekly: ryuichi sakamoto, 17.  relaxing spanish guitar, 18.  ludovico einaudi complete playlist, instrumental scores from games and movies, 19.  soundtracks for studying, 20.  minecraft soundtrack, 21.  studio ghibli summer night piano collection with nature sounds, electronic music, 22.  brain food, 23.  yoga electronica.

  • 24.   Mother Earth's Plantasia

25.  Women of Electronic

26.  coding concentration by spotify, finding your optimal sound, experiment with different genres, create playlists based on projects, ambient noise vs. music, potential downsides of music, it can be distracting for some:, lyrics can be distracting:, changing songs interrupts flow:, other auditory background.

Music can be a writer’s best friend or their worst enemy. The right tunes keep you focused and motivated as the words flow effortlessly onto the page. But choose the wrong playlist, and you might find yourself tapping your feet instead of typing away.

That’s why finding the optimal soundscape for your writing sessions is important. With the perfect mix of songs, you can transport yourself into a flow state, cranking out page after page on even the toughest assignments. The wrong sounds, however, can shatter your concentration or sap your creativity.

This guide will explore the best music for writing across genres and contexts. You’ll discover upbeat tracks to energize your efforts, ambient mixes to enhance your focus, and playlists tailored specifically for creative writing. Read on to find your perfect background audio, guaranteed to inspire great work.

Music can be a powerful ally in writing and enhancing creativity. The right tunes can help improve focus and block out distractions. They can put you in the optimal mindset for flow and imagination.

When seeking inspiration strikes, music has an incredible ability to spark creative thinking and new ideas. Many writers can attest that a familiar playlist can trigger your muse, unlock writer’s block, or help words and thoughts flow freely.

The noise-blocking and distraction-minimizing effects of music can also give a useful boost to concentration. Getting in the zone for writing becomes easier when music cuts down external sounds and chatter. The predictability of rhythms and melodies helpfully directs mental focus.

Music also has a profound impact on mood and mindset. Choosing playlists that evoke energy, positivity, or relaxation sets the stage for productive writing sessions. Upbeat tracks promote motivation, while calmer songs lower stress. Getting in the right headspace with a tailored soundtrack helps writing come easier.

Here is our expertly crafted selection of 26 writing music playlists and songs. These playlists are especially favored by the wordsmiths at Ghost Writing Founder , who understand the power of the perfect backdrop to writing sessions.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration to kickstart your writing journey , here are some collections of writing music playlists that you can listen to.

Begin your day with a gentle nudge into the writing flow. This playlist offers an eclectic mix, from funk to soul to jazz, designed to uplift your spirits without fading into the background.

Originally dubbed “dream pop” upon its emergence in the UK during the 1980s, shoegaze music features ethereal vocals, distorted guitars, and a distinctive aura of distortion. It’s a brooding yet oddly uplifting genre, perfect for those reflective writing sessions.

As the title suggests, this playlist brims with cheerful melodies guaranteed to brighten your mood. Featuring tracks from Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, Steely Dan, Blondie, and Stevie Wonder, it’s a surefire way to inject some energy into your writing routine.

This playlist is tailor-made if melancholy melodies and rainy-day ambiance resonate with your creative spirit. Immerse yourself in haunting tunes that evoke a sense of introspection and calm.

Described by Spotify as “beautiful electronic music for melancholy moments,” this playlist strikes a delicate balance between sadness and rhythm. Expect soul-stirring tracks from artists like Thom Yorke, Caribou, and Aphex Twin, perfect for those reflective writing sessions.

Professional book writing service providers sometimes like to write music while listening to some good foreign language music. The tunes offer intrigue, keeping one motivated without the distraction of lyrics.

Below are writing music playlists liked by the team from around the world:

This writing music playlist embodies dreamy, mellow French indie pop. It leans heavily on electronic music and vibrant beats, evoking a “low-key Paris” vibe rather than the frenzy of club-hopping.

During the late 1970s and 1980s, Japan embraced “City Pop,” influenced by Western music. With jazz, soft rock, and funk elements, it’s reminiscent of yacht rock—a perfect choice for those seeking peppy tunes.

Soweto, a vibrant township in South Africa, resonates with musical energy. This playlist highlights mbaqanga music, a rhythmic style with deep Zulu roots originating in the early 1960s. Its upbeat tempo ignites energetic bursts of writing.

For enthusiasts of upbeat music, Bhangra is the epitome of delight. Originating in the British Punjabi community, it blends traditional Indian folk melodies with hip-hop influences and infectious percussion.

This playlist promises a surge of vitality, featuring traditional flamenco and Spanish folk tunes with a quick tempo. It infuses the writing space with vitality, ideal for those seeking energy.

Hop on a 54-hour musical odyssey through Korean R&B, pop, ballads, and lo-fi melodies. This extensive mix offers a spectrum of emotions, from uplifting anthems to soulful ballads, perfect for any writing journey.

Explore these eclectic playlists and let the global melodies inspire your creativity.

For those who find lyrics distracting, there are many musical choices to maintain focus. Consider classical pieces, hip-hop beats, instrumental renditions of favorite songs, and contemporary composers to enhance productivity.

This playlist, a personal favorite for writing sessions, offers lyric-less, Asian-inspired hip-hop beats. It balances chill vibes and upbeat rhythms as the backdrop for about 50% of writing sessions.

A 2.5-hour compilation featuring selections from Mozart, Chopin, Debussy, and other classical masters. If it’s suitable for reading, it’s also conducive to writing.

Minimalist compositions, characterized by repetitive patterns or steady drones, are ideal for fostering concentration. This mix showcases works by iconic minimalist composers like Philip Glass, Michael Nyman, and John Adams.

Perfect for top-40 radio and pop classics fans who seek to maintain focus. From basic guitar covers to full orchestral renditions, it offers a variety of instrumental interpretations.

Explore the instrumental music of Japanese musician Ryuichi Sakamoto, renowned for his movie soundtracks and piano compositions. This playlist offers a 30-track introduction to his sparse, dark, and contemplative works.

Experience the expressive power of the Spanish guitar, characterized by its rich emotion, quick riffs, and rhythmic cadence. Let its zest infuse your typing sessions.

You can also listen to the solo releases of Italian pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi, renowned for his film and television scores. Explore his diverse works, including the seven-part “Seven Days Walking” series.

For those seeking instrumental scores from games and movies, the world of music offers a range of options to enhance focus and productivity.

From Downton Abbey’s grandeur to Braveheart’s adventure, this playlist encompasses a wide range of movie soundtracks, including Ratatouille and Sherlock. Despite the diverse cinematic themes, the music strikes a harmonious balance between epic and subdued, providing an ideal ambiance for concentration.

Renowned as the bestselling video game of all time, Minecraft captivates players with its enchanting music. The soundtrack exudes an understated yet uplifting vibe, subtly infusing happiness and motivation into your writing space.

Hop into the serene world of Studio Ghibli with this 7-hour YouTube collection featuring gentle piano performances intertwined with soothing nature sounds like chirping crickets. Indulge in soft and tranquil melodies to create a serene writing atmosphere.

When you enter the world of electronic music, you’ll find all sorts of styles, from electronica to house, techno to drum and bass, each with its own feel. While some folks love jamming to rave tunes, others prefer playlists that are lively but not too wild. Here are a few tracks to boost your writing sessions:

Engross yourself in subtle, hypnotic electronic melodies to enhance focus and relaxation. With no distracting lyrics, this playlist is ideal for those easily pulled away from their creative flow.

Featuring downtempo and deep house tracks, this playlist provides the perfect energy balance without inducing a desire to dance. Its repetitive beats offer a steady rhythm to anchor your writing endeavors.

24.   Mother Earth’s Plantasia

A cult classic electronic album by Mort Garson, “Plantasia” was initially released in 1976, resurfacing to wider acclaim in 2019. Crafted as “warm Earth music” to aid plant growth, its sweet, hopeful, and spacey tunes, infused with Moog synthesizers, evoke a sense of fantasy and wonder.

Highlighting innovative women in electronic writing music, this playlist offers diverse styles and voices. From Yaeji’s quiet, mellow vocals over house beats to Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith’s intricate synthesizer compositions and Charlotte De Witte’s dark and stripped-back techno, each artist brings a unique perspective to the electronic landscape.

This playlist offers more than 100 instrumental tracks that are ideal for keeping you concentrated on your tasks. With genres ranging from classical melodies to electronic rhythms, there’s a diverse selection to help you stay in the zone.

Everyone has different preferences regarding finding the right auditory backdrop for writing, especially when embarking on becoming a novelist . Here are some tips for discovering your optimal sound:

Try out various musical genres to see which ones work best for you. Some writers do their best work with classical or instrumental music playing in the background.

Others find upbeat pop, rock, or dance music more motivating. Don’t limit yourself to one genre—explore various types of writing music to find which styles get your creative juices flowing.

You may want to make different playlists depending on the type of writing project you’re working on. For academic or technical writing, mellow acoustic or classical music may help you focus without distraction.

For creative writing like poetry or fiction, instrumental movie soundtracks or ambient electronica could help spark ideas. Tailor your playlists to fit the tone and nature of your writing.

You don’t necessarily need a musical soundtrack to write. For some, ambient background noise like the hum of a coffee shop, rainstorm sounds, or crackling fireplace audio can provide a soothing atmosphere without pulling focus like lyrical music might. Experiment with different natural noise soundscapes to see if they help your writing productivity more than music.

The key is trying out different auditory backdrops to discover what puts you in the optimal headspace for writing without distracting you from the task. Be open to finding new music, sounds, or playlists that boost your creativity and focus. With experimentation, you’ll find the right sonic environment tailored specifically to your writing needs.

While writing music can be a great tool for enhancing focus and creativity while writing, it has some potential downsides to be aware of.

Individual responsiveness to music is highly personal. For every writer who thrives with a harmonious background, there’s another who may find it overstimulating. Just as some writers deepen their skills by read classic books in silence, you might discover that a quiet environment helps you concentrate better. It’s crucial to experiment and determine if music is a helpful tool or a hindrance to your process.

Songs with lyrics, especially in a language you understand, can pull your focus towards listening to the words instead of writing your own. Instrumental music is often a better choice for writing sessions.

Having new songs constantly start-up can disrupt your concentration and pull you out of the writing flow state. Consider playlists that blend songs without gaps or extended mixes that play for 30-60 minutes without interruptions.

Nature sounds, and white noise has also become popular options for writers seeking ambient background audio. The sounds of birds chirping, rain falling, or waves crashing can promote relaxation while blocking distracting noises.

Many people also enjoy the background chatter and clatter of a coffee shop or cafe. The indistinct voices and sounds of espresso machines and dishes create a soothing backdrop, emulating the buzz of creativity and productivity. Cafe ambiance playlists aim to mimic this energetic yet unintrusive environment.

Binaural beats are a more unconventional option. Each ear’s tracks play slightly different frequencies to encourage specific mental states.

For example, beta-wave binaural beats from 14-30 Hz may boost energy and focus, while theta waves from 4-8 Hz induce calmness and creativity. However, research on binaural beats’ effects remains limited.

Any repetitious, low-key background noise could pave the way for engaging writing sessions. We see this in practice daily at our Seo blog writing agency , where various sounds accompany our writers on their creative journeys. Experiment to determine which auditory environments optimize your concentration and inspiration. Let your productivity and preferences guide you towards your ideal soundscape.

It’s worth experimenting to find your optimal soundscapes to write to. Remember that lyrics can sometimes be distracting, and pay attention to how your productivity is affected. While music works for many, reduce the volume or avoid it if it seems counterproductive.

Listening to music while writing can greatly boost creativity, focus, and productivity for many people. Throughout this article, we’ve explored different genres and playlists that can inspire focused writing sessions and soothe nerves or spark new ideas. With this guide and multiple playlist options, we hope you can now increase your productivity while crafting a book .

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Table of Contents

Mood Music with English Lyrics

Music in a foreign language, music without lyrics.

  • Game & Movie Scores without Lyrics

Electronic Music

Ambient noise, the best music for writing: 32 playlists for inspiration & focus.

best background music for creative writing

Music can set the tone when you’re writing a book . Or, it can help you avoid writer’s block by motivating you through the hard, boring work of sitting in your chair.

But it has to be the right music for you (and your book).

Some people can write to anything. Heavy metal, construction noises, or catchy pop tunes, nothing derails their focus.

I am not one of those. I need the music to match my mood or the mood I’m writing in. How am I supposed to write about the most challenging moments in my life while upbeat kids’ music is pounding in my headphones?

Some people can only write to music if there are no lyrics or if it’s in a foreign language they can’t understand. There’s no right answer for the “best” or “perfect” playlist. It’s just whatever works best for you.

You need something that will motivate you to write quickly and write well so you can get your published book into the world.

It may take some trial-and-error to figure it out. But here’s a list of options that have worked for me and other members of the Scribe Crew . I’ve broken our top recommendations down into categories, so you can try them out yourself.

32 Best Music Playlists & Songs to Listen to While You Write

Whether you need to psych yourself up to write or just want to match the tone of your book, here are some of our favorite options for a range of moods.

1. Morning Rhythm

This is upbeat but gentle music to ease you into the writing groove. There’s a little bit of everything here, from funk to soul to jazz.

Every song has a beat, so this list will motivate you without fading into the background.

2. Shoegaze Classics

Shoegaze was initially called “dream pop” when it emerged in the UK in the 1980s. It features ethereal, shimmery vocals, distorted guitars, and a lot of distortion.

Shoegaze is brooding music that somehow manages to be upbeat and depressing at the same time.

3. Have a Great Day!

You can probably guess from the name—this list is full of happy songs to brighten your day.

You’ll find tracks from Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, Steely Dan, Blondie, and Stevie Wonder.

If you’re stuck, it might help to get a dose of energy with familiar, fun music.

4. Chill + Atmospheric

Do you prefer melancholy music?

Do you like songs with haunting melodies?

Do you like the idea of writing on a rainy day?

If the answer to any of those questions is yes, give this playlist a shot.

5. Melantronic

Spotify describes this playlist as “beautiful electronic music for melancholy moments.”

There’s definitely some sadness here. But don’t expect a playlist that’s going to kill your spirit. These songs have solid beats.

Think Thom Yorke, Caribou, and Aphex Twin.

I’ve found that sometimes I like to write to music in a foreign language. The music is interesting enough to keep me motivated, but I don’t get distracted by the lyrics.

Here are some playlists we liked from around the world.

6. French Indie Pop

This playlist is full of dreamy, mellow French indie pop.

It’s heavy on electronic music and sparkly beats. Think more “low-key Paris” vibe than club-hopping.

7. Japanese City Pop

In the late 1970s and 1980s, the term “City Pop” described a type of music popular in Japan.

City pop borrowed heavily from Western music and had elements of jazz, soft rock, and funk.

If you like yacht rock or need some peppy music, give city pop a try.

8. Soweto Beat/Township Jive

Soweto is a township in South Africa that’s well known for music.

This playlist features mbaqanga music, a style of South African music with Zulu roots that originated in the early 1960s.

It’s upbeat and rhythmic, so it’s great for energetic bursts of writing.

9. Bhangra Bangers

If you like upbeat music that makes you nod your head, this is it.

Bhangra originated in the British Punjabi community during the late 20th century.

It’s got a little bit of traditional Indian folk music, a little bit of hip hop, and a lot of percussion.

10. Spanish Tapas Bar

Only listen to this if you’re looking for a jolt of energy.

This playlist features traditional flamenco and Spanish folk tunes with a quick tempo.

11. Korean Indie/Chill/R&B

This is the longest mix of Korean RnB, pop, ballads, and lo-fi songs on Spotify.

Clocking in at 54 hours, there’s a little bit of everything, from uplifting to downtempo.

If you get easily distracted by lyrics, you still have plenty of musical options.

Classical music, hip hop beats, instrumental versions of your favorite songs, and modern composers can help you find your focus.

12. Japanese Lofi HipHop

This is one of my favorite writing playlists. It’s a collection of lyric-less, Asian-inspired hip hop beats. It’s chill, but upbeat enough that it won’t put you to sleep. I write to this about 50% of the time.

13. Classical Music for Reading

If it’s good for reading, chances are it’s good for writing.

This 2.5-hour playlist features a sampling of pieces from Mozart, Chopin, Debussy, and other famous classical composers.

14. Minimalism

Minimalist compositions are perfect for writing.

They usually have repetitive patterns or pulses or steady drones. They’re easy to get sucked into (without giving them too much attention).

This mix features some of the most iconic minimalist composers: Philip Glass, Michael Nyman, and John Adams.

15. Instrumental Pop Covers

Try this if you like top-40 radio and pop classics but don’t want to lose your focus.

It’s got everything from basic guitar covers to full orchestral versions of songs you probably already know.

16. Composer Weekly: Ryuichi Sakamoto

Japanese musician Ryuichi Sakamoto has played many different styles of music over the course of his career.

Lately, he’s been recognized for his movie soundtracks and piano compositions.

This playlist is a 30-track introduction to his instrumental music. It’s sparse, dark, and contemplative.

17. Relaxing Spanish Guitar

Don’t underestimate the power of Spanish guitar.

It’s full of emotion, quick riffs, and rhythm. It may put some zest in your typing.

18. Ludovico Einaudi Complete Playlist

Ludovico Einaudi is an Italian pianist and composer.

He’s well known for his film and television scores, but this playlist features his solo releases, including a seven-part series called Seven Days Walking , which he released last year.

Game & Movie Scores without Lyrics

Some of the best composers in the world write for movies and video games.

Unless you’re using a specific movie or game to purposely set a mood, I recommend choosing one you’re not very familiar with. That way, the music won’t distract you.

19. DirecTV’s Movie Score Channel (Channel 822)

If you have DirectTV, make the most of your TV’s speakers and tune into the DirectTV Movie Score Channel.

Their non-stop instrumental music is the perfect soundtrack for writing your book.

20. Soundtracks for Studying

This playlist covers everything from Downton Abbey and Braveheart to Ratatouille and Sherlock .

Movie-wise, that’s a big range. But musically, all these songs strike the perfect balance between epic and lowkey so you can focus.

21. Minecraft Soundtrack

Minecraft is the bestselling video game of all time.

There are many reasons people love it, but 1 big reason is the music. It’s the kind of music that makes you feel happy without even realizing it.

It’s “barely there” but still optimistic and motivational.

22. Studio Ghibli Summer Night Piano Collection with Nature Sounds

Studio Ghibli is a famous Japanese animation studio. This 7-hour Youtube collection features piano performances of some of their gentlest music, overlaid with cricket noises.

If you’re looking for something soft and soothing, this is it.

There are many styles of electronic music: electronica, house, techno, drum and bass, jungle, garage, trance, IDM, etc.

If you’re already a fan of electronic music, you might have a favorite type.

While some people can write to rave tunes, most can’t. So, I’ve added some energetic playlists that aren’t too dancy or aggressive.

23. Brain Food

This is subtle, hypnotic electronic music that promotes focus or relaxation.

There aren’t any lyrics, which makes this a good option for people who are easily distracted.

24. Yoga Electronica

This playlist features downtempo deep house. That means it’s a perfect dose of energy without making you want to get up and dance.

You can latch onto the beats, but it’s repetitive enough to help you stay in the writing zone.

25. Mother Earth’s Plantasia

This is a cult classic electronic album by Mort Garson. It was first released to a limited audience in 1976, but it gained wider circulation when it was re-released in 2019.

The album features “warm Earth music” designed to help plants grow. It’s sweet, hopeful, and spacey.

If you like Moog synthesizers and fantasy, you’ll love Plantasia .

26. Women of Electronic

This list features women who make innovative electronic music. Most of the tracks have lyrics.

This playlist offers a wide range of styles. For example, Yaeji is a Korean-American artist who sings over house beats in a quiet, mellow voice.

Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith uses synthesizers to create layered, elaborate songs.

And Charlotte De Witte is a Belgian DJ known for her “dark and stripped-back” techno.

When we asked the Scribe Crew for playlist recommendations, this was by far the category that got the most responses.

Ambient noise is a great option if you hate working in total quiet but also get easily distracted by music.

It’s also a helpful workaround if you like working in coffee shops or coworking spaces but can’t right now because of the pandemic.

Ambient sounds can give you the impression that you’re out of the house even if you’re still sitting at your desk.

27. My Noise

This is, hands down, the coolest ambient noise and white noise generator.

It’s run by an engineer and sound designer who collects recordings from around the world.

It has everything from Tibetan bells and waterfalls to street recordings and gardens.

28. Coffitivity

Many writers love to write in coffee shops, but you may not have that option if you have a l imited time frame (or if you’re still under COVID lockdown).

Streaming background noise on Coffitivity can give you the feeling that you’re in a coffee shop even when you aren’t.

You can also choose between different levels of activity. For example, “Morning Murmur” is less hectic than “Lunchtime Lounge.”

29. Rain Sounds

I LOVE the Spotify playlist that features rain sounds. I like to curl up on a rainy day and just chill, and the rain sounds create that mood. It’s a gentle and soothing way I use to get into writing, and it helps keep me in my flow state once I get there.

30. 8 Hours of Ocean Sounds

These calming wave sounds were recorded at Playa de Piticabo in the Dominican Republic.

With 8 hours of recordings, you could literally listen to them all day if you want some soothing background noise while you write.

31. OM Chanting @ 417 Hz

These Om chants are repetitive and positive. They can help you tune out the outside world and get into a meditative pattern.

32. Binaural Beats: Focus

When you hear a slightly different tone in each ear, it creates a binaural beat. Your brain falls into sync with the difference between the tones’ frequencies and creates an auditory illusion.

Binaural beats can lower stress, promote creativity, and encourage relaxation. This playlist is designed to enhance your focus.

The Scribe Crew

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Best Music for Amplified Writing and Creative Productivity

Picture this: a blank page before you, a pen in your hand, and the silence around you feels more daunting than inspiring. It’s a scenario familiar to all writers—professional or otherwise. The initial step to pen down thoughts often feels like a Herculean task. However, what if there was a secret ingredient, a melody to the muse, that could effortlessly glide you into a world of creativity and focus?

We’ve compiled a symphony of sounds, a curation of the finest music and ambient noise tracks, designed to elevate your writing prowess and turbocharge productivity. So, tune in and let these harmonious guides transform your writing journey.

Here are some music styles and specific songs, albums, or playlists that might help stimulate creativity, focus, and emotion during writing. Different genres of books may inspire different moods, so the music can be tailored accordingly.

1. music for writing Fantasy or Sci-Fi

Music in this category often has a grand, ethereal quality that stimulates the imagination. Movie soundtracks can be particularly effective.

  • Hans Zimmer’s soundtracks – particularly Interstellar, Inception, and the Dark Knight trilogy.
  • Lord of The Rings soundtrack by Howard Shore.
  • Game of Thrones soundtrack by Ramin Djawadi.
  • “Epic Fantasy Music – Powerful Mix” (YouTube Playlist)

2. music for writing Drama or Romance

In this case, you might want more emotionally stirring or passionate music.

  • The soundtrack to “Pride and Prejudice” by Dario Marianelli.
  • The “Amélie” soundtrack by Yann Tiersen.
  • “Love Story” soundtrack by Francis Lai.
  • “Romantic Music Playlist – Beautiful Love Songs” (YouTube Playlist)

3. music for writing Thriller or Crime

Music for these genres should build tension and suspense.

  • The soundtrack to “Psycho” by Bernard Herrmann.
  • The “Inception” soundtrack by Hans Zimmer.
  • “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.
  • “Suspenseful Background Music – Dark Suspense Music Instrumental” (YouTube Playlist)

4. music for writing Non-Fiction or Academic Texts

Classical music, ambient sounds, or simple instrumental music can help promote concentration.

  • Any compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, or Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
  • Brian Eno’s album “Music For Airports”.
  • “Study Music Alpha Waves: Relaxing Studying Music, Brain Power, Focus Concentration Music” (YouTube)
  • “Coffee Shop Background Noise” (YouTube)

5. music for writing Poetry

Music that engages emotions while still offering room for introspection could work well for poetry.

  • The album “Carrie & Lowell” by Sufjan Stevens.
  • “For Emma, Forever Ago” by Bon Iver.
  • “Chopin – Complete Nocturnes” (YouTube)
  • “Indie/Indie-Folk Compilation” (YouTube Playlist)

6. music for writing Comedy or Satire

Lively, upbeat music might help foster a humorous mood.

  • “The Life Aquatic” soundtrack by Mark Mothersbaugh.
  • “Jazz and Big Band: 3 Hours of Big Band Jazz Music Compilation” (YouTube)
  • “Best of Classic Swing Jazz” (YouTube Playlist)

Remember, these are just suggestions. Everyone’s taste in music is subjective, and what works best for one person might not work as well for another. Some authors prefer complete silence or ambient background noise, like a coffee shop or nature sounds. Ultimately, the best music for writing is whatever helps you personally focus and channel your creativity.

White noise or background apps that could boost concentration

Absolutely, there are several apps and websites available that offer a variety of white noise, nature sounds, and ambient noises to help boost concentration. Here are some of them:

  • Noisli – This app provides different sounds including rain, wind, white noise, coffee shop, etc. You can mix sounds to create your ideal environment.
  • Calm – While this app is primarily for meditation, it also includes a variety of nature sounds and music specifically designed to enhance focus and relaxation.
  • MyNoise – This app offers a large selection of high-quality sounds that you can customize to your liking, including white noise, nature sounds, and even some more unique options like Gregorian Chants or Tibetan Singing Bowls.
  • Relax Melodies – This app allows you to create your own personalized mix of sounds including white noise, nature sounds, and binaural beats.
  • White Noise Lite – Offers a variety of looped sounds including air conditioner, fan, rain, ocean, etc.
  • Brain.fm – This service uses AI to create music designed specifically for focus, relaxation, and sleep.

Websites/YouTube

  • A Soft Murmur – This website allows you to mix different ambient sounds to create the perfect background noise for your work.
  • Noisli Website – The same as the app but in a browser-based format.
  • Rainy Mood – This website offers a high-quality loop of gentle rain sounds.
  • YouTube – YouTube has countless videos offering white noise, nature sounds, and ambient noise of all varieties. Some channels to check out include Relaxing White Noise, The Guild of Ambience, and Relaxing Soundzzz.

Browser Extensions

  • Noisli Chrome Extension – The same functionality as the Noisli website and app, but conveniently placed right in your browser.

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The Ambient Mixer Blog

A world made of Ambient Sounds

The Perfect Ambient Music For Writing

Ambient music for writing can get you into the zone

If you enjoy writing but you seem to suffer from a bit of a slump lately, perhaps a change of atmosphere is in order. Try to find the perfect ambient music for writing so you can have a productive day churning out words after the others.

Here are some pointers of what a good ambience for writing should be:

Keep it simple

The human brain still hides many mysteries. When a piece of music contains human speech and vocalization in it, our brains automatically pay attention to it. Often times, the brain pays too much attention and saps your attention away from the task in front of you.

Stay away from music with vocals.

In the same sense, find music with simple tunes . Music that is too complex may steal your attention away from your writing. Subconsciously, your brain is trying to decipher what the music is all about.

Match the theme

If you’re writing a horror novel, a dark and mysterious music will fit much better than a cheerful one. Spine-chilling, nightmare-inducing music is where it’s at.

You can also find music that fits the setting of the story. For instance, if you’re writing a scene where two lovers are eating outside a café down the street while the rain is slowly trickling, a rain or city ambient music will fit just right.

If you have found an excellent non-distracting ambience track but it’s only ten minutes long, be sure to play it on loop. This will keep your brain from being distracted when the music changes to a different track.

Don’t fancy loops? OK then, you can also combine several similar ambiences into a playlist that last 30 to 60 minutes. That’s plenty of time for you to pour a significant amount of ideas into writing. You’re not planning to write continuously for hours, right? Taking a break is also an important part in keeping your creative juice from drying out.

Take your personal preference into account

Some people swear that classical music helps them focus much better than any other type of music. Well, that might be true for them. That doesn’t make it a general truth, though.

It all comes down to personal preference. Believe it or not, some people can focus on writing much better playing EDM-like music in the background at low volume. The high bpm (beats per minute) just tick the right boxes in their brain.

Experiment with several kinds of ambient music to find your own version of the perfect ambient music for writing.  You have virtually infinite possibility to experiment with at ambient-mixer.com

After you do find one that puts you into the zone like no other, be sure to share it to the world so other writers like you can benefit from it.

Happy writing.

Related posts:

8 Useful Tips For Writing Songs

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Best Background Music For Writing Content

Fountain pen on music sheet to illustrate best background music for writing content

Posted on May 19, 2021 by Webfor

De gustibus non est disputandum.

That italicized quote up there is an old Latin phrase. In modern American English, it’s usually rendered as “there’s no accounting for taste.”

This is true when it comes to the enjoyment and discernment of a wide range of art and artists, food and foodies, TV shows and writers, music and musicians, and on and on and on …

While one person — OK, me — might look at a Rothko and become entranced, another might look at that same Rothko and think, “The ‘ Son of Oregon ,’ huh? Pssht ! I could do that.”

Music to Help you Focus

Same goes for certain types of music, especially ambient music, which is what I typically listen to when I’m writing content.

Some ambient music is so minimalist, so droning that those whose tastes run toward more complex compositions scoff at its simplicity.

“I could do that,” they’re probably thinking.

Maybe. Still, ambient (with or without beats) is the best background music for writing content, in my opinion.

Deep Background

That word is important for me and my content writing: background . I need to hear the music when I’m working, but not really notice it. I need it to fill up the air in my office — and my head. (If I’m being honest, there’s a lot of air up there.)

I rarely write in silence; I don’t want to hear the blood rushing through my ears or the tinnitus that I gained from too many years playing too many loud rock shows with too many loud rock bands.

The music should inspire me, invigorate me. It should put me into a creative headspace, carrying me away, so to speak, but doing so without me noticing, allowing me to get into a rhythm that helps me to operate at peak efficiency and creativity.

Whatever it is that I choose to listen to, it can’t be distracting. It can’t make me want to focus on the music. Rather, the music must focus my mind on the work at hand. (Which is why I think ambient is a good choice for focusing on just about any task.)

If there are lyrics, I prefer them to be limited or buried in the mix or indecipherable; I don’t want to be actually registering the lyrics while I’m writing.

Content Background Music: Today’s List

Apps such as Spotify are a music lover’s dream. If you had told the younger version of me that the future version of me would have access to basically every kind of music ever recorded using a device that fits in one’s pocket, my mind would have been blown. My mind is still  blown, to be honest.

Notice that I say “today’s list.” That’s because if I were writing this blog tomorrow, my list would be different. This is the soundtrack to the composition of this blog, and I share it with you now.

Notes On Today’s Musical Selections

My favorite ambient-slash-experimental artists tend to be female. I don’t know why that is; it just is. But here are a few notes on today’s selections.

  • Christina Vantzou : This music can be melancholy, and for me, this particular album is mood-dependent. If I’m feeling blue, I can get swept away from my work. If so, I skip to the next artist.
  • Colleen : Her music is an interesting mix of high activity and subtlety. She’s sometimes too busy and, therefore, distracting. But when the mood is right, she can inspire me to fire off 1,000-word blog posts like this one in no time. Colleen is also an exception to the limited lyrics rule since her vocals are so organically woven into the overall sound.
  • Grouper : One of my favorite Oregon-based musical artists. Nobody sounds like Grouper. But her compositions can be — how shall I put this? — spooky .
  • Laurie Spiegel : “The Expanding Universe” is immersive, but it can also be a little abrasive, owing to the fact that the album was recorded on vintage electronics, which were cutting edge when she recorded it. This album in particular features music composed on the GROOVE system at Bell Labs .
  • Janet Baker , Gerald Moore , Geoffrey Parsons : This collection of Schubert lieder is the oddball choice for this list. It’s definitely not ambient, but it works on me the same way ambient music does. I guess it’s helpful that I don’t speak German since the vocals don’t distract me. It’s so beautifully performed, Baker’s voice sounds just like another instrument to me. Her performance of “Ave Maria” is a little distracting simply because it’s such a ubiquitous, recognizable tune. Discerning listeners may recognize echoes of the intro to “Auf dem Wasser zu singen” (“To Sing On The Water”) in the Radiohead song “Bloom.”

Alternates and Cautionary Tales

There are also ambient “chill beats” and mixes on Spotify and other music apps for those who need to groove out while writing. I use these from time to time, but I find them hit or miss.

Similarly, there’s a risk in playing ambient music on random because Spotify’s algorithm (algo rhythm?) sometimes plops new-age music into the mix, which is often rubbish and, therefore, totally distracting.

(Hint: If you hear rain or ocean waves or babbling brooks — anything liquidy — then it’s probably new-age music. I prefer tinnitus. And these are not hard and fast rules, clearly .)

Tastes and Accounting

That quip about new-age music brings us right back to where we started: De gustibus non est disputandum. There’s no accounting for taste.

Of course, when it comes to content writing and digital marketing, there is  an accounting for taste. It arrives in the form of data.

At Webfor , we account for things by diving into that data via metrics and analytical tools that tell us the impact of the content we produce for our clients.

We want our clients to rank highly in organic searches, and so we craft compelling content that resonates with search engines and searcher intent.

For my part, I write blogs, web pages, and more to get my clients and their businesses to stick to page one of the SERPs — and stuck in the mind of potential clients and customers.

What do you listen to when you’re writing? I made the Spotify playlist collaborative , so please do add some of your favorites, if you’re so inclined.

Happy listening, happy writing.

best background music for creative writing

best background music for creative writing

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Classical Music For Writing: The Five Best Albums for Inspiration and Focus (Bonus Included)

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classical music for writing

Every writer has a tool, habit, or rule they use to put their best words on paper. Some prefer to shut the internet off while writing, others prefer to write in absolute silence, while some prefer classical music for writing.

George R. R. Martin used the ancient WordStar 4.0 to write the titular Game of Thrones novels, and Maya Angelou rented hotel rooms to write. 

Most of the allure of listening to classical music while writing is due to the clarity, repeatability, and ease of zoning into the writing effortlessly without losing focus. There are also no words to distract you, so keeping your thoughts in check is a breeze.

The most attractive benefit of listening to classical music for writing is the improved concentration it offers. The music simply fades into the background, leaving you with your most refined ideas for the task at hand.

We've compiled a list of the five best classical albums for inspiration and focus that you can use for every mood, genre, and style of writing you prefer.

What Is the Best Classical Music for Writing?

Your mood can make or break a writing session. Sometimes you are left staring into a blank screen for hours, fiddling with the backspace key and trying to get your thoughts together. Other times, you are typing away with gusto.

The good news is that classical music eases you into writing. We definitely recommend trying it if you haven’t already. But what is the best classical music for writing?

The various types of classical music are classified according to eras they arose in and became common. And while there is plenty of debate over which genre (medieval, renaissance, baroque, classical, romantic, etc) is the best for writing, we suggest sticking to something that exemplifies your mood.

For that, there is a ton of classical music to shuffle through.

Luckily, we've done most of the heavy lifting for you. Here are the five best classical music pieces for writing.

1. Classical Music Mood (Best Features)

This Classical Music Mood Album has a great variety from some of the most talented classical composers, such as Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Beethoven, Brahms, and even French composer, Debussy.

If you are new to classical music this is a good album to start with to ensure you find a handful of compositions that stick. 

Listening to this composition will allow you to zip through multiple pages without any distraction. 

We love the quick sounds and lovely showering of notes from the keyboard and piano. Some key pieces of music on the album have become part of our key signature music for writing.

Three Songs To Get You Started:

  • Bolero, M. 81
  • Symphonie n9 en ré mineur, Op. 125: II. Molto vivace
  • Piano Sonata No. 14, Op. 27 No. 2 “Moonlight”: I. Adagio Sostenuto

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Kobo Writing Life

How Music Can Benefit Your Creative Process + KWL Romance Writing Playlist

by kobowritinglife | Jul 31, 2019 | My Writing Life , The Craft of Writing | 6 comments

best background music for creative writing

by Amy Evans

Writing any kind of musical piece, from composing a Brazilian samba song to a Hollywood movie soundtrack, is an inherently creative process. Does it follow then, that listening to music will help you write a better novel? It depends on the type of music and varies from writer to writer. Viet Thanh Nguyen listened to rock music while writing his Pulitzer prize-winning novel The Sympathizer . Lori Osterberg, an international bestselling romance novelist, creates a playlist for each book she writes. I listen to instrumentals while I write, and I wanted to share how this can enhance the creative process.

The Writing Atmosphere

Listening to instrumental music can help immerse yourself in the setting of your novel. This is particularly beneficial when writing a story that occurs in a different time period or a foreign country. Are you writing a steamy love story that takes place in Spain? Listen to some romantic Spanish guitar. Working on a historical novel that takes place hundreds of years ago? Listen to music from that era. What is truly amazing about the digital age is that you can find music that fits any genre, time, and place. Even if you are writing a sci-fi space adventure, there is music for that too (hint: Interstellar soundtrack).

Getting in the Zone

Instrumentals can help you focus and tune out distractions. A solid playlist can have you writing for hours on end. There are times when there are too many ideas bouncing around my head, and music helps control the flow of ideas. Do you ever feel that silence can be too loud? Keep in mind I’m talking about the creative aspect of writing. If you’re in hard core editing mode, music might be distracting. Concentration is also dependent on the volume of your music. It would probably be difficult to focus with Beethoven blasting out of your speakers – and your neighbours would likely not be too happy about the symphony orchestra next door. Background music at low to medium volume is your best bet.

Psychological Benefits

The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley studies the extensive psychological benefits of music. Neuroscientists have confirmed the link between music and motivation. They also discovered that listening to music heightens positive emotion by stimulating dopamine receptors. Music is proven to significantly decrease anxiety and establish a calming effect – so listening to tunes can help if the pressure of writing a novel is getting to you. There is also evidence that music acts as a memory aid, but the jury is still out on that one. More fascinating still, listening to music causes almost every brain center to light up, suggesting there are even more benefits that we haven’t discovered yet!

Why Instrumentals?

best background music for creative writing

Simply put, lyrics can be distracting, even if they are only in the background. You might find yourself singing along in your head or end up typing the lyrics in the middle of a sentence (it happens). There is an immense variety of instrumental music available online. Many movie soundtracks, like those of Academy Award-winning composers Hans Zimmer and James Horner, are beautiful to write with. There are ambient instrumentals that focus on mood and ambient versions of many famous songs. You can find instrumental covers of your favourite songs. Violin and piano covers are my personal favourites. There are even instrumentals that create nature sounds. The options are endless, really.

Finding and Crafting Playlists

You can find playlists for creative writing and concentration on many music platforms such as Spotify and Youtube. These platforms also suggest similar songs, so your playlist will keep on growing. If you don’t know where to begin with creating playlists, you can start with pre-made ones before designing your own. In addition to the creative benefits, you’ll discover great new music.

Listening to music and writing is not for everyone, but it is certainly worth trying. And not every good song is suitable for writing. Just because you love Kendrick Lamar, does not mean he can help you write your novel. I mean, he could. He won the Pulitzer Prize in 2018 for his recent album, after all. The type of music that enhances your writing may surprise you.

best background music for creative writing

Every month Kobo Writing Life will post a song list for each genre, starting with romance! Check out our playlist, designed by me, on Spotify or Youtube .

Do you have a creative playlist to share? Favorite songs to listen to while you write? Share them with KWL! If you are trying the music and writing combination for the first time, we want to hear about it, so report back. As always, happy writing, friends .

best background music for creative writing

Amy works on Author Engagement for Kobo Writing Life. She helps answer author questions and comes up with creative blog content. Amy studied Social Sciences at the University of Ottawa and Publishing at Ryerson University. She has worked as a content author of literature study guides and as an online literature educator.

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Brenda Felber

Thank you!!! This is a wonderful playlist…I appreciate you sharing it. In all my to do lists, creating playlists never showed up. But it’s always taken up just a bit of space in my mind…this is a beginning nudge to do some of my own. After I listen to yours a few more times☺️

Amy Evans

Thank you Brenda! It is so incredible how powerful instrumental songs can be 🙂

annabellefranklinauthor

I like to listen to dark techno when I’m writing. It’s got nothing to do with the subject matter, but the tribal rhythms fire up my brain and the weird sounds stimulate my subconscious.

Richard Murray

I admit, i am not one for listening to music when i write, but work from yma sumac or daft punk some harry potter film stuff will be what i listen too if i did

Shiloh Carozza

This is a great article, Amy– especially the point you make about writing in a different historical setting. I found myself listening almost exclusively to medieval/Norse tunes while writing my novel “The Exile,” which is set in pre-Viking Scandinavia… Needless to say, I had to find a new playlist to accompany my 1600s English play (thank goodness for James Horner and Hans Zimmer!!) 😀

Do you ever find that listening to a soundtrack from a movie you have already seen makes the creative process more difficult? In other words, does the association of the music with another story hinder your own storytelling?

Your novel sounds very interesting, Shiloh! Coincidentally, I have a character with your name – she is of Polish/Russian descent who moves to Toronto in the late 19th century. Hans Zimmer is my absolute favorite but I love James Horner and Patrick Doyle (Harry Potter soundtrack).

There are definitely some songs where their association to another story is too strong — especially if the song is played only in a few pivotal moments in the movie. Soundtracks that apply to more than a few scenes (ex. Soundtrack associated with Winterfell in Game of Thrones across 8 seasons) have me thinking of my own fantasy ideas. While music does help me generate creative ideas, the most valuable thing it does is get me in the right mindset for a certain genre and its associated mood, tone, and atmosphere 😊

Thanks for sharing, we love receiving feedback and having discussions with our authors!

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When You Write

Best Music for Writing – Be More Focused And Productive!

The discourse on the impact of music on the quality of writing and productivity of a writer has yet to bear a conclusive end. Regardless of what you think about that, the truth is, music plays a part when writing; it might be before the writing starts, during the writing session, in between the session, or after writing.

After all, music is the undeniable universal language and motivator.

This article is for those who are like me, those that use music as their hype man and use it to get and stay motivated.

It is for writers who turn to music for inspiration and who believe that they’re most creative when their favorite tune is playing.

Maybe you are into Metallica like Stephen King—who, actually, had his own band, The Rock Bottom Remainders —or you are more of a Gabriel García Márquez, who “put the Beatles on loop when he was writing One Hundred Years of Solitude in Mexico .

Before we get started, let me talk about the relationship between music and productivity.

Does Music Improve Productivity?

In a general sense of productivity, the simple answer to this question is yes . But when it comes to writing, the answer would be that it depends.

Sometimes, music boosts creativity and productivity, but in some cases, it’s nothing but a distraction.

First, let me tackle the broad discourse of productivity. Studies have shown that music improves both productivity and cognitive performance, particularly in adults.

The right kind of music can help people control their anxiety, feel inspired, and stay productive.

The connection between music and productivity isn’t a simple causal relationship, some factors lead to music affecting productivity.

Let’s take a look at how music influences productivity.

Music Improves Your Mood

This is one of the best reasons we love music and by helping boost our mood, music can improve our productivity.

A study of how music affects productivity found increased mood and concentration on a reading task while listening to Baroque music.

Music Makes Repetitive Tasks More Bearable

A study published by the JAMA Network Publication, an international peer-reviewed general medical journal, found that surgeons dealing with repetitive tasks outside the operating room performed better when they worked whilst listening to music. Researchers determined that individuals performed better because listening to music alleviated some of the monotony associated with repetitive jobs.

There have been a couple of scientists (including Daniel Levitin, the neuroscientist and author of This Is Your Brain on Music ) who concurred with the study’s conclusions.

However, all the studies on the effect of music on productivity haven’t been clear-cut on all issues regarding the topic.

How to Use Music to Enhance Your Writing

Now that we know that there is a link between listening to music and productivity, how can you harness the power of music when writing?

Should you listen to music between tasks or during your breaks?

1. Listen to Music in Your Pre-Writing Routine

As I said in the introductory section, music can act like your hype man; whether before, during, or after your sessions.

Therefore, you should consider having music therapy before you get down to the business. First, play the music that raises your spirits then gradually alter the music until you reach the desired mood.

The songs at the beginning are not the ones that will get you the ‘climax,’ but will help get you there.

So, the type of music to start with should be peaceful to awaken the spirits in you.

If you feel that the music you start with is enough, you don’t have to play any other type. But if you feel like the curtain raisers haven’t gotten you to your beast mode, you can up the tempo (in its literal meaning).

Switching to a fast-paced song is also called switching to your “power song.” This power song is used to motivate you and increase productivity.

Having a power song is not only important for those who listen to music before writing, you can also use power songs to activate you during a writing session.  It’s a good idea especially when you think you’re running short of ideas and you want something to get into a place where you are more motivated, creative, and energetic.

Starting with a power song before you listen to any other playlist or song isn’t a bad idea either. What you should know is that any writing tip that is offered (especially in blogs) is never a ‘one shoe fits all’ type of advice.

2. Make sure that Music isn’t a Distraction

Music should be a productivity booster, not a distraction. People who work well whilst music is playing can do that because the music that is playing is not drawing their attention away from the work.

So, choose music that is less likely to distract you and helps you maintain focus while writing . You have to look at things like genre and lyrics. If you know the lyrics to a song, it is likely going to distract you.

You can’t be foolish enough to believe that you’re going to be 100% focused with your favorite tune playing in the background.

Although it is important to listen to music that suits your taste, some genres are more distracting than others.

For example, a couple of studies on the effect of background music in the workplace have found that instrumental music can boost the workers’ output in the short term.

3. Be flexible with yourself

Music should be incorporated into your writing routine to add fun, not to make writing hard.

Rather than burdening yourself with trying to look for the perfect playlist; rather, you have to let your playlist grow organically.

Try out new things and get rid of songs or genres that aren’t working for you anymore.

Once you start building the playlist, you’re likely going to hear a song that will feel just right for your playlist.

That will happen over and over, and some of the songs will even offer you inspiration for your work.

4. Mind the Volume

The law of diminishing returns does not spare the benefit you get from music.

Not only is it relevant in terms of the length of the playlist but the amount of volume too. There’s a lot of science related to how loudly you play your music and how that can affect your work.

If you intend to use your music to drown out more distracting things, play it at a volume just loud enough to do that but low enough not to distract you.

If you play music very quietly or medium-high, it is likely going to help you boost your focus and creativity, but if you turn the volume all the way up, it will probably distract you.

5. Consider Your Own Personality

Listening to music whilst writing or reading isn’t for everyone, personality—and other things—play a huge part in this topic.

Some people can’t stand any type of noise while they write or read. Most introverts will tell you that listening to music and working isn’t their thing.

A research article published in the Applied Cognitive Psychology Journal in 1997 (Music while you work: the differential distraction of background music on the cognitive test performance of introverts and extraverts) concluded that there was a more detrimental effect on immediate recall on the memory test introverts compared to extroverts.

This means that being an introvert is an adequate factor to be considered when deciding whether or not to include music in your writing routine.

6. Don’t Force Things!

You cannot just play music during every writing session that you have.

Sometimes, before deciding on the music, you have to consider the amount or type of concentration needed for the writing session you plan to work on.

Some projects require a lot more concentration than others and music might not be what you need while you are writing.

Rather than playing the music during the writing session, play the music in between tasks to boost productivity.

50 Best Songs, Albums, and Playlists for Writing

Melantronic.

  • Matt Ryder – Escape
  • Eli and Fur – Something Was Real
  • Klyne – Still Not over You
  • Jasper Tygner­ – FTLOG
  • Tourist – Someone else
  • Ghosts – Catching Flies
  • Nathan Ball – Blindside
  • Max Cooper – Perpetual Motion
  • Rocky G – Lovestruck
  • One Republic – West Coast
  • Enya – Only Time
  • Hrói – Looking For You
  • Orcful – Better Off Alone
  • Cautious Clay – Wildfire
  • Birdy – Take My Heart
  • Adele – Easy on Me
  • Philip Glass – Etude No. 2
  • William Duckworth & Silas Bassa – Time Curves Prelude No. 17
  • David Borden, Nurit Tilles, & Edmund Nieman – Double Portrait
  • Morton Feldman & Aki Takahashi – For Bunita Marcus: Mm. 1270-1372
  • Jean-Michel & BUFFLO – Nostos
  • Nils Vigeland & Jenny Q Chai – 5 Pieces No. 1
  • Barbara Monk Feldman & Ski Takahashi – Soft Horizons
  • Howard Skempton & John Tilbury Quavers 5

Spanish Guitar

  • Paco de Lucia – Entre Dos Aguas
  • Oscar Lopez – Classical Soul
  • Gipsy Kings – Volare
  • Govi – Andalusian Nights
  • Vicente Amigo – Treci Notas Para Decir Te Quiero
  • Buena Vista Social Club – El Cuarto de Tula
  • Gipsy Kings – Moorea
  • Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, & Paco de Lucia – Mediterranean Sundance

Instrumental Music

  • Peder B. Helland – Sunny Mornings (Album)
  • Keys of Moon Music – The Epic Hero
  • Savfk Music – The Travelling Symphony
  • Miguel Johnson – Good Day To Die
  • Ehrling – Typhoon
  • Ikson – Verge
  • Evan King – Titan Striker
  • Electro-Light – Symbolism

Jazz Instrumentals

  • Kenny G – The Moment
  • Peter White – Love Will Find You
  • Yellowjackets – Local Hero
  • Feel so Good – Chuck Mangion
  • Herb Alpert – Rise
  • Grover Washington Jr. – Soulful Strut
  • Kim Waters – Love like this
  • Ronny Jordan – Heaven
  • Roy Orbison – Oh, Pretty Woman
  • Earth, Wind & Fire – September
  • The Beatles – Hey Jude (Album)
  • Rod Stewart – Have You Ever Seen The Rain
  • Elton John – Your Song
  • Phil Collins – Another Day In Paradise
  • Jimmy Buffett – Margaritaville
  • Fleetwood Mac – Go Your Own Way
  • Darius Rucker – Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It
  • Kenny Chesney – Never Wanted Nothin’ More
  • Cole Swindell – Ain’t Worth The Whiskey
  • Tim McGraw – Indian Outlaw
  • Mindy McCready – Guys Do It All the Time
  • Luke Bryan – Roller Coaster
  • Kip Moore – Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck
  • Tim McGraw – Felt Good On My Lips

Classical Music for Writing

  • Le grand cahier: IV. Nos études
  • Sibelius – Andante Festivo
  • Beethoven Romance for Violin and Orchestra no 2 in F major
  • Saint-Saens : The Swan (Le Cygne) – Carnival of the Animals
  • Brahms – Hungarian Dance No.6
  • Rachmaninov – Symphony No. 2 Op. 27 III. Adagio: Adagio
  • Essential Mozart: Flute and Harp Concerto in C
  • Haydn – Cello Concerto No. in D major, Hob. VIIb: Op.0: II. Adagio

Music is more than some background noise or something that drowns out background noise. It has been shown to improve both productivity and cognitive performance and can help writers boost their creativity during writing.

The right playlists help us manage anxiety, become motivated, and stay productive. However, listening to music while writing can also ruin our productivity and creativity if the music becomes a distraction.

I hope the playlists I compiled are more motivating and will spark a few ideas to make your own playlists for your writing sessions.

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The 5 Best Types Of Music For Writing Your Book

Is there such a thing as the best music for writing?

If you’re a writer, you probably have some idea of the kind of music that helps you get words on the page more efficiently or that helps you be more creative while you’re writing.

So, when you’re choosing music to listen to while writing, the following factors probably help you choose what type of music to play — or whether you want any at all:

  • What you’re writing (fantasy, romance, creative nonfiction , how-to…)
  • What mood you’re in (sad or depressed, edgy, upbeat, irritable…)
  • What you need from the music or what mood you want to create (fired up, determined, introspective, zen…)
  • What time of day you’re writing (early am, afternoon, evening, after dark…)
  • Whether you’re using headphones or not (and who else lives with you).

While you have an overwhelming variety of musical styles to choose from, there’s some consensus when it comes to the best music to write to.

Music for Writing Your Book

Classical music for writing, does classical music make you smarter, concentration music for writing, quiet music for writing, instrumental music for writing, music for writing inspiration.

The best music for writing helps you get into a state of creative flow (i.e., “the zone”). For many of us, the best music to write by is music without lyrics or anything that would distract us from the words flowing from our minds to the page.

There are some exceptions to the “no lyrics” norm: Gregorian chant, lyrics in a foreign language, unintelligible vocal sounds (vocal percussion).

The best writing music for you depends on your personal taste, on what you’re writing, and on the type of music that helps you tune out everything else.

Some writers choose this music for its timeless beauty, which has a lot to do with its structure and its use of vibrational patterns to stimulate the brain and evoke certain emotions.

The most helpful type of classical music depends on your mood or the mood you want to create, as well as the associations each piece has for you. For instance, you might have pleasant (or haunting) memories tied to a musical piece like Mozart’s Ave Verum Corpus , Fauré’s Requiem, or Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake.

Sacred polyphony and Gregorian chant are other options. Chant can be in either male or female voices. A haunting example of the latter is an album titled, Voice of the Blood with chant by Hildegard von Bingen, a German Benedectine nun, scientist, poet, and composer.

This section would be incomplete without addressing the question of whether listening to classical music make you smarter (and possibly a better writer).

Scientists have explored what’s come to be called “the Mozart effect” and have found that while it may not directly raise the IQs of those listening to it, it does put people in a heightened emotional state , which makes them more receptive to information. It’s also been found to improve your mood, which also has a positive effect on your memory and learning capacity.

When you listen to some music that provokes an emotional response, your brain pays closer attention. You already know you’re more likely to remember songs that have made you feel an overwhelming surge of either positive or painful emotions.

And as Robert Frost pointed out with regard to writing, “No tears in the author, no tears in the reader….”

Here are some examples to explore:

  • The Classical music track on Brain.fm
  • “Classical Music for Brain Power — Mozart” on YouTube
  • Voice of the Blood — Gregorian chant by Hildegard von Bingen
  • Study Piano Channel on CalmRadio.com

Those who choose classical music aren’t necessarily smarter than those who choose different musical styles, but if you appreciate well-structured and evocative music, chances are you’ll find something in this category that will appeal to you — even if it doesn’t become your favorite.

This type of music sometimes contains ambient sounds like raindrops or ocean waves, but there’s also a melody to it, however repetitive. Some have more variety than others and seem to tell a story, while others seem to be a looped replay of a short series of notes with a background hum at a specific frequency.

The nine-toned Solfeggio frequencies , long used by Gregorian monks, are often used in music like this.

Binaural beats are also used to enhance focus, concentration, and creative flow by facilitating “whole brain synchronization.” Since a different frequency is directed to each ear — and our brains then perceive a separate frequency that is the difference between the two — it’s essential to wear headphones to get the full effect.

Writers can also find plenty of free focus music options on YouTube and create playlists to suit specific moods or types of writing projects .

  • Yellow Brick Cinema (YouTube channel: binaural beats and a variety of music styles for focus, meditation, or sleep )
  • Greenred Productions (YouTube channel: meditation and study music with alpha waves and binaural beats)
  • “Music to Listen To While Writing — Essays, Papers, Stories, Songs” on YouTube
  • “432 Hz Cognition Enhancer | DEEP ALPHA BINAURAL BEAT | Deep Concentration, Focus & Meditation Music” on YouTube

You can also listen to focus music on brain.fm , focus@will , or focusmusic.fm — the last of which is very basic but is free and has a simple but soothing “rain” option.

Music played quietly provides just enough soothing ambient noise to create a stimulating but not overwhelming atmosphere for creative work .

Even if the music has lyrics, if it’s played at a low enough volume, they’re less of a distraction — at least for some. But if you’re the kind of person who can’t help singing along (at least mentally) with your favorite music, even when it’s playing quietly in the background, it won’t matter whether or not you can hear the lyrics.

  • Internet jazz on JazzRadio.com (with a variety of jazz options, including “Paris Café” )
  • “Quiet Piano Study Music” on YouTube
  • Jazz and other easy listening tracks on 8tracks radio and CalmRadio.com

If you like to crank the volume up, though, you’re probably better off choosing music without lyrics. Also, if you’re listening to this music while studying, it’s best to avoid lying down.

As a rule, the less emotionally involved you are with the music you’re playing, the less likely you are to become distracted by it. So, if that’s the main criterion for choosing music, you’ll want something you can hear well enough to recognize and enjoy it at low volumes without being emotionally affected by it.

There are plenty of options for instrumental music that isn’t classical:

  • Electronic or EDM (electronic dance music) — like Gravity Music (YouTube channel: Electronic/EDM for study/focus)
  • Instrumental music (piano, violin, etc.) — like “Amazing Ludovico Einaudi — Best songs compilation” (piano) on YouTube.
  • Celtic music (for writing fantasy, poetry, etc.) — like “Celtic Music Relaxing and Beautiful Mix” (YouTube)
  • Chinese or Japanese bamboo flute and piano music — like “1 Hour of the Best Relaxing Music | Bamboo Flute…” (YouTube)
  • Soundtracks from favorite movies or video games — like “Best Inspirational Movie Soundtracks” (YouTube)

Regarding that last one, if one of your characters plays an instrument, why not play musical pieces where that instrument is the main or only instrument. For example, if you or your character is learning to play the tin whistle, you’ll find a large selection of tin whistle music videos, including tutorials, with players at different levels

You’ll find great options all over the internet and on a variety of apps like the following. Some are free, while others require a modest monthly subscription fee:

  • CalmRadio.com : Website and app — Subscribing gives you access to a variety of musical styles, and you can use their mixer to overlap up to three nature sounds at adjustable volumes for each (For example, “Gentle Mozart” + beach waves + fireplace).
  • Brain.fm : Website and app — This one gives you five free listening sessions before you have to subscribe to hear more. The music is AI created, and you can also opt for ambient noise or nature sounds..
  • Focus@Will : Website and app — This one asks you a few questions and chooses a “flow state” musical track based on their app’s assessment of your personality. You’re also welcome to explore over 50 other channels to find your favorites.
  • 8tracks playlist radio : Website and app with a good variety of free music for focus and relaxation

Sometimes you want to listen to music that does more than offer soothing or stimulating background noise.

  • Inspiring movie soundtracks (e.g., The Dressmaker, Inception, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Theory of Everything, etc.)
  • Music that your character likes to listen to or that embodies your main (or other) character
  • Music from the culture or heritage of one of your main characters (e.g., Japanese, Native American, Indian, Mexican, Celtic, Bluegrass, etc.)
  • Music that makes you feel more relaxed, alive, and creative

Some music affects you so deeply, it creates a scene in your mind, and you work at recreating it in a way that affects your readers the way the music affects you.

A particular piece of music can even give you an idea for one of your characters, as though the melody is transmitting a story without words — possibly from the mind of the song’s creator or the one performing it. It’s not unusual, after all, to feel a sort of kinship with those whose music we enjoy.

Those who inspire us to create something that will touch others the way their music has touched us have an even stronger hold on our imagination.

The only danger here is that we love the music so much, we find ourselves getting distracted by it when we’re supposed to be writing.

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What’s your favorite music for writing?

Ultimately, the best music for writing your book is music that speaks to your soul without distracting you from your writing goals .

For you, that might be concentration music with binaural beats, or it might be a favorite movie soundtrack. It might be electronic music with a beat that keeps your brain lively and works with the tone of your writing.

Maybe some days the only music you’ll want is the sound of raindrops on the roof or some smooth jazz played at a low volume. Your writing music should work for you — not the other way around. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have to listen to classical music or any other musical style in order to get the best results. What works well for someone else might not work as well for you.

That said, it’s a good idea to try different kinds of music and see which types help you with different writing projects and at different times of the day. And one or more of the five types of music described in this article should help you enter the state of creative flow, so even the first draft of your book will contain insights you didn’t even know you had.

In any case, the more you experiment, the more likely you’ll find some new gems for your writing playlist.

And those songs will also come in handy when you’re reading Authority.Pub articles to learn how to get your book ready for publishing , launch it for maximum results, and market it like a pro.

Is there such a thing as the best music for writing? If you’re a writer, you probably have some idea of the kind of music that helps you get words on the page more efficiently or that helps you be more creative while you’re writing. #writing #writingabook #books

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Songwriting Advice

Background music for writing songs.

  • March 5, 2024

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As a songwriter, inspiration often strikes when you least expect it. You could be taking a walk or enjoying a late-night snack when the muse whispers the perfect lyrics or melody in your ear. But often, the creative juices flow more freely when you're immersed in the right environment, and an essential part of that context is background music. Offering a soundscape for your songwriting process, background music can both inspire and elevate your creative experience. In this article, we'll delve into how instrumental tracks can serve as a foundation for crafting compelling lyrics and melodies, as well as present various genre selections that could unlock the door to your next hit song.

Background Music For Writing Songs Table of Contents

1. the benefits of background music, 2. finding the right genre, 3. background music for writing songs example, frequently asked questions, want to write better songs try lyric assistant today.

There are several ways background music can enhance one's creative process. Firstly, music has the ability to set the mood and tone for your work, allowing your mind to hone in on specific emotions or themes. For instance, a melancholic piano piece can evoke feelings of nostalgia and sadness, while upbeat electronic tunes might push your songwriting towards a more energetic direction.

In addition, background music can help in generating inspiration. Listening to various tracks enables you to explore different genres, rhythms, and melodies, which can trigger new ideas or propel you out of a creative rut. It also serves as a tool to combat writer's block, providing that extra nudge needed to stimulate unique thoughts and expressions.

Finally, listening to instrumental tracks while writing songs can boost productivity and focus. Music can reduce ambient noise and distractions, enabling you to concentrate on the task at hand – penning down those incredible lyrics or perfect chord progression.

The genre you choose for your background music can significantly impact your songwriting process. It's important to select tracks that complement your desired musical style or lyrical theme but don't overpower your thought process. Here are some options:

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- Ambient Music: With its soothing nature and ethereal soundscapes, ambient music aids in relaxation, which can be beneficial when trying to unlock creative ideas.

- Classical Music: Listening to the works of classical masters may provide the intellectual stimulation you need to spark fresh concepts, as intricate melodies and complex instrumentation foster an environment of creativity.

- Jazz: Characterized by improvisation and often featuring rich chords and progressions, jazz can help you think outside the box and experiment with different rhythms and structures in your songwriting.

- Electronic/EDM: If you're aiming for a more upbeat or dance-centric track, electronic music offers a pulse-pounding backdrop that inspires movement and energy in your compositions.

For example, imagine you're working on a heartfelt ballad, and you're struggling with the chorus. You might choose to listen to an emotional orchestral track as background music, which can resonate with the sentiment you're envisioning. As you absorb the rich textures and sweeping strings, you find yourself inspired by the melody, which seamlessly flows into a breathtaking chorus that ties your song together.

In conclusion, incorporating background music while writing songs can make a world of difference in your creative process, from setting the mood and evoking emotions to sparking inspiration and maintaining focus. Don't hesitate to explore different genres and instrumental tracks as you embark on your songwriting journey.

And when you're ready to take your lyrics to the next level, trust Lyric Assistant to help craft the perfect song, tailored to your chosen genre, topic, and structure. Simply select the elements you envision for your track and let Lyric Assistant handle the rest, composing a one-of-a-kind masterpiece in mere minutes. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring the vast world of background music and unleash your songwriting potential with Lyric Assistant today!

What is the role of background music in songwriting?

Background music plays a crucial role in songwriting as it sets the tone and mood for the lyrics. It can inspire creativity, evoke emotions, and provide a rhythmic foundation that guides the lyrical melody. Finding the right background music can often lead to a more cohesive and resonant song.

How do I choose the right background music for my song?

Choosing the right background music involves identifying the mood and theme of the song you're writing. Consider the genre that best suits your lyrics and the emotions you want to convey. Experiment with different sounds and instruments to find the right fit for your songwriting goals.

Can background music distract from the songwriting process?

While background music can be a powerful tool for inspiration, it can sometimes become a distraction if it's too complex or loud. It's important to choose background music that complements your writing process, not overpower it. Instrumental tracks or simple melodies often work best to maintain focus.

Should the background music match the genre of the song I'm writing?

Typically, it's helpful for the background music to match the genre of your song, as this can create a cohesive sound. However, there's also room for experimentation. Cross-genre fusion can lead to innovative songwriting, so don't be afraid to explore different musical styles.

Is it better to use pre-recorded background tracks or create my own?

This depends on your skills and resources. Using pre-recorded tracks can save time and provide high-quality professional sounds. However, creating your own background music allows for full creative control and can lead to a more personalized sound that aligns with your songwriting vision.

What instruments are commonly used for creating background music?

Common instruments for background music include piano, guitar, strings, and synthesizers. Percussion elements can also be included to add rhythm. The choice of instruments will depend on the style and mood you're aiming to achieve in your song.

Can background music be used for all types of songs?

Yes, background music can be adapted to any type of song, whether you're writing pop, rock, hip-hop, jazz, or any other genre. The key is to tailor the background music to fit the tone and structure of your specific song style.

How can I avoid copyright issues with background music?

To avoid copyright issues, always use royalty-free music or music for which you have obtained proper licensing. When in doubt, creating your own background music is the safest way to ensure your songwriting remains free from legal complications.

Is it better to write lyrics first or develop the background music first?

This is a personal preference and can vary from one songwriter to another. Some may find it easier to write lyrics first and then find or create background music that fits, while others may be inspired by the music first and then write lyrics that match the mood of the music.

What are some tips for balancing the volume of the background music with my singing?

Ensure that the background music is not overpowering your vocals by adjusting the levels during the editing process. A good rule of thumb is to keep the music a few decibels below the vocal track. Consider consulting a sound engineer for a balanced mix.

How can I use background music to enhance the emotional impact of my song?

To enhance the emotional impact, choose background music that underscores the sentiment of the lyrics. Minor keys can evoke sadness or introspection, while major keys may create an uplifting vibe. Utilize dynamics and instrumentation to amplify the emotional delivery of your song.

Can I change the background music after I've written the song?

Yes, you can change the background music even after the song is written. However, be aware that altering the music can change the overall feel of the song and may necessitate adjustments to the lyrics or melody for a seamless fit.

What software or tools do I need to create my own background music?

To create your own background music, you might need a digital audio workstation (DAW), such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, or FL Studio. Other tools can include MIDI keyboards, audio interfaces, and various plugins for virtual instruments and effects.

How long should the background music be for a typical song?

Background music should typically match the duration of your song. Most songs range from 3 to 5 minutes, though this can vary depending on genre and style. Ensure the background music provides a consistent foundation throughout the entire song.

Can I write songs without background music?

Yes, it is possible to write songs a cappella or with minimal instrumentation, focusing just on the vocal melody and lyrics. However, including background music can add depth and texture to your songs, providing a fuller sound and potentially more engaging listening experience.

What genres of background music are available for songwriters?

There is an extensive range of genres available, from classical and jazz to EDM, hip-hop, and beyond. The digital age has made it easier than ever to access a vast library of sounds and styles to use as a backdrop for songwriting.

How do I match my vocal range to the background music?

When selecting or creating background music, consider the key and range that complement your vocal abilities. You may need to transpose the music to a key that fits comfortably within your range to ensure the best performance.

Can I use popular songs as background music for writing my own songs?

Using popular songs can be tricky due to copyright restrictions. However, you can use them as a source of inspiration or study their structure and composition. Remember to create original background music for your compositions to avoid legal issues.

How often should I change the background music in my songwriting process?

Change the background music as often as needed until it feels right for your song. Songwriting is a creative process that may require experimentation with different sounds and structures before you find the perfect match for your lyrics and melody.

Is it important to understand music theory when creating background music?

Understanding music theory can be a valuable asset in songwriting. It can help you make informed decisions about chord progressions, harmonization, and melody. However, many successful songwriters have produced incredible works with an intuitive understanding of music, so it is not strictly necessary.

Where can I find resources to learn more about creating background music for songwriting?

Resources are abundant both online and offline. Consider exploring music production courses, online tutorials on platforms like YouTube, music theory books, and workshops or classes offered at local music schools. Networking with other musicians and producers can also offer valuable insights.

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The Effects of Background Music on Creative Writing

  • Marina Casavant MacEwan University

Although many creative writers listen to music while they write (Chamorro-Premuzic et. al.,2009), it is not yet understood if background music enhances or decreases a writer’s creativity. Previous research suggests that the presence of music increases arousal, which in turn affects creativity (He et. al., 2017). Furthermore, people display higher levels of creativity when exposed to familiar music (Schellenberg et. al, 2007). However, many of these studies have examined music priming (when music is played prior to the task), as opposed to background music (when music is played during the task). There is also a lack of research on creative writing, especially short stories. In this study, experienced and novice writers will be asked to write two 300-word fictional stories with provided prompts. One will be written in silence, and the other will be written while listening to playlists the participants has created themselves. Participants will have fifteen minutes to write each story, and then they will answer a series of questionnaires that measure personality, empathy, and participants’ histories of creative activities and achievements. The stories written by these participants will then be read by two sets of raters: those who are also experienced in creative writing, and novice writers. The raters will compare each author’s stories, and judge which story is more creative. The hypothesis is that music will enhance the creativity in both groups of writers, but will have a greater effect in novices, as experienced writers are capable of being creative with or without music.

Faculty Mentor: Kathleen Corrigall

Department: Psychology (Honours)

best background music for creative writing

Authors retain any and all existing copyright to works contributed to these proceedings. 

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    1. The Benefits of Background Music. There are several ways background music can enhance one's creative process. Firstly, music has the ability to set the mood and tone for your work, allowing your mind to hone in on specific emotions or themes.

  23. The Effects of Background Music on Creative Writing

    Abstract. Although many creative writers listen to music while they write (Chamorro-Premuzic et. al.,2009), it is not yet understood if background music enhances or decreases a writer's creativity. Previous research suggests that the presence of music increases arousal, which in turn affects creativity (He et. al., 2017).