The Sound of Creativity: Katie's Favorite Songs to Get Inspired

I am a big fan of using music to create a working headspace.

For so long, I might not have thought that was the case. I’m definitely one to sing along to something if it’s on the radio. But as a result, listening to my favorite musical or favorite boy band has never been an option if the point was to get into a headspace conducive to productivity.

Today? More often than not, I need music to be productive.

I owe a lot of credit to Spotify and the like. I was the kid growing up that knew what all the music sharing programs were but that never felt comfortable using them. Beyond that, I wasn’t great at discovering my own musical tastes outside of what friends or family told me were good anyhow. When I started adopting more streaming options like Pandora, the world of music opened up for me.

Music became more than conducive to my productivity, it helped me better reach a state of flow when it came to working. If you’re familiar with the concept of flow, then you know the value of being able to maintain it for productivity.  

This is probably a good time to state that I’m aware of how this probably reads as a sort of amateur hour to many of my more musically-informed friends.

That being said, here’s a list of music that helps my creative process; heavily influenced by recent projects.

1. Palette Cleanser. - Lo-Fi Beats, Spotify “Focus” Playlist

This playlist is smooth and simple. In fact the Spotify description is “Beats to relax and focus.” It’s great for starting a new workday in general, and is chill enough to get my brain into focus-mode.

2. Blue Sky & Ideation. - “Branch” by Keith Kenniff

When this song comes on, it makes you feel like things are beginning. It has a light up-tempo beat with a little sprinkle of magic and possibility. No lyrics, just laying out a nice environment for the start of something.

3. Stretching My fingers. - “Death Of A Hero” by Alec Benjamin

I’ve been enjoying this song a lot lately. The lyrics address that delicate line between adolescence and adulthood. The vocals are youthful, almost too young to be singing about this kind of transition, but it’s perfect with a slightly melancholic yet uplifting beat. Several of my recent projects have dealt with characters navigating that transition and so this is a song that definitely makes the list.

Alec refers to himself as a “narrator” and much of his music has a cinematic feeling to it as a result.

4. Mood-Specific Sound. - “Short Term 12” (OMPS), Original Score by Joel P West

I love movie soundtracks. I’m frequently creating in terms of film and television so there are a whole slew of soundtracks that I enjoy. Sometimes it can be helpful to find something that is mood- or topic-specific in terms of sound and energy.

When the soundtrack to Short Term 12 opens up, it feels like a hot summer day. It feels innocent, slow, and like everyday life. For some of my recent projects, I wanted something like this that gives a serious slice of life vibe. Plus, Keith Stanfield’s song “So You Know What It’s Like” is incredibly powerful.

5. Inspiration. - “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” by The Beatles

It’s hard for me to relate to people who don’t have an appreciation for The Beatles.

It’s also hard for me to say that Sgt. Pepper is the sole album of theirs that I turn to for inspiration. It just happens to be the one I chose today. The album is a masterpiece of sound and word with each song, a universe of story and experience.

From “Getting Better” to “Within You Without You,” I love this album from top to bottom. It’s equal parts nostalgic and full of discovery at the same time.

6. Pump It UP. - “Life in Cartoon Motion” (Album) by Mika

I wanna talk to you.

If you don’t know Mika, you’re not living. I’ve never known music that makes me feel very predictably elated with every listen. You simply cannot ignore the magical energy this album has. “Grace Kelly” is a personal favorite that operates as an uplifting reminder that no one is ever good enough for everyone. Just TRY and not feel good when listening to Mika.

7. Keep It Going. - “Queen Best Of” (Album) by Queen

Legit my favorite album by Queen is “Best Of.” Because it really is. the best. of Queen. Everything on this album makes you want to drop everything and just be. Energetic and empowering, “Dont Stop Me Now” has never failed to get me energized.

8. Taking a Journey. - “Safety Not Guaranteed” (OMPS), Original Score by Ryan Miller, “Beasts of the Southern Wild” (OMPS), Original Score by Dan Romer

Alright, so like I’ve been saying… I love me a good soundtrack and frankly, they’re perfect for taking a journey somewhere. They are the musical landscape of a story. Here are two of my favorite soundtracks just in general.

9. Cool Down. - “Her Smoke Rose Up Forever” by James Blackshaw

Are you spent? I know I am. James Blackshaw pops up on a couple of my Spotify playlists now and again. This song especially is a great cool down song. It’s peaceful and feels like you’re sitting next to a campfire as the stars twinkle and you’re full of s’mores. It’s very satisfying and calming. I like to listen to this one when I need my brain to come down from the high gear it’s been in while writing, creating, ideating, etc.

10. Transition. - “Magpie And The Dandelion” (Album), Avett Brothers

I felt this was a great opportunity to plug in some of my favorite musicians, the Avett Brothers. Folk and smooth rock, the Avett Brothers are fantastic songwriters and lyricists. All of their albums are great and perfect for hanging out with a drink and friends.

-Katie