I’ve got a problem.

It might just be because I’m getting older, but let’s assume it’s not, okay? Thanks.

Anyway, the problem is that I enjoy listening to music, but, lately, it’s been distracting, and the radio and Spotify (non-premium) are the worst. 

I’ll be working on a project, totally in the zone, and then commercial breaks, DJ blabber, or even just the simple lyrics grab my attention, pull me out of “my groove,” and kill my concentration.  

It’s exhausting, especially when I’m working on projects on a tight deadline.  Worse yet, shutting off the music and working in silence isn’t any better! 

Luckily, over time, I’ve found a solution.  

For me (and maybe for you?) I see that instrumental music (or music with lyrics in a foreign language) tends to be good, especially if there’s a driving beat, which helps me to stay “in the groove,” focused, and in a zone where I can concentrate and maintain my productivity on projects.

Here’s a “playlist” of some of the best music I’ve found for higher levels of productivity.  (I’ve included YouTube links, so everybody can see, but you might prefer to listen to the collections within a different service.)

“Far from Home” by Hugo Kant

Whoa!  Hugo puts out some hauntingly great music.  This is a recent album and his other stuff is amazing, too.

https://youtu.be/2_aRBPJekjw 

dZihan & Kamien IV

This just came out this year and it’s amazing.  Been a fan of this duo for a long time. Some of the lyrics on this might be distracting, but it’s worth it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD9SAjXTaFs&list=OLAK5uy_mfnd35euInas52TQuN3l4ZoJLIJ3ZJvIY 

https://music.apple.com/il/album/art-of-motion/190267918

https://open.spotify.com/album/2AkKXfAVVI91CMNMdDxJs8

Radiohead – In Rainbows From the Basement

Also some lyrics in this mix, but OMG, who can really understand Thom Yorke, anyway?  LOL.  This session is so hypnotic and it’s easy to find the groove and continue working on projects while this is playing. Surprising how fast an hour of this can go! 

https://youtu.be/DWuAn6C8Mfc

“Saudade” by Thievery Corporation

This is a masterpiece!  The lyrics are in Portuguese (I think), so not really a problem.  Mellow, rich, and flowing, with beats that contribute to focus. Dig it.

https://youtu.be/2XvXvuPDZnI 

SpringLady’s “Spiritual India” mix (only on YouTube)

This mix tends to float around on YouTube as admins take it down and fans put it back up. After 75 seconds of mellow, sitar-backed “opera,” the driving beat takes listeners away on a path of higher consciousness and, as a freelancer, this mix has been my reliable, “never fail goto” when I absolutely, positively need to get shit done. 

https://youtu.be/eHCwFA2Actc 

“DJ-Kicks (DJ Mix)” by Kruder & Dorfmeister  

And, of course, the long-time favorite from the “granddaddies” of this genre.  This is an old collection, but it’s timeless.  Check it out, step aboard, and enjoy.  

https://youtu.be/1IAVEWnnlHM 

Let me know what you think.  Maybe you have other suggestions to add to the list? You can reach me at dan(at]tomboloapp[dawt)com.

(Dan Bloom is a freelance writer and consultant for Israeli startups and tech companies that’s been working with CEO Ifat Ben David and the rest of the Tombolo team from the early days.)