10 ms·

Ask HN: What, if anything, do you listen to while coding?

53 points by cleanyourroom 8y ago

I rarely listen to anything, but I'm going to give it a try for a week and how it affects my productivity. Looking for playlist recommendations.

gunnarde 8y ago
typically I can't listen to music with words while coding. I stick to EDM, mainly Drum and Bass. Many years ago I found http://www.bassdrive.com http://www.bassdrive.com. Streaming Drum and Bass from DJs around the world. They have IRC interaction and mostly Live shows. Cheers!
- plinkplink 8y ago
  I would greatly appreciate any suggestions you might have for vocal-free drum n bass. DnB works best for my productivity, but vocals ruin it. Here are some that I've found: https://youtu.be/CL-vqNpGVQs https://youtu.be/CL-vqNpGVQs https://youtu.be/-e-jXfHeUy0 https://youtu.be/-e-jXfHeUy0 (terrible transitions) https://youtu.be/TmENer4RPhw https://youtu.be/TmENer4RPhw (anything by Monrroe) https://youtu.be/Q0dK7_3mkQM https://youtu.be/Q0dK7_3mkQM https://youtu.be/_QVbDoVT9Ro https://youtu.be/_QVbDoVT9Ro https://youtu.be/-qiMuebvq9E https://youtu.be/-qiMuebvq9E https://youtu.be/LYgNN8lDQ5s https://youtu.be/LYgNN8lDQ5s https://youtu.be/egd1cC5hH7s https://youtu.be/egd1cC5hH7s https://youtu.be/tRCvp0DI-Qg https://youtu.be/tRCvp0DI-Qg Unfortunately, a search for "Drum and Bass no vocals" gives you every genre of vocals you can imagine.
FroshKiller 8y ago
I put together a sample playlist for a teammate who didn't usually listen to music: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm761ub-NrD7jq1zwjHlSqwtB0ZFZtA4s https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm761ub-NrD7jq1zwjHlS... That stuff works for me, but, uh...I doubt a lot of people share my taste in programming music.
jacquesm 8y ago
Anything instrumental. Classical, Vangelis, Jean-Luc Ponty, Pat Metheny, Steps Ahead, John Abercrombie, Brian Eno.
dasmoth 8y ago
One track of pop, on repeat for the duration of the session. Today it was something by Dragonette, but that’s just what came to hand. After a few repeats, it becomes somewhat hypnotic, and something with human voices in is helpful for cutting out external distractions (open plan office, at the moment...) Coding music has little overlap with what I’d pick if I actually wanted to “listen to music”.
leipert 8y ago
Video game soundtracks should be really good, as they often contain no vocals and are supposed to keep you focused (on the game). E.g. Deus EX Human Revolution Soundtrack [0]. Movie scores from Hans Zimmer are also really good (e.g. Inception OST) [0]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyG6YMLEWus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyG6YMLEWus
- givankin 8y ago
  When I need a boost I always listen to Quake II: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jY6yBTYxLko https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jY6yBTYxLko
- notacoward 8y ago
  Excellent suggestion. I kept using the Lord of the Rings Online soundtrack as coding music long after I stopped playing LOTRO itself. It really is well suited, for the reasons you mention, but it's not bland or boring.
- quaffapint 8y ago
  Been listening to a mix of video game and movie soundtracks as well as some piano scores mixed in... https://www.pandora.com/station/play/2476798788059171414 https://www.pandora.com/station/play/2476798788059171414 ...definitely allows me to drown out everything and focus.
jventura 8y ago
Classical music in loop, such as this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzeRSsNHtsQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzeRSsNHtsQ
znt 8y ago
Chopin + Rainymood (dot) com.
staunch 8y ago
Most often: Rage Against The Machine on a loop. It's been working for me since ~1999.
- tcfunk 8y ago
  I just loop the first 2 seconds of guerilla radio
- ojhughes 8y ago
  I like RATM but this would drive me crazy
haste410 8y ago
Any of the lofi hip hop live streams. Usually calm with minimal vocals. This is my favorite one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilxhlnDo7_M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilxhlnDo7_M
- iammiles 8y ago
  I'll second LoFi. My other go-to is Yann Tiersen.
teaspoons 8y ago
Nothing
tedmiston 8y ago
I have definitely found that controlling the sound around me has an immense effect on productivity, and that I can use different sounds to influence my work. I use several tools for playing non-music sound when I'm working. SimpleHabit Focus Player (beta) [0] and Focus@Will [1] both play instrumental-y type sound, not really music per se. These two require a subscription but are inexpensive relative to the productivity boost they provide. Then SimplyNoise [2] and Zero Noise [3] for playing just colored noise in a noisy environment. The former uses Flash, so the latter is a bash script I made that's similar. I use the Spotify Focus playlists like Deep Focus sometimes, but they're more general and not as good as the dedicated services. I find these are especially good for combatting interruptions, conversations, and variable noises like conference calls. Sometimes I'll use something upbeat and EDM-y to get into flow when working on simple things. Another recent HN thread where I listed a few more related suggestions is https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14886317#14888870 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14886317#14888870. [0]: https://www.simplehabit.com/beta/focus https://www.simplehabit.com/beta/focus [1]: https://www.focusatwill.com/app/music https://www.focusatwill.com/app/music [2]: https://simplynoise.com/ https://simplynoise.com/ [3]: https://github.com/tedmiston/zero-noise https://github.com/tedmiston/zero-noise
eip 8y ago
Goats yelling like humans in G major.
- ruste 8y ago
  Can you hook me up with a source? I'd check the torrent sites, but I want to support the artists ya'know.
  - eip 8y ago
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSxAbEQgcZI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSxAbEQgcZI
hotsauceror 8y ago
For upgrades, patching, P1 issues, anything high-stress I prefer classical - Corelli, Locatelli, Handel. For coding I usually like electronica. I go back and forth between ambient stuff, like Koan or H.U.V.A Network, and vocal trance which has a pleasing, hypnotic aspect. I've tried binaural beats as well, they're not awful but they're not my go-to. Spotify has a ton of these kind of 2-hour tracks. Rainstorms can be nice as well.
- SOLAR_FIELDS 8y ago
  Psy-ambient has been my go-to as well for years (see username!). Anyone releasing music on Ultimae (run by Vincent Villius of the aforementioned H.U.V.A. Network) is a pretty good bet. All time favorites of mine are Solar Fields (also of aforementioned H.U.V.A. network) and Carbon Based Lifeforms, who also release music on Ultimae
maxxxxx 8y ago
For some tasks I can listen to audio podcasts like Fresh Air and comprehend it while coding but for other things I need silence. Music often distracts me.
mStreamTeam 8y ago
Lofi beats for late night coding: https://www.youtube.com/user/562Steezy https://www.youtube.com/user/562Steezy
JansjoFromIkea 8y ago
Boards of Canada are the obvious one (as seen from their heavy usage across here https://musicforprogramming.net/ https://musicforprogramming.net/), along with a bunch of Warp record acts from the 90s. Recently been listening to loads of Hard Bop Jazz though, Sonny Rollins in particular.
- JeanMarcS 8y ago
  I like that music for programming website. I also use it often for background music while coding.
Nihilartikel 8y ago
Krelez's chiptune livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gdhoj8HgaQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gdhoj8HgaQ Or sometimes a white noise generator..
iooi 8y ago
The Field - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvDt7XFhwHg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvDt7XFhwHg MiM0SA - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXHhKIChMbw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXHhKIChMbw Fuck Buttons - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxVZDxK02QE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxVZDxK02QE Philip Glass - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoqFj81bpok https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoqFj81bpok Police Scanner & Ambient Sounds - http://youarelistening.to/newyork http://youarelistening.to/newyork
joslin01 8y ago
On one screen, I have inspirational / epic / fantasy music going with pictures always changing (example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWQbkJA9ZQs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWQbkJA9ZQs) I get bored of coding so I like looking at the pretty pictures while I vim away on the other screen.
chrisco255 8y ago
DeadMau5 radio on Pandora.
Analemma_ 8y ago
Synthwave and lo-fi mixes on youtube. This is almost becoming a cliche, but they work.
a_e_k 8y ago
Mainly video game music and remixes: http://ocremix.org/ http://ocremix.org/ Medieval and Renaissance music too, sometimes.
__s 8y ago
ADULT. makes for good background noise http://www.adultperiod.com http://www.adultperiod.com
SmellyGeekBoy 8y ago
Today? Mostly Weezer. Sorry to be the one to buck the trend!
givankin 8y ago
For (more or less trivial) code reviews, JIRA or email work I often just listen to whatever I like and whatever fits the mood. Works well by giving me some endorphins while keeping me able to focus (sometimes I have to avoid listening to stuff I like too much :)). For coding, design and code reviews that require focus, silence is the best. My long-time addiction that has helped me a lot on numerous occasions is https://www.focusatwill.com/ https://www.focusatwill.com/. I also use it as pomodoro timer. Silence is still better, if you're in a distraction-free environment.
- givankin 8y ago
  Also learned recently: if your headphones are too good, they may prevent you from doing anything other than listening to music :)
politelemon 8y ago
Mostly ambient, enough to register but still stay in the background. Some examples: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0svuurLibQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0svuurLibQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wLwxmjrZj8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wLwxmjrZj8
lrvick 8y ago
Hardcore/screamo. It has a similar effect to white noise while providing high energy rhythm. Recently most played: * Norma Jean * Devil Wears Prada * Blessthefall * The Anchor
louib 8y ago
somafm.com listener-supported internet radio. Lots of different channels, mostly ambient electronic music.
hprotagonist 8y ago
when i absolutely must think very carefully: silence. when i’m doing something tricky but not right at my limit: palestrina and other polyphonic composers of medieval and renaissance sacred music. plug and chug coding: kind of whatever.
- hotsauceror 8y ago
  Anonymous 4 did some recordings of medieval masses and they were... otherworldly. They really put you in the contemplative mood.
  - hprotagonist 8y ago
    yes. i like the tallis scholars as well. i’ve even seen them in concert a few times.
donaldihunter 8y ago
Quite a few good streams on http://somafm.com/ http://somafm.com/
- ydnaclementine 8y ago
  I definitely recommend the defcon station - literal music for hacking https://somafm.com/defcon/ https://somafm.com/defcon/
  - softwarefounder 8y ago
    Thanks for this - kind of neat to have a community "hacking" channel. Seems to be mainly downtempo-ish, which is great.
  - warpten 8y ago
    defcon is great! another really cool one is Mission Control I should really donate on monthly basis, i listen to that radio a lot
vesrah 8y ago
Wave music like Noah B lately https://open.spotify.com/artist/4F4w1Gkfja6wPJzuMKCLmk?si=2jr05sMaTCeUvbLApwpr5Q https://open.spotify.com/artist/4F4w1Gkfja6wPJzuMKCLmk?si=2j...
mcjiggerlog 8y ago
I'm going to be boring and say "music". I don't really get distracted by lyrics - I never really take them in anyway. So, whatever I want - Jazz, Electronic, Rock, Folk, Classical, Metal. Anything.
om3n 8y ago
It's not free, but I listen to brain.fm while writing code at work: https://www.brain.fm/app https://www.brain.fm/app I have found my ability to focus is increased when listening to their "Focus" music.
SuperChihuahua 8y ago
I listen to art/programming streams on twitch
badger_boder 8y ago
Jazz or Drum and Bass.
golergka 8y ago
Boiler Room on air or archived shows, summer festival sets and Mixcloud.
masterleep 8y ago
I like instrumental space music, like Tangerine Dream.
yatsyk 8y ago
One of: * http://Brain.fm http://Brain.fm * Chillout on http://di.fm http://di.fm * http://listentothe.cloud/ http://listentothe.cloud/
- AndrewOMartin 8y ago
  Concur on di.fm, not chillout though. I find Psy keeps the easily distracted half of my brain occupied whilst the other half gets on with work. For calm, I go to Calm Radio on YT. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxn8p26WTR4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxn8p26WTR4
- didsomeonesay 8y ago
  brain.fm I really liked. Unfortunately the Android app stopped working for me. I've contacted their support, they were initially quite responsive but no solution yet.
  - didsomeonesay 8y ago
    Update: working now! There were app updates and server-side changes. One of those must have fixed it. Recommended for support.
franzpeterstein 8y ago
UKFDubstep https://www.youtube.com/user/UKFDubstep/playlists https://www.youtube.com/user/UKFDubstep/playlists NewRetroWave https://www.youtube.com/user/NewRetroWave https://www.youtube.com/user/NewRetroWave /playlists some classic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcpM0yN7p0c&list=PL7Tph50TCROcb5Z4x3mLKim3dyXdITxHh https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcpM0yN7p0c&list=PL7Tph50TCR... and sometimes the Free Music Archive: http://freemusicarchive.org/ http://freemusicarchive.org/
yagyu 8y ago
Opeth Bloodbath Leprous Soen Haken Mostly prog metal that I know well already. I find it hard to focus with music I have not heard before, but can quickly go into very deep focus mode with something well known.
- hotsauceror 8y ago
  Alcest is very Opeth-inspired, you might give them a shot. Also Fallujah, which I might call prog-death? They're not everyone's cup of tea but they've got some atmospherics going.
midnightmonster 8y ago
I listen to almost any music I know well, typically in album order. Novelty in the background is terrible for my attention.
rwnspace 8y ago
When lines > quality, deep/tech house is good: Stimming, and Oliver Schories While thinking/reviewing/learning, generally instrumental jazzy/stoner trip-hop stuff: Jan Jelinek - Loop Finding Jazz Records: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hIgBEXuQD8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hIgBEXuQD8 Fila Brazillia - A Touch Of Cloth: https://youtu.be/RjuP9cvgLic?t=4m56s https://youtu.be/RjuP9cvgLic?t=4m56s Also Kruder & Dorfmeister/Peace Orchestra, John Abercrombie, Hidden Orchestra (highly recommend the albums Archipelago and Wingbeats).
scyclow 8y ago
I'm a big fan of Raymond Scott's electronic stuff because it's interesting, non distracting, and usually doesn't have lyrics. https://youtu.be/rYVIDJtKU-A https://youtu.be/rYVIDJtKU-A
DedicatedHippo 8y ago
Deltron 3030 Virus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrEdbKwivCI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrEdbKwivCI I'm not writing viruses but when writing simple bash scripts with white text on a black background terminal it can be very enjoyable
Ono-Sendai 8y ago
https://tormentedradio.com/ https://tormentedradio.com/
lmedinas 8y ago
I tried a bit of everything and its really random for me. As i metal/rock fan i rarely listen to the genre. Here is some artists to get you started that really help me focus on programing: - Trent Reznor and NiN: Social Network, Ghosts and The Fragile. - How to destroy Angels (also a subproject of Trent Reznor). - Daft Punk: live album and Tron soundtrack. - Miles Davis: Bitches Brew. - RadioHead: OK Computer, KID A and Amnesiac. - Gojira: Magma and From Mars to Sirius - Opeth: Live at Royal Albert Hall - U2: Songs of Inocence and Songs of Experience. - Massive Attack: Mezzanine - Blade Runner soundtrack. - Interstellar soundtrack. Recently Synthwave DJs - Kavinsky: Outrun - The Midnight: Any song (i really love these guys and the atmosphere they put into their songs). Hope it helps you find a music for your mood.
- dver 8y ago
  Yes, anything Miles Davis, and most of Vangelis have been for my coding.
- CodeTheInternet 8y ago
  NIN "Ghosts" is fantastic
- sincarne 8y ago
  I love the Bladerunner soundtrack, except I haven't found a version without a few snippets of movie dialogue. Second Daft Punk's Tron score. It's kind of my default. On the Miles Davis front, check out Panthalassa.
- Graziano_M 8y ago
  For synthwave M|O|O|N is awesome. The 'Hotline Miami' OST is great.
leebrandt 8y ago
Somafm Suburbs of Goa: https://somafm.com/suburbsofgoa/ https://somafm.com/suburbsofgoa/ Shanghai Restoration Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09b-jSbPreU&list=PLxjXphoR4YDpGWt3oLvkodOwXipbDt_pB&index=2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09b-jSbPreU&list=PLxjXphoR4Y... Breaking Benjamin
- snapdaddy 8y ago
  Thank you for somafm - that's pretty awesome
JeanMarcS 8y ago
Mostly music without singing. If a voice starts, I automatically listen to the words and loose my focus. So a lot of OST (movies or games), jazz, neo rock, electronic music, etc..
CodeTheInternet 8y ago
Vocals tend to pull my focus, and repeated phrasing in a lot of EDM is distracting. I find post-rock as a great genre for coding. I frequent the r/postrock sub-Reddit and keep yearly Spotify playlists updated with new releases [1]. I have also enjoyed combining jazz with a rain simulator like RainyMood [2]. Volume-balance them together and it's sublime. [1]: https://open.spotify.com/user/edlerner/playlist/5TJbCB33vOzTkQgaQRlNxS?si=9ePbvRJ0Tmek48T8_IyA0A https://open.spotify.com/user/edlerner/playlist/5TJbCB33vOzT... [2]: https://www.rainymood.com/ https://www.rainymood.com/
- wink 8y ago
  Similar for me. Mostly: anything without easily discernible or deep lyrics that distract me. This could be Black Metal, EDM, classical music. Also ok: Stuff I really like and know really well, e.g. Metal with understandable lyrics, 80s Synthpop, Soundtracks Usually not ok: ballads, rap, stuff with lyrics in my mother tongue Special mentions: EVE Online OST: https://soundcloud.com/ccpgames/sets/eve-online-login-screen-music https://soundcloud.com/ccpgames/sets/eve-online-login-screen..., The Cat Empire, Dirty Doering, Pendulum, Massive Attack, Portishead, or random DJ sets
  - actsasbuffoon 8y ago
    Wolves in the Throne Room and So Hideous are great examples of metal bands with sweeping atmospheres and non-intrusive vocals. The Algorithm and Master Boot Record are metal-inspired electronic music with no vocals. Video game soundtracks also work well. Danny Baronowsky, Ridiculon (The End Is Nigh soundtrack is phenomenal), and Disasterpiece are some of my favorite indie game composers. Metroid Metal is kinda similar, but it's highly technical prog-metal covers of music from the Metroid series. Descendants of Erdrick and Armcannon are also enjoyable metal video game cover bands. If you want to get lost in coding for a long while without needing to change albums, Chronicles of Time is a 5 hour long compilation of covers of music from Chrono Trigger by a huge variety of artists. If you listen to this from start to finish without stopping, you should probably take a break and stretch for a while. I really enjoy the soundtrack from Elder Scrolls Online. The new Doom has an excellent soundtrack as well, though it does have occasional voice-over.
phakding 8y ago
Enigma
sudouser 8y ago
if you concentrate with no music, you’ll lose focus. some great recommendations in the thread, I’ll add frank ocean - endless
epicsaxguy 8y ago
There's only one right answer to this question and it's: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZcmTl_1ER8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZcmTl_1ER8 I'm only kinda joking but otherwise seriously check this out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqOVpiXfq0o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqOVpiXfq0o
ojhughes 8y ago
Lo-Fi Chill hop 24/7 live playlist such as https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FlxM_0S2lA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FlxM_0S2lA Surfpop / Shoegaze mixes, this is one of my faves! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiwd4yCrws0&t=2515s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiwd4yCrws0&t=2515s Artists such as Mogwai Sometimes skate punk or metal (weirdly first thing in the day to get my brain going!) Liquid/Intelligent Drum 'n Bass mixes (again good for motivation) This Netsky mix is a classic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwTU4IVHlEg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwTU4IVHlEg
markpapadakis 8y ago
I prefer silence or isolation most of the times. When I can’t get that or I am in the mood for music, I usually listen to random video games music, or tavern music in games ( on YouTube ).
british_india 8y ago
Teddybears "Rocket Scientist" Henry Mancini
blikdak 8y ago
Mostly non-vocal Trance/EDM https://open.spotify.com/user/1231314189/playlist/0uw5wl2Ne7yqf8Wid16Vfv?si=KM4c6V9NShWbZn8vdDp0JQ https://open.spotify.com/user/1231314189/playlist/0uw5wl2Ne7...
originalsimba 8y ago
heavy metal! :) Breaking Benjamin, Slipknot, Three Days Grace, Metallica, Slayer. I also have a di.fm subscription which includes rockradio.com radiotunes.com and a couple others (jazz and classical), all excellent choices.
handbanana 8y ago
I don't usually listen to music. Two Steps From Hell isn't bad while coding, though
mstaoru 8y ago
In the "listening" mood I code with atmospheric black and post-black like Alcest, Agalloch, or Kauan. I find both "Sorni Nai" and "Pirut" by Kauan to be able to induce almost trance-like focus. Otherwise, I put on my trusty 3M Peltor X5A with -37 dB rating, so most of Wework's office noises and sticky pop background tune down to a barely audible droning.
moltar 8y ago
Brain.fm
gymshoes 8y ago
For me, it depends on the mood. Usually I just put in my current state of mind in the search bar and usually a playlist is present. I've seen that songs I know already provide way less distraction than new music.
ghthor 8y ago
Drum and Bass. Usually pick something from bassblog.pro
vroomik 8y ago
I found plenty of nice background music in here(50 playlists) http://musicforprogramming.net/ http://musicforprogramming.net/
rayalez 8y ago
Movie and video game soundtracks. Can't recommend Ramin Djawadi enough(he wrote soundtracks for Game of Thrones and Westworld). Here's a great example of his music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pS-gbqbVd8c&t=0s&list=PLTT-Xb7kSZWXO48LcIeXBIP-hetLW50YG&index=80 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pS-gbqbVd8c&t=0s&list=PLTT-X... Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard are also great: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxabLA7UQ9k&list=PLyVPkvhD7G7rcW4o7MLMXus6Kq1cbh2Op&index=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxabLA7UQ9k&list=PLyVPkvhD7G... And I love halo soundtracks, here's my collection: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTT-Xb7kSZWWp4MXXUtnye9kvlqS3JTP3 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTT-Xb7kSZWWp4MXXUtny...
sjapkee 8y ago
Math rock.
ilikecakeandpie 8y ago
I listen to a lot of beats or samples usually. J Dilla is fantastic
jrz53 8y ago
Trip hop, metal, or asmr. I don’t really feel like music I enjoy with discernible lyrics distract me though.
omegabloom 8y ago
I didn't see them or may have missed them - this will destroy you, if these trees could talk, russian circles, john frusciante and my fave would probably be clouddead but what do I know :)
codewritinfool 8y ago
Ozric Tentacles. No vocals in 30 albums except for 1 or 2 songs. I can't code well with words going on. Some would say I can't code well without words going on, either. LOL. Tycho. Also no vocals.
amorphous 8y ago
https://mynoise.net https://mynoise.net which is a fantastic source of ambient sounds to block out outside noise or help to focus/relax. Made by a very knowledgable sound engineer.
shinryuu 8y ago
I'll just leave this here. 8 hours of concentration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk26FUe38y0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk26FUe38y0 Helped me work through many a days. Otherwise anything ambient that I find on youtube :)
samuell 8y ago
The only time I listen to music while coding is when I'm really sleepy, and need something to get juices flowing again. For this, I have my "waking up" playlist, which is pretty much a bunch of really intense opera classics, with Russel Watson (I don't know Italian, so the lyrics don't distract me): https://open.spotify.com/user/smllmp/playlist/4VfhqzNUFHQntXkBPYTzU9?si=QfewzmzpQBWxZOUnQ-cPJw https://open.spotify.com/user/smllmp/playlist/4VfhqzNUFHQntX...
twovi 8y ago
I typically listen to podcasts when writing documentation, but when it comes to real development time, I listen to "minimal techno"/edm as in Tycho, deadmau5, marshmello, apex twins, thievery corporation, ODEZA, Emancipator, Tame Impala
sincarne 8y ago
I like instrumentals. I mostly hit up Spotify's focus playlists (not as good as the old Songza ones). They tend heavily to the electronic side, so I made a couple I enjoy. Prog Rock Instrumentals: https://open.spotify.com/user/frogblast/playlist/1RqHAhrFCEIJnM7OliWoUs?si=xQDN-d-xQYmtCrDV_ypGMQ https://open.spotify.com/user/frogblast/playlist/1RqHAhrFCEI... Calexico Instrumentals: https://open.spotify.com/user/frogblast/playlist/6KDPLvi4akh7vTiX8Jujfh?si=e78_XQHLSB6_h7RrzSrc1A https://open.spotify.com/user/frogblast/playlist/6KDPLvi4akh...
plinkplink 8y ago
Drum & Bass without vocals. I've put a lot of time, thought, and experimentation into this; nothing else comes close to keeping me as focused and highly productive. Some examples: Monrroe https://youtu.be/TmENer4RPhw https://youtu.be/TmENer4RPhw https://youtu.be/41OKIznqMCg https://youtu.be/41OKIznqMCg https://youtu.be/IKbadsY2MSs https://youtu.be/IKbadsY2MSs Mix https://youtu.be/LYgNN8lDQ5s https://youtu.be/LYgNN8lDQ5s You're thinking, "but it all sounds the same!" That's the point. It keeps you moving forward without breaking your stride. For longer, less mentally demanding tasks this kind of stuff works great, too: https://youtu.be/VNP0-Tb9big https://youtu.be/VNP0-Tb9big
menor 8y ago
Brain.fm or my coding playlist (mostly synthwave) also instrumental surf https://open.spotify.com/user/josemenor/playlist/2g37r5uAPEipv7g5neYgAB?si=AoY8D9NdT5CefN9q-O2yDg https://open.spotify.com/user/josemenor/playlist/2g37r5uAPEi...
robinv 8y ago
I've got tons of playlists that I listen to while coding, usually instrumental music of various styles, sometimes I also prefer silence, especially when I need to focus on learning something completely new. Most common genres that I listen to are electronic, trip hop, trance, techno, drum & bass, ambient and post-rock. Some of my favorite artists include Bonobo, Emancipator, Tycho, Gramatik, The American Dollar and DJ Shadow. Here are some interesting Spotify playlists that you might enjoy during coding: https://open.spotify.com/user/chillhopmusic/playlist/74sUjcvpGfdOvCHvgzNEDO?si=qqY1S7OzRmi60uTj9Z_lFw https://open.spotify.com/user/chillhopmusic/playlist/74sUjcv... Or find more like this on chillhop.com Here's a few from me: Post-rock / instrumental rock https://open.spotify.com/user/116691196/playlist/78eqGh29jt0Np6P2EcWcpv?si=lBIOqUBsQAmgdpVO2zKmwg https://open.spotify.com/user/116691196/playlist/78eqGh29jt0... Chill House music https://open.spotify.com/user/116691196/playlist/6DalghuQizi32L772HWF7e?si=Xz4euMGHQYqJKw32P2JufQ https://open.spotify.com/user/116691196/playlist/6DalghuQizi...
d--b 8y ago
I do movie soundtracks a lot. Hans Zimmer, Bernard Hermann, and so on.

53 points by cleanyourroom 8y ago

I rarely listen to anything, but I'm going to give it a try for a week and how it affects my productivity. Looking for playlist recommendations.

gunnarde 8y ago

typically I can't listen to music with words while coding. I stick to EDM, mainly Drum and Bass. Many years ago I found http://www.bassdrive.com http://www.bassdrive.com. Streaming Drum and Bass from DJs around the world. They have IRC interaction and mostly Live shows. Cheers!

plinkplink 8y ago
I would greatly appreciate any suggestions you might have for vocal-free drum n bass. DnB works best for my productivity, but vocals ruin it. Here are some that I've found: https://youtu.be/CL-vqNpGVQs https://youtu.be/CL-vqNpGVQs https://youtu.be/-e-jXfHeUy0 https://youtu.be/-e-jXfHeUy0 (terrible transitions) https://youtu.be/TmENer4RPhw https://youtu.be/TmENer4RPhw (anything by Monrroe) https://youtu.be/Q0dK7_3mkQM https://youtu.be/Q0dK7_3mkQM https://youtu.be/_QVbDoVT9Ro https://youtu.be/_QVbDoVT9Ro https://youtu.be/-qiMuebvq9E https://youtu.be/-qiMuebvq9E https://youtu.be/LYgNN8lDQ5s https://youtu.be/LYgNN8lDQ5s https://youtu.be/egd1cC5hH7s https://youtu.be/egd1cC5hH7s https://youtu.be/tRCvp0DI-Qg https://youtu.be/tRCvp0DI-Qg Unfortunately, a search for "Drum and Bass no vocals" gives you every genre of vocals you can imagine.

FroshKiller 8y ago

I put together a sample playlist for a teammate who didn't usually listen to music: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm761ub-NrD7jq1zwjHlSqwtB0ZFZtA4s https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm761ub-NrD7jq1zwjHlS... That stuff works for me, but, uh...I doubt a lot of people share my taste in programming music.

jacquesm 8y ago

Anything instrumental. Classical, Vangelis, Jean-Luc Ponty, Pat Metheny, Steps Ahead, John Abercrombie, Brian Eno.

dasmoth 8y ago

One track of pop, on repeat for the duration of the session. Today it was something by Dragonette, but that’s just what came to hand. After a few repeats, it becomes somewhat hypnotic, and something with human voices in is helpful for cutting out external distractions (open plan office, at the moment...) Coding music has little overlap with what I’d pick if I actually wanted to “listen to music”.

leipert 8y ago

Video game soundtracks should be really good, as they often contain no vocals and are supposed to keep you focused (on the game). E.g. Deus EX Human Revolution Soundtrack [0]. Movie scores from Hans Zimmer are also really good (e.g. Inception OST) [0]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyG6YMLEWus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyG6YMLEWus

givankin 8y ago
When I need a boost I always listen to Quake II: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jY6yBTYxLko https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jY6yBTYxLko
notacoward 8y ago
Excellent suggestion. I kept using the Lord of the Rings Online soundtrack as coding music long after I stopped playing LOTRO itself. It really is well suited, for the reasons you mention, but it's not bland or boring.
quaffapint 8y ago
Been listening to a mix of video game and movie soundtracks as well as some piano scores mixed in... https://www.pandora.com/station/play/2476798788059171414 https://www.pandora.com/station/play/2476798788059171414 ...definitely allows me to drown out everything and focus.

jventura 8y ago

Classical music in loop, such as this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzeRSsNHtsQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzeRSsNHtsQ

znt 8y ago

Chopin + Rainymood (dot) com.

staunch 8y ago

Most often: Rage Against The Machine on a loop. It's been working for me since ~1999.

tcfunk 8y ago
I just loop the first 2 seconds of guerilla radio
ojhughes 8y ago
I like RATM but this would drive me crazy

haste410 8y ago

Any of the lofi hip hop live streams. Usually calm with minimal vocals. This is my favorite one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilxhlnDo7_M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilxhlnDo7_M

iammiles 8y ago
I'll second LoFi. My other go-to is Yann Tiersen.

teaspoons 8y ago

Nothing

tedmiston 8y ago

I have definitely found that controlling the sound around me has an immense effect on productivity, and that I can use different sounds to influence my work. I use several tools for playing non-music sound when I'm working. SimpleHabit Focus Player (beta) [0] and Focus@Will [1] both play instrumental-y type sound, not really music per se. These two require a subscription but are inexpensive relative to the productivity boost they provide. Then SimplyNoise [2] and Zero Noise [3] for playing just colored noise in a noisy environment. The former uses Flash, so the latter is a bash script I made that's similar. I use the Spotify Focus playlists like Deep Focus sometimes, but they're more general and not as good as the dedicated services. I find these are especially good for combatting interruptions, conversations, and variable noises like conference calls. Sometimes I'll use something upbeat and EDM-y to get into flow when working on simple things. Another recent HN thread where I listed a few more related suggestions is https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14886317#14888870 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14886317#14888870. [0]: https://www.simplehabit.com/beta/focus https://www.simplehabit.com/beta/focus [1]: https://www.focusatwill.com/app/music https://www.focusatwill.com/app/music [2]: https://simplynoise.com/ https://simplynoise.com/ [3]: https://github.com/tedmiston/zero-noise https://github.com/tedmiston/zero-noise

eip 8y ago

Goats yelling like humans in G major.

ruste 8y ago
Can you hook me up with a source? I'd check the torrent sites, but I want to support the artists ya'know.
- eip 8y ago
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSxAbEQgcZI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSxAbEQgcZI

hotsauceror 8y ago

For upgrades, patching, P1 issues, anything high-stress I prefer classical - Corelli, Locatelli, Handel. For coding I usually like electronica. I go back and forth between ambient stuff, like Koan or H.U.V.A Network, and vocal trance which has a pleasing, hypnotic aspect. I've tried binaural beats as well, they're not awful but they're not my go-to. Spotify has a ton of these kind of 2-hour tracks. Rainstorms can be nice as well.

SOLAR_FIELDS 8y ago
Psy-ambient has been my go-to as well for years (see username!). Anyone releasing music on Ultimae (run by Vincent Villius of the aforementioned H.U.V.A. Network) is a pretty good bet. All time favorites of mine are Solar Fields (also of aforementioned H.U.V.A. network) and Carbon Based Lifeforms, who also release music on Ultimae

maxxxxx 8y ago

For some tasks I can listen to audio podcasts like Fresh Air and comprehend it while coding but for other things I need silence. Music often distracts me.

mStreamTeam 8y ago

Lofi beats for late night coding: https://www.youtube.com/user/562Steezy https://www.youtube.com/user/562Steezy

JansjoFromIkea 8y ago

Boards of Canada are the obvious one (as seen from their heavy usage across here https://musicforprogramming.net/ https://musicforprogramming.net/), along with a bunch of Warp record acts from the 90s. Recently been listening to loads of Hard Bop Jazz though, Sonny Rollins in particular.

JeanMarcS 8y ago
I like that music for programming website. I also use it often for background music while coding.

Nihilartikel 8y ago

Krelez's chiptune livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gdhoj8HgaQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gdhoj8HgaQ Or sometimes a white noise generator..

iooi 8y ago

The Field - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvDt7XFhwHg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvDt7XFhwHg MiM0SA - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXHhKIChMbw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXHhKIChMbw Fuck Buttons - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxVZDxK02QE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxVZDxK02QE Philip Glass - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoqFj81bpok https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoqFj81bpok Police Scanner & Ambient Sounds - http://youarelistening.to/newyork http://youarelistening.to/newyork

joslin01 8y ago

On one screen, I have inspirational / epic / fantasy music going with pictures always changing (example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWQbkJA9ZQs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWQbkJA9ZQs) I get bored of coding so I like looking at the pretty pictures while I vim away on the other screen.

chrisco255 8y ago

DeadMau5 radio on Pandora.

Analemma_ 8y ago

Synthwave and lo-fi mixes on youtube. This is almost becoming a cliche, but they work.

a_e_k 8y ago

Mainly video game music and remixes: http://ocremix.org/ http://ocremix.org/ Medieval and Renaissance music too, sometimes.

__s 8y ago

ADULT. makes for good background noise http://www.adultperiod.com http://www.adultperiod.com

SmellyGeekBoy 8y ago

Today? Mostly Weezer. Sorry to be the one to buck the trend!

givankin 8y ago

For (more or less trivial) code reviews, JIRA or email work I often just listen to whatever I like and whatever fits the mood. Works well by giving me some endorphins while keeping me able to focus (sometimes I have to avoid listening to stuff I like too much :)). For coding, design and code reviews that require focus, silence is the best. My long-time addiction that has helped me a lot on numerous occasions is https://www.focusatwill.com/ https://www.focusatwill.com/. I also use it as pomodoro timer. Silence is still better, if you're in a distraction-free environment.

givankin 8y ago
Also learned recently: if your headphones are too good, they may prevent you from doing anything other than listening to music :)

politelemon 8y ago

Mostly ambient, enough to register but still stay in the background. Some examples: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0svuurLibQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0svuurLibQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wLwxmjrZj8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wLwxmjrZj8

lrvick 8y ago

Hardcore/screamo. It has a similar effect to white noise while providing high energy rhythm. Recently most played: * Norma Jean * Devil Wears Prada * Blessthefall * The Anchor

louib 8y ago

somafm.com listener-supported internet radio. Lots of different channels, mostly ambient electronic music.

hprotagonist 8y ago

when i absolutely must think very carefully: silence. when i’m doing something tricky but not right at my limit: palestrina and other polyphonic composers of medieval and renaissance sacred music. plug and chug coding: kind of whatever.

hotsauceror 8y ago
Anonymous 4 did some recordings of medieval masses and they were... otherworldly. They really put you in the contemplative mood.
- hprotagonist 8y ago
  yes. i like the tallis scholars as well. i’ve even seen them in concert a few times.

donaldihunter 8y ago

Quite a few good streams on http://somafm.com/ http://somafm.com/

ydnaclementine 8y ago
I definitely recommend the defcon station - literal music for hacking https://somafm.com/defcon/ https://somafm.com/defcon/
- softwarefounder 8y ago
  Thanks for this - kind of neat to have a community "hacking" channel. Seems to be mainly downtempo-ish, which is great.
- warpten 8y ago
  defcon is great! another really cool one is Mission Control I should really donate on monthly basis, i listen to that radio a lot

vesrah 8y ago

Wave music like Noah B lately https://open.spotify.com/artist/4F4w1Gkfja6wPJzuMKCLmk?si=2jr05sMaTCeUvbLApwpr5Q https://open.spotify.com/artist/4F4w1Gkfja6wPJzuMKCLmk?si=2j...

mcjiggerlog 8y ago

I'm going to be boring and say "music". I don't really get distracted by lyrics - I never really take them in anyway. So, whatever I want - Jazz, Electronic, Rock, Folk, Classical, Metal. Anything.

om3n 8y ago

It's not free, but I listen to brain.fm while writing code at work: https://www.brain.fm/app https://www.brain.fm/app I have found my ability to focus is increased when listening to their "Focus" music.

SuperChihuahua 8y ago

I listen to art/programming streams on twitch

badger_boder 8y ago

Jazz or Drum and Bass.

golergka 8y ago

Boiler Room on air or archived shows, summer festival sets and Mixcloud.

masterleep 8y ago

I like instrumental space music, like Tangerine Dream.

yatsyk 8y ago

One of: * http://Brain.fm http://Brain.fm * Chillout on http://di.fm http://di.fm * http://listentothe.cloud/ http://listentothe.cloud/

AndrewOMartin 8y ago
Concur on di.fm, not chillout though. I find Psy keeps the easily distracted half of my brain occupied whilst the other half gets on with work. For calm, I go to Calm Radio on YT. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxn8p26WTR4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxn8p26WTR4
didsomeonesay 8y ago
brain.fm I really liked. Unfortunately the Android app stopped working for me. I've contacted their support, they were initially quite responsive but no solution yet.
- didsomeonesay 8y ago
  Update: working now! There were app updates and server-side changes. One of those must have fixed it. Recommended for support.

franzpeterstein 8y ago

UKFDubstep https://www.youtube.com/user/UKFDubstep/playlists https://www.youtube.com/user/UKFDubstep/playlists NewRetroWave https://www.youtube.com/user/NewRetroWave https://www.youtube.com/user/NewRetroWave /playlists some classic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcpM0yN7p0c&list=PL7Tph50TCROcb5Z4x3mLKim3dyXdITxHh https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcpM0yN7p0c&list=PL7Tph50TCR... and sometimes the Free Music Archive: http://freemusicarchive.org/ http://freemusicarchive.org/

yagyu 8y ago

Opeth Bloodbath Leprous Soen Haken Mostly prog metal that I know well already. I find it hard to focus with music I have not heard before, but can quickly go into very deep focus mode with something well known.

hotsauceror 8y ago
Alcest is very Opeth-inspired, you might give them a shot. Also Fallujah, which I might call prog-death? They're not everyone's cup of tea but they've got some atmospherics going.

midnightmonster 8y ago

I listen to almost any music I know well, typically in album order. Novelty in the background is terrible for my attention.

rwnspace 8y ago

When lines > quality, deep/tech house is good: Stimming, and Oliver Schories While thinking/reviewing/learning, generally instrumental jazzy/stoner trip-hop stuff: Jan Jelinek - Loop Finding Jazz Records: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hIgBEXuQD8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hIgBEXuQD8 Fila Brazillia - A Touch Of Cloth: https://youtu.be/RjuP9cvgLic?t=4m56s https://youtu.be/RjuP9cvgLic?t=4m56s Also Kruder & Dorfmeister/Peace Orchestra, John Abercrombie, Hidden Orchestra (highly recommend the albums Archipelago and Wingbeats).

scyclow 8y ago

I'm a big fan of Raymond Scott's electronic stuff because it's interesting, non distracting, and usually doesn't have lyrics. https://youtu.be/rYVIDJtKU-A https://youtu.be/rYVIDJtKU-A

DedicatedHippo 8y ago

Deltron 3030 Virus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrEdbKwivCI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrEdbKwivCI I'm not writing viruses but when writing simple bash scripts with white text on a black background terminal it can be very enjoyable

Ono-Sendai 8y ago

https://tormentedradio.com/ https://tormentedradio.com/

lmedinas 8y ago

I tried a bit of everything and its really random for me. As i metal/rock fan i rarely listen to the genre. Here is some artists to get you started that really help me focus on programing: - Trent Reznor and NiN: Social Network, Ghosts and The Fragile. - How to destroy Angels (also a subproject of Trent Reznor). - Daft Punk: live album and Tron soundtrack. - Miles Davis: Bitches Brew. - RadioHead: OK Computer, KID A and Amnesiac. - Gojira: Magma and From Mars to Sirius - Opeth: Live at Royal Albert Hall - U2: Songs of Inocence and Songs of Experience. - Massive Attack: Mezzanine - Blade Runner soundtrack. - Interstellar soundtrack. Recently Synthwave DJs - Kavinsky: Outrun - The Midnight: Any song (i really love these guys and the atmosphere they put into their songs). Hope it helps you find a music for your mood.

dver 8y ago
Yes, anything Miles Davis, and most of Vangelis have been for my coding.
CodeTheInternet 8y ago
NIN "Ghosts" is fantastic
sincarne 8y ago
I love the Bladerunner soundtrack, except I haven't found a version without a few snippets of movie dialogue. Second Daft Punk's Tron score. It's kind of my default. On the Miles Davis front, check out Panthalassa.
Graziano_M 8y ago
For synthwave M|O|O|N is awesome. The 'Hotline Miami' OST is great.

leebrandt 8y ago

Somafm Suburbs of Goa: https://somafm.com/suburbsofgoa/ https://somafm.com/suburbsofgoa/ Shanghai Restoration Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09b-jSbPreU&list=PLxjXphoR4YDpGWt3oLvkodOwXipbDt_pB&index=2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09b-jSbPreU&list=PLxjXphoR4Y... Breaking Benjamin

snapdaddy 8y ago
Thank you for somafm - that's pretty awesome

JeanMarcS 8y ago

Mostly music without singing. If a voice starts, I automatically listen to the words and loose my focus. So a lot of OST (movies or games), jazz, neo rock, electronic music, etc..

CodeTheInternet 8y ago

Vocals tend to pull my focus, and repeated phrasing in a lot of EDM is distracting. I find post-rock as a great genre for coding. I frequent the r/postrock sub-Reddit and keep yearly Spotify playlists updated with new releases [1]. I have also enjoyed combining jazz with a rain simulator like RainyMood [2]. Volume-balance them together and it's sublime. [1]: https://open.spotify.com/user/edlerner/playlist/5TJbCB33vOzTkQgaQRlNxS?si=9ePbvRJ0Tmek48T8_IyA0A https://open.spotify.com/user/edlerner/playlist/5TJbCB33vOzT... [2]: https://www.rainymood.com/ https://www.rainymood.com/

wink 8y ago
Similar for me. Mostly: anything without easily discernible or deep lyrics that distract me. This could be Black Metal, EDM, classical music. Also ok: Stuff I really like and know really well, e.g. Metal with understandable lyrics, 80s Synthpop, Soundtracks Usually not ok: ballads, rap, stuff with lyrics in my mother tongue Special mentions: EVE Online OST: https://soundcloud.com/ccpgames/sets/eve-online-login-screen-music https://soundcloud.com/ccpgames/sets/eve-online-login-screen..., The Cat Empire, Dirty Doering, Pendulum, Massive Attack, Portishead, or random DJ sets
- actsasbuffoon 8y ago
  Wolves in the Throne Room and So Hideous are great examples of metal bands with sweeping atmospheres and non-intrusive vocals. The Algorithm and Master Boot Record are metal-inspired electronic music with no vocals. Video game soundtracks also work well. Danny Baronowsky, Ridiculon (The End Is Nigh soundtrack is phenomenal), and Disasterpiece are some of my favorite indie game composers. Metroid Metal is kinda similar, but it's highly technical prog-metal covers of music from the Metroid series. Descendants of Erdrick and Armcannon are also enjoyable metal video game cover bands. If you want to get lost in coding for a long while without needing to change albums, Chronicles of Time is a 5 hour long compilation of covers of music from Chrono Trigger by a huge variety of artists. If you listen to this from start to finish without stopping, you should probably take a break and stretch for a while. I really enjoy the soundtrack from Elder Scrolls Online. The new Doom has an excellent soundtrack as well, though it does have occasional voice-over.

phakding 8y ago

Enigma

sudouser 8y ago

if you concentrate with no music, you’ll lose focus. some great recommendations in the thread, I’ll add frank ocean - endless

epicsaxguy 8y ago

There's only one right answer to this question and it's: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZcmTl_1ER8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZcmTl_1ER8 I'm only kinda joking but otherwise seriously check this out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqOVpiXfq0o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqOVpiXfq0o

ojhughes 8y ago

Lo-Fi Chill hop 24/7 live playlist such as https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FlxM_0S2lA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FlxM_0S2lA Surfpop / Shoegaze mixes, this is one of my faves! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiwd4yCrws0&t=2515s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiwd4yCrws0&t=2515s Artists such as Mogwai Sometimes skate punk or metal (weirdly first thing in the day to get my brain going!) Liquid/Intelligent Drum 'n Bass mixes (again good for motivation) This Netsky mix is a classic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwTU4IVHlEg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwTU4IVHlEg

markpapadakis 8y ago

I prefer silence or isolation most of the times. When I can’t get that or I am in the mood for music, I usually listen to random video games music, or tavern music in games ( on YouTube ).

british_india 8y ago

Teddybears "Rocket Scientist" Henry Mancini

blikdak 8y ago

Mostly non-vocal Trance/EDM https://open.spotify.com/user/1231314189/playlist/0uw5wl2Ne7yqf8Wid16Vfv?si=KM4c6V9NShWbZn8vdDp0JQ https://open.spotify.com/user/1231314189/playlist/0uw5wl2Ne7...

originalsimba 8y ago

heavy metal! :) Breaking Benjamin, Slipknot, Three Days Grace, Metallica, Slayer. I also have a di.fm subscription which includes rockradio.com radiotunes.com and a couple others (jazz and classical), all excellent choices.

handbanana 8y ago

I don't usually listen to music. Two Steps From Hell isn't bad while coding, though

mstaoru 8y ago

In the "listening" mood I code with atmospheric black and post-black like Alcest, Agalloch, or Kauan. I find both "Sorni Nai" and "Pirut" by Kauan to be able to induce almost trance-like focus. Otherwise, I put on my trusty 3M Peltor X5A with -37 dB rating, so most of Wework's office noises and sticky pop background tune down to a barely audible droning.

moltar 8y ago

Brain.fm

gymshoes 8y ago

For me, it depends on the mood. Usually I just put in my current state of mind in the search bar and usually a playlist is present. I've seen that songs I know already provide way less distraction than new music.

ghthor 8y ago

Drum and Bass. Usually pick something from bassblog.pro

vroomik 8y ago

I found plenty of nice background music in here(50 playlists) http://musicforprogramming.net/ http://musicforprogramming.net/

rayalez 8y ago

Movie and video game soundtracks. Can't recommend Ramin Djawadi enough(he wrote soundtracks for Game of Thrones and Westworld). Here's a great example of his music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pS-gbqbVd8c&t=0s&list=PLTT-Xb7kSZWXO48LcIeXBIP-hetLW50YG&index=80 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pS-gbqbVd8c&t=0s&list=PLTT-X... Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard are also great: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxabLA7UQ9k&list=PLyVPkvhD7G7rcW4o7MLMXus6Kq1cbh2Op&index=1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxabLA7UQ9k&list=PLyVPkvhD7G... And I love halo soundtracks, here's my collection: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTT-Xb7kSZWWp4MXXUtnye9kvlqS3JTP3 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTT-Xb7kSZWWp4MXXUtny...

sjapkee 8y ago

Math rock.

ilikecakeandpie 8y ago

I listen to a lot of beats or samples usually. J Dilla is fantastic

jrz53 8y ago

Trip hop, metal, or asmr. I don’t really feel like music I enjoy with discernible lyrics distract me though.

omegabloom 8y ago

I didn't see them or may have missed them - this will destroy you, if these trees could talk, russian circles, john frusciante and my fave would probably be clouddead but what do I know :)

codewritinfool 8y ago

Ozric Tentacles. No vocals in 30 albums except for 1 or 2 songs. I can't code well with words going on. Some would say I can't code well without words going on, either. LOL. Tycho. Also no vocals.

amorphous 8y ago

https://mynoise.net https://mynoise.net which is a fantastic source of ambient sounds to block out outside noise or help to focus/relax. Made by a very knowledgable sound engineer.

shinryuu 8y ago

I'll just leave this here. 8 hours of concentration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk26FUe38y0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk26FUe38y0 Helped me work through many a days. Otherwise anything ambient that I find on youtube :)

samuell 8y ago

The only time I listen to music while coding is when I'm really sleepy, and need something to get juices flowing again. For this, I have my "waking up" playlist, which is pretty much a bunch of really intense opera classics, with Russel Watson (I don't know Italian, so the lyrics don't distract me): https://open.spotify.com/user/smllmp/playlist/4VfhqzNUFHQntXkBPYTzU9?si=QfewzmzpQBWxZOUnQ-cPJw https://open.spotify.com/user/smllmp/playlist/4VfhqzNUFHQntX...

twovi 8y ago

I typically listen to podcasts when writing documentation, but when it comes to real development time, I listen to "minimal techno"/edm as in Tycho, deadmau5, marshmello, apex twins, thievery corporation, ODEZA, Emancipator, Tame Impala

sincarne 8y ago

I like instrumentals. I mostly hit up Spotify's focus playlists (not as good as the old Songza ones). They tend heavily to the electronic side, so I made a couple I enjoy. Prog Rock Instrumentals: https://open.spotify.com/user/frogblast/playlist/1RqHAhrFCEIJnM7OliWoUs?si=xQDN-d-xQYmtCrDV_ypGMQ https://open.spotify.com/user/frogblast/playlist/1RqHAhrFCEI... Calexico Instrumentals: https://open.spotify.com/user/frogblast/playlist/6KDPLvi4akh7vTiX8Jujfh?si=e78_XQHLSB6_h7RrzSrc1A https://open.spotify.com/user/frogblast/playlist/6KDPLvi4akh...

plinkplink 8y ago

Drum & Bass without vocals. I've put a lot of time, thought, and experimentation into this; nothing else comes close to keeping me as focused and highly productive. Some examples: Monrroe https://youtu.be/TmENer4RPhw https://youtu.be/TmENer4RPhw https://youtu.be/41OKIznqMCg https://youtu.be/41OKIznqMCg https://youtu.be/IKbadsY2MSs https://youtu.be/IKbadsY2MSs Mix https://youtu.be/LYgNN8lDQ5s https://youtu.be/LYgNN8lDQ5s You're thinking, "but it all sounds the same!" That's the point. It keeps you moving forward without breaking your stride. For longer, less mentally demanding tasks this kind of stuff works great, too: https://youtu.be/VNP0-Tb9big https://youtu.be/VNP0-Tb9big

menor 8y ago

Brain.fm or my coding playlist (mostly synthwave) also instrumental surf https://open.spotify.com/user/josemenor/playlist/2g37r5uAPEipv7g5neYgAB?si=AoY8D9NdT5CefN9q-O2yDg https://open.spotify.com/user/josemenor/playlist/2g37r5uAPEi...

robinv 8y ago

I've got tons of playlists that I listen to while coding, usually instrumental music of various styles, sometimes I also prefer silence, especially when I need to focus on learning something completely new. Most common genres that I listen to are electronic, trip hop, trance, techno, drum & bass, ambient and post-rock. Some of my favorite artists include Bonobo, Emancipator, Tycho, Gramatik, The American Dollar and DJ Shadow. Here are some interesting Spotify playlists that you might enjoy during coding: https://open.spotify.com/user/chillhopmusic/playlist/74sUjcvpGfdOvCHvgzNEDO?si=qqY1S7OzRmi60uTj9Z_lFw https://open.spotify.com/user/chillhopmusic/playlist/74sUjcv... Or find more like this on chillhop.com Here's a few from me: Post-rock / instrumental rock https://open.spotify.com/user/116691196/playlist/78eqGh29jt0Np6P2EcWcpv?si=lBIOqUBsQAmgdpVO2zKmwg https://open.spotify.com/user/116691196/playlist/78eqGh29jt0... Chill House music https://open.spotify.com/user/116691196/playlist/6DalghuQizi32L772HWF7e?si=Xz4euMGHQYqJKw32P2JufQ https://open.spotify.com/user/116691196/playlist/6DalghuQizi...

d--b 8y ago

I do movie soundtracks a lot. Hans Zimmer, Bernard Hermann, and so on.