When you finally make it home from school, the last thing you want to do is homework. But with the amount of homework you have, and I know you have a lot, there is no time to waste complaining. According to Healthline, listening to music as you perform an academic task may reduce stress and increase motivation. Homework is usually not optional, so you might as well try and make the time spent working as enjoyable as possible. Popping on some interesting music that gets you pumped for studying, but doesn’t distract you from working, will change the homework game. Here’s a playlist of my favorite alternative and electronic tracks that aren’t distracting and have gotten me through countless assignments.
Roygbiv – Boards of Canada
This short but magical song has a laid-back repeating melody. The fuzzy sounding synths and overall blended sound feels dreamy. This song could play on loop and I wouldn’t notice because of its enchantingly nostalgic sound.
Ageispolis – Aphex Twin
This tune has a catchy melody, and a simple drum beat layered with other percussive sounds. The reverb on the drums, and the slightly spooky swells of the chords gives the song a round and spacious feeling. Just like most other Aphex Twin songs, there are no words or vocals. Ageispolis creates a sphere of concentration that will keep your brain locked on your work.
Halcyon and On and On – Orbital
Lasting nine and a half minutes, this song is an ethereal, emotive song good for dancing, and even better for doing assignments. The heavy beat pulses below high pitched but subtle vocals, ideal for getting into the homework groove.
Arpeggiator (Demo) – Fugazi
A strong tension is carried through this song with the slightly wonky guitar melody that cuts over the steady and precise arpeggio chords. Though there are no lyrics, this track fits with the feeling of Fugazi’s other music, maintaining the experimental, post-punk gritty energy.
Exchange – Massive Attack
This song is highly textured and spacious. There’s lots of layers to the sound that can be dissected the closer you listen. However the song remains sounding relaxed and not overcrowded. The slow pulsing rhythm will hypnotize you into doing your work. Although not as intense as Massive Attack’s other songs, it has their signature moodiness which causes certain sonic details to pop.
Shock Doctrine – STS9
You are sure to get a move on with your homework once this song comes on, because this funky song feels like it’s in constant motion. It’s ambient yet groovy, and busy yet laid-back. They combine live instrumentation with electronics to give it a more organic quality. The hypnotic bassline, bouncy synths, and complex percussion patterns are a more experimental example of STS9’s music.
