It’s no wonder we listen to music when we are studying, driving, working out, or even sleeping. I like to call it getting “in the zone.” I can’t collage without turning on tunes. Listening to music is a crucial part of the creative process – especially for keeping focus.

Whenever in a museum, especially art museums, I always find it funny that they usually play classical music. Like, there is a general consensus that classical music is the official music for museums. No words. No synthetic or electronic sounds. Just lots of Motzart and Bach. For those who will get the Animal Crossing reference, even Blathers has a classical twist on the island tune. 

But playlist stereotypes are not only found at museums. They’re everywhere. Hockey arenas tend to stick to 80s rock. Hotel lobbies usually have some funky contemporary jazz music. And I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard Bon Jovi while getting a cleaning at the dentist’s office (well, usually a 50/50 toss up of Bon Jovi or Train). 

But being the artist means you are in control. You do not need to stick to the status quo to get the creative juices flowing. 

I have tons of playlists on Spotify but there’s not really any definition for each one. I tend to listen to rap, rock, pop, and alternative. But you’ll see my playlists weave all of these genres together. My playlists are so weird that I even struggle naming them. I have playlists titled “.”, “..” and “…” or “v” or “o.”

Take a listen to some of them. I like to think the music is a reflection of the art I’m creating. More than anything I love songs that sample other songs. It’s so exciting to see how music artists collaborate and take tunes from others to make it their own. I feel the same about my own artwork – I’m inspired by other artists all the time.