Background music/noise

['Scaper94]

Hi all!

First off, I know there are other threads inquiring about background music for Heroscape. That isn't really the purpose of this thread.

I'm currently working on a very large (12 square feet) canvas painting of a fantasy realm/map, and, to make the hobby more enjoyable, I prefer to have background music/noise. However, I've somewhat run out of things to listen to that help my concentration. Recently I've listened to Dear Esther, various episodes of "The King of Queens," various episodes of anime, and what youtube calls "epic" music.

So my question to you all is this - what do you play in the background when you're doing your hobbies, or when at work or whatever? If you have suggestions for me, I'm open to trying them. For reference, I enjoy almost every genre of music. And I like to listen to comedians (ie: Gabriel Iglesias and Kevin James - nothing too cuss-focused please!).

Thank you!

[HokshilaTo]

I like to listen to Leave's Eyes when I'm doing anything Heroscape.

[Gulp]

For the last 15+ years I've listened to a song by space/drone band called Windy and Carl while sleeping and doing anything that required concentration. It has no vocals and no distracting melodies or rhythms, but it blocks out everything for me.

I calculated that I've listened to this song over 71,000 times (if you count subliminal listenings while asleep).

[davidlhsl]

Originally Posted by Gulp

For the last 15+ years I've listened to a song by space/drone band called Windy and Carl while sleeping and doing anything that required concentration. It has no vocals and no distracting melodies or rhythms, but it blocks out everything for me.

I calculated that I've listened to this song over 71,000 times (if you count subliminal listenings while asleep).

That's really nice. Thanks for posting the link.

My favorite ambient musician is Steve Roach. You could set up a Pandora station to get an idea on this type of music (as well as sample similar artists), plus you can find videos on YouTube featuring his music.

The one track I can turn to when I'm stressed or anxious is this selection from Jean Michel-Jarre, which is actually atypical of his regular music.

[MegaSilver]

I just turn my fan on when I'm playing. Any type of music will distract me too much to focus on the game.

[Lord Pyre]

I use a lot of Superhero soundtracks. Hans Zimmer Batman, Watchmen, Kick-Ass, Avengers, Batman TAS, etc...

Plus I have tons of other instrumental stuff I use.

['Scaper94]

Originally Posted by davidlhsl

That's really nice. Thanks for posting the link.

My favorite ambient musician is Steve Roach. You could set up a Pandora station to get an idea on this type of music (as well as sample similar artists), plus you can find videos on YouTube featuring his music.

The one track I can turn to when I'm stressed or anxious is this selection from Jean Michel-Jarre, which is actually atypical of his regular music.

Steve Roach is pretty good, thanks for the tip.

@Gulp: Do you know if it's binaural? It sounds like it would be, somewhat. Anyway, thanks!

Originally Posted by Lord Pyre

I use a lot of Superhero soundtracks. Hans Zimmer Batman, Watchmen, Kick-Ass, Avengers, Batman TAS, etc...

Plus I have tons of other instrumental stuff I use.

I love instrumental music (video game, RPG, film). I just discovered an unofficial Guild Wars 2 music playlist on youtube. It seems to work when I paint.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone!

[Gulp]

Originally Posted by 'Scaper94

Steve Roach is pretty good, thanks for the tip.

@Gulp: Do you know if it's binaural? It sounds like it would be, somewhat. Anyway, thanks!

I love instrumental music (video game, RPG, film). I just discovered an unofficial Guild Wars 2 music playlist on youtube. It seems to work when I paint.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone!

I doubt it. The band plays this stuff using guitars and basses with a grutload of effects pedals.

[Dad_Scaper]

Iron & Wine's recent "Kiss Each Other Clean" and Alexi Murdoch's brilliant "Time Without Consequence" are both good ways to fill your head with music which you can tune out, if you have to focus on something. But if you listen, you'll be hearing some of the best music of the past few years.

[DrummerScaper97]

I'll listen to a lot of Radiohead. Some of my bigger suggestions (if you're going for calm) are - Kid A from Kid A, Treefingers from Kid A, Morning Bell from Kid A, Exit Music (For a Film) from OK Computer, Karma Police from OK Computer, Fake Plastic Trees from The Bends, Weird Fishes from IN RAINBOWS/, and Faust Arp from IN RAINBOWS/.

[ParaGoomba Slayer]

Originally Posted by Gulp

For the last 15+ years I've listened to a song by space/drone band called Windy and Carl while sleeping and doing anything that required concentration. It has no vocals and no distracting melodies or rhythms, but it blocks out everything for me.

I calculated that I've listened to this song over 71,000 times (if you count subliminal listenings while asleep).

Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuude.

[braveheart101]

Originally Posted by Gulp

For the last 15+ years I've listened to a song by space/drone band called Windy and Carl while sleeping and doing anything that required concentration. It has no vocals and no distracting melodies or rhythms, but it blocks out everything for me.

I calculated that I've listened to this song over 71,000 times (if you count subliminal listenings while asleep).

Wow. That is really nice. I should get that for when I'm writing. I'm currently working on a series of linked sci-fi/noir/dystopian short-stories with heavy ESP elements and I've been having trouble concentrating as most music is too full of ups and downs, and no music means all I can hear is the stupid birds, squirrels, and other background noises that constantly invade the act of creation.