Does Music Really Help You Focus? A Songwriter's Guide to the Perfect Productivity
The "Flow State" vs. The Distraction
We’ve all been there. You’re at your desk, trying to focus on an important email, a study session, or a complex task. You put on some music to get in the zone, and... it completely backfires. Suddenly, you're tapping your foot, singing along, and you've read the same sentence four times.
So, what's the deal? Does music really help us focus, or is silence golden? As a musician, I’m fascinated by this, and the answer is: Yes, it helps, but only if you choose the right music.
A good productivity playlist isn't about the songs you love; it's about the songs your brain can use. Here's a songwriter's guide to building a better focus playlist.
The #1 Rule: Avoid Competing Language
Here is the single most important secret to a good focus playlist: avoid music with prominent lyrics.
Your brain's language-processing center is a one-lane highway. When you're trying to read, write, or study (a language task), and you're also listening to someone sing words (another language task), you create a traffic jam. Your brain tries to process both at once, which shatters your concentration.
This is why instrumental music is so effective. It provides the energy and atmosphere of music without competing for your brain's "language" resources.
What Makes a Great Focus Song?
So, what should you look for? The perfect productivity track usually has these three ingredients:
No (or Minimal) Lyrics: This is the big one. Think classical music, ambient soundscapes, lo-fi beats, or instrumental jazz.
A Steady, Consistent Tempo: Music that is too chaotic, with sudden, jarring changes in tempo or volume, can pull you out of your flow state. A steady, predictable rhythm is calming and helps you focus.
Familiarity: While new music is great for discovery, it can be distracting for work. Your brain wants to analyze the new sounds. Listening to music you already know well allows it to fade comfortably into the background.
Finding Your "Flow State" Groove
While instrumental music is a safe bet, sometimes what you need is a steady, rhythmic groove to lock you in. This is where a song with a good tempo and minimal, non-distracting vocals can work wonders.
On my new EP, My Continuum, there's a track called "Shine" that has a 5-minute runtime and a steady, hypnotic groove. I find it's a great song for "flow state" work, where the vocals act as another instrument in the mix rather than a demanding story.
Ultimately, the goal isn't to actively listen to the music. The goal is to use the music as a tool to help you forget the world and sink into the task at hand.
For more of my music, including other reflective tracks, you can explore my full Music Page.
What's your go-to song or genre for getting work done? I'd love to get some new recommendations in the comments.