ETHAN RODRIGUEZ’S PICKS
- vs. DJ Subatomic Supernova – Funk Fiction
- Inazuma – HOYO-MiX, Yu-Peng Chen
- how to sleep – Deathbrain
While “vs. DJ Subatomic Supernova” may be a silly name for a song, the tune itself is a catchy and relaxing electro-funk song. Yet, it is slightly more energetic compared to songs from those multi-hour long lo-fi playlists that seem to make you more tired when you are up late cramming.
Based on Japanese music from the Edo Period, “Inazuma” starts off slowly with a gentle flute before adding more instruments to the mix as it begins to ascend into a crescendo. All the instruments come together in harmony to create a majestic orchestral sound that can empower the listener.
“how to sleep” is from Deathbrain’s first album “fantasy noises & perfect delusions.” The album and song are of the outsider house genre, which is made from mixing lo-fi music and digital instrumentation. The song is gentle enough to keep your brain focused while also being energetic enough to keep you from falling asleep.
KAHLIL KAMBUI’S PICKS
- Blue And Sentimental – Oscar Peterson
- Parfum d’étoiles – Ichiko Aoba
- L’amore dice Ciao – Armando Trovajoli
When it comes to studying, jazz is the perfect genre of music to put you in the right headspace. “Blue And Sentimental” is the perfect soft song to get you there with the piano taking the stage front and center as the supporting cast of bass and drums elevate the song to a whole nother level. Whether you are going on a walk in a forestry green park or studying for your finals in the library, it’s the perfect song to accompany that mood and calm you down.
“Parfum d’étoiles” is a hug for the soul with the scenic soundscape this song provides. With the sounds of birds chirping, leaves rustling and the soft angelic hums of Ichiko in the background accompanying the piano, it makes this song feel joyful as if you are going to see a long forgotten childhood best friend or are taking a stroll down your old neighborhood; it’s welcoming and inviting. If finals get you stressed and cause you anxiety, close your eyes, take a moment and listen to this song; it should cheer you up.
It’s the year 1960 and you and your lover are spending the night in Venice, Italy, taking gondola rides through the river and sipping wine during a candle lit dinner. “L’amore dice Ciao” is romantic; its lack of lyrics let the piano, orchestra of strings and the simple pitter patter of the drums make you feel as if you are in Italy experiencing your own romantic scenario. Studying for finals, let’s be honest, is no fun, so why not make it feel as if you are on a romantic date while doing it.
JENNY JAVKHLANTUGS’ PICKS
- The Abyss – The Weeknd (feat. Lana Del Rey)
- Say Yes To Heaven – Lana Del Rey
- Shinunoga E-Wa – Fujii Kaze
“The Abyss” is a perfect song for hardcore studying. The song itself has a calm and soft vibe, but it’s also about chilling meditation in despair and self-destruction. The song feels like a final letter to someone who has reached their end, which makes you concentrate on your study session fully to reach the end of your studies.
When you study, you want a song that has a chill and balanced vibe. “Say Yes To Heaven” will be the perfect addition to your study list with more meditation vibes. The song echoes a yearning for love, but will make you feel butterflies in your stomach.
“Shinunoga E-Wa” is another great song for finals week when you have a lot of studying. The song has a hip hop vibe which is great to get you focused. This song embodies the goal of staying on track of school and has just the right calming, perfect vibes for your study playlist.
EMILY BEEBE’S PICKS
- The Night We Met – Lord Huron
- She Will Be Loved – Maroon 5
- august – Taylor Swift
The beat of “The Night We Met” and the very beginning give off a steady, haunting vibe, perfect for studying. People may listen to lo-fi music to help them study, and this song is similar to lo-fi in a way. The slowness of this song helps me lock in and focus.
“She Will Be Loved” is more upbeat compared to “The Night We Met,” and may not necessarily be a song people think of when they think of studying music. However, this song is mellow and not too crazy with the beat and tempo, therefore making it an ideal study song.
“august” is from Swift’s album, “folklore.” This song has a mellow tempo and gives off a calming vibe, which is good for remaining focused while studying. This song, and quite frankly the whole album, gives off rainy-day studying vibes. The use of synths and guitars makes the song feel light.
CALEB JOHNSON’S PICKS
- STAR WALKIN’ (League of Legends Worlds Anthem) – Lil Nas X
- Cover Girl – RuPaul
- ICARUS – GRANT KNOCHE
“Star Walkin’” is a delightful and invigorating pop sensation by the dazzling and fabulous Lil Nas X. The song was first released in 2022 in partnership with Riot Games for the 2022 League of Legends World Championship. For me, the song and lyrics really get me pumped and ready to take on the world. “Don’t ever say it’s over if I’m breathing / Racing to the moonlight and I’m speeding / I’m headed to the stars, ready to go far / I’m star walkin.’” These lines help feel like I’m reaching for the stars, exactly the mindset I need to be in for my upcoming finals.
Another banger, “Cover Girl” by the mother of drag herself, is an electronic dance and pop extravaganza. It first came out in RuPaul’s 2009 studio album “Champion.” To get myself in the space of success I need, this song’s sassy beats are just what the drag doctor ordered.
“ICARUS” was first released as a single in 2023 with the name coming from a Greek myth in which the character Icarus reaches for the sun but doesn’t make it. This song uses the myth as a parallel to a passionate love. I really enjoyed the pop beats that help me to get in a good vibe to relax and focus on studying.
SOFIA DIDENKO’S PICKS
- Aquarius – Boards of Canada
- Ding Dong Thing – Felix Laband
- Jennesys – Emrod
“Aquarius” might be the best study song of all time. Not only does it have a snappy background beat that will keep your thoughts steady for a while, its zesty words and streams of nonsensical, mysterious numbers give you a kick in the thick of that boring study session. Perfect for those that get extra distracted doing anything!
Anything by the eccentric Felix Laband is also great for studying. “Ding Dong Thing” takes you on an auditory safari where synths sparkle, drums strike, animals roar and a sample of Jacob Zuma, South Africa’s ex-president and anti-apartheid activist, exclaims about a political back and forth.
“Jennesys” is upbeat and has just enough going on to power you through a study session. An added bonus is that there are birds in the background just in case you’ve spent too long studying and need to reconnect with nature.
