For many of us, music has a big impact on our ability to lock in, find flow, or build momentum towards our goals.

This week, we’re trying out something new — a chance to get to know the Focused Space team a bit better, while also (hopefully) adding something new to your productivity toolkit.

Here are 5 recommendations for music, sounds, and ambient noise that helps our team get into the flow and boost their mood.

Mark’s favorite for heads-down work in the morning

Our first recommendation comes from our host Mark Pagán.

Mark has recently discovered a new deep-work companion: legendary producer, musician, and songwriter Brian Eno.

You may know Eno as the producer behind iconic tracks like "With or Without You" by U2, "Once in a Lifetime" by Talking Heads, and "Uncontrollable Urge" by Devo.

Mark enjoys Brian Eno’s ambient and atmospheric music because it feels unobtrusive and hypnotic, without fading into bland background noise.

According to Mark, this music pairs especially well with morning writing, or any heads-down work, regardless of the time of day.

Says Mark: "My constant companion has been Brian Eno's Apollo: Atmospheres and Soundtracks. There are a few familiar tracks for movie-lovers in this collection of ambient sounds, but overall it's a lovely addition to my work and inspiration library."

🎧 Focused Space Host Mark’s recommendation for deep-focus listening:

🌌 Brian Eno - Apollo: Atmospheres and Soundtracks

Kamilah’s favorite for deep focus

Our next music recc comes from our host, Kamilah.

In addition to lo-fi music and ASMR, one of Kamilah’s latest go-to music for deep focus is magical library ambiance — complete with thunderstorm sounds, page-turning, and flickering candles, and set to a relaxing cinematic score.

We invite you to check out Kamilah’s recc the next time you sit down for deep work — and let us know what you think. You might feel like you’re in a movie! 

🎧  Focused Space Host Kamilah’s recommendation for deep-focus listening:

📚🏰  Music and Ambience ~ Castle Library

Kaila’s favorite for getting into the flow

Our next recommendation comes from Focused Space host Kaila!

Kaila’s latest find is the “Mind Amend” Youtube channel by creator and producer Jason Lewis. 

Lewis specializes in binaural beats and isochronic tones for mental performance, relaxation, sleep and sustained attention.

The channel features playlists for a range of needs and mental states, from ADHD support and relaxation to sleep, hyperfocus, and deep work.

Try out one of these today — and let us know if you unlock a new focus flow favorite! 

🎧 Focused Space Host Kaila’s recommendation for deep-focus listening:

🔊🌀 Jason Lewis’ Mind Amend Youtube Channel

Farah’s favorite for getting things done quickly

We all know that upbeat, fast-paced music, with a strong beat can be ideal for physical movement, a quick rush of energy, or work that requires agility — both cognitive and physical. 

Farah’s go-to for moments when she needs some boosted brain stimulation and quicker on-her-feet or repetitive movement is blasting the soundtrack to Coconut Mall, one of the most iconic and beloved race tracks in the video game, Mario Kart. 

For folks with ADHD, working to video game music may be especially effective because it provides an ambient soundtrack without pulling your focus away from the task at hand and is intentionally designed to keep players engaged by corresponding to achievements earned within the game.

Farah likes to play Coconut Mall when she’s feeling especially overstimulated and is fighting a dopamine crash. She finds it especially helpful for tasks such as packing for a trip, data-entry, decluttering her space, and putting away groceries. 

If Coconut Mall is too fast or chaotic for you, try out some other video game soundtracks as your background noise today and see if it makes a difference for your focus and productivity!

🎧 Focused Space Host Farah’s recommendations for getting things done fast

🥥🏁 Coconut Mall (10 Hours)

⚔️🧝‍♀️ Final Fantasy VI Music (SNES) Battle Theme

Bonus: Focused Space Original Music!

🎶 LISTEN: Focused Space: Volume 1

🎶 LISTEN: Focused Space: Volume 2

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Hope these music recommendations help you get into the flow!

P.S. If you aren't a member of Focused Space, but could use help accomplishing your goals, busting through procrastination, or getting motivated… you are welcome to join us at one of our live guided work sessions, or morning planning sessions!

Take care,

— Farah and the focused space team