August 7th in Off Topic by .

What Inspires You? Music To Code, Design And Write By – Coders Nirvana


The art of writing code, designing or writing requires a great deal of attention to detail and hence we often find that we need to create a space for ourselves where we are free from distraction. Finding this space in today’s open office environment can be difficult and many find solace from headphones. But what are you streaming through those headphones?

Because music here fills a dual purpose, freedom from distraction and a form of inspiration, I always find it incredible interesting to know what other coders, designers and writers choose when they want to escape to their place of happiness. Some people might have heard about the service Songza.com (@songza)created by Firefox creative lead Aza Raskin (@azaaza) and Scott Robbin (@srobbin) that started out a a unique music search service and was recently relaunched as a custom/create your own social radio station service.

With the above in mind and to bring coders, designers and writers together in a community of sharing, inspiration and enjoyment, I created the station Coders Nirvana. I added the first 10 songs to this station, totally random selection of stuff I like.

The First 10 Coders Nirvana Tracks

  • Stir It Up : Bob Marley
  • Oasis : The Silk Road Ensemble
  • Galvanize : The Chemical Brothers
  • Three Little Birds : Bob Marley
  • Guitar Concerto, Op. 67 – Con Brio : Malcolm Arnold
  • Wonderwall : Oasis
  • Smack My B***h up : The Prodigy
  • Jars : Chevelle
  • Where’s Your Head At : Basement Jaxx
  • Feel Good Inc. : Gorillaz

I wish to invite all coders, designers and writers to join in, request songs to be added to the playlist and enjoy! How do you find your nirvana? Looking forward to your comments.

  • http://coder.cl/ Daniel Molina Wegener

    Hello, thanks for you article, I will include this streaming in my playlist. I’m usually listening to the sky.fm streams, preferably the “Mostly Classical” one.

    Another option is last.fm, listening to classical music streams too.

    • http://expansive-derivation.ossreleasefeed.com/ Schalk

      Hi Daniel,

      Thank you for your comment. I too find Classical music to be very soothing and a really great option, especially to stimulate and calm the mind whilst debugging IE6 ;)

      Schalk

  • http://coder.cl/ Daniel Molina Wegener

    Hello, thanks for you article, I will include this streaming in my playlist. I’m usually listening to the sky.fm streams, preferably the “Mostly Classical” one.

    Another option is last.fm, listening to classical music streams too.

    • http://expansive-derivation.ossreleasefeed.com/ Schalk

      Hi Daniel,

      Thank you for your comment. I too find Classical music to be very soothing and a really great option, especially to stimulate and calm the mind whilst debugging IE6 ;)

      Schalk

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  • TJ

    the album Mezzanine by massive attack has the right coding mood if you turn the lights down low and the bass way up.

    • http://expansive-derivation.ossreleasefeed.com/ Schalk

      TJ, Thanks for introducing me to Massive Attack! I have been loving the intro to House M.D. and now I know who is behind it.

      Some really awesome tracks, adding it to Coder Nirvana.

      Schalk

  • TJ

    the album Mezzanine by massive attack has the right coding mood if you turn the lights down low and the bass way up.

    • http://expansive-derivation.ossreleasefeed.com/ Schalk

      TJ, Thanks for introducing me to Massive Attack! I have been loving the intro to House M.D. and now I know who is behind it.

      Some really awesome tracks, adding it to Coder Nirvana.

      Schalk

  • louis

    And Nirvana ? (the band)

    • http://expansive-derivation.ossreleasefeed.com/ Schalk

      I did add Nirvana to the list, just did not seem right without them there. I would not say that Nirvana is the best music to code or write to as I tend to end up singing along ;)

      Schalk

  • louis

    And Nirvana ? (the band)

    • http://expansive-derivation.ossreleasefeed.com/ Schalk

      I did add Nirvana to the list, just did not seem right without them there. I would not say that Nirvana is the best music to code or write to as I tend to end up singing along ;)

      Schalk

  • http://java.dzone.com James

    These two albums have always helped when I’ve needed a productivity boost:

    OK Computer – Radiohead (a classic)
    Closing Time – Tom Waits (Closing Time itself is very soothing)

    James

    • http://expansive-derivation.ossreleasefeed.com/ Schalk

      Thanks for the comments James, I will definitely check those out. I am a BIG fan of Radiohead so I am sure I will find Tom Waits good as well.

      Schalk

  • http://java.dzone.com James

    These two albums have always helped when I’ve needed a productivity boost:

    OK Computer – Radiohead (a classic)
    Closing Time – Tom Waits (Closing Time itself is very soothing)

    James

    • http://expansive-derivation.ossreleasefeed.com/ Schalk

      Thanks for the comments James, I will definitely check those out. I am a BIG fan of Radiohead so I am sure I will find Tom Waits good as well.

      Schalk

  • Hurr

    Good job, you listed horrible programming music.

    • http://expansive-derivation.ossreleasefeed.com/ Schalk

      Fair enough ;) What do you consider good programming music?

  • Hurr

    Good job, you listed horrible programming music.

    • http://expansive-derivation.ossreleasefeed.com/ Schalk

      Fair enough ;) What do you consider good programming music?

  • http://xvii.nx.tc Syri!

    These tracks are all too busy and populated to have any good effect upon the mind whilst programming. I recommend anything by Boards of Canada, Bonobo, Amon Tobin, et al. These are all (mostly) soft, jazzy, atmospheric electronica that gives you wonderful ambiance without having to suffer for sound. Go on, try it. It makes a big difference.

    • http://expansive-derivation.ossreleasefeed.com/ Schalk

      Thank you for your comment. I have been looking for exactly this style of music. Will definitely give the artists you mentioned a listen. Schalk

    • Kjbuonfor

      Totally agree with Boards of Canada.  Best coding music ever.  I wish they would come out with more stuff.  Will have to check out Bonobo and Amon Tobin.

  • http://xvii.nx.tc Syri!

    These tracks are all too busy and populated to have any good effect upon the mind whilst programming. I recommend anything by Boards of Canada, Bonobo, Amon Tobin, et al. These are all (mostly) soft, jazzy, atmospheric electronica that gives you wonderful ambiance without having to suffer for sound. Go on, try it. It makes a big difference.

    • http://expansive-derivation.ossreleasefeed.com/ Schalk

      Thank you for your comment. I have been looking for exactly this style of music. Will definitely give the artists you mentioned a listen. Schalk

  • ACODA Studios

    you know what’s great?
    try this: http://www.myspace.com/olafurarnalds

    • ACODA Studios

      but only if you’re not tired… if you’re tired this will kill you! :P

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