If you’re anything like me, you might find silence pretty dull. I can’t really concentrate without something in the background, but remember that teacher in high school that played classical music while you were working? Quite honestly classical music is better for putting me to sleep than making me want to be productive. No offense to Beethoven, not that he’d hear me anyway. Here is the perfect playlist to keep you focused but not distracted.

1. Intro by The xx

A pretty simple instrumental piece that has a nice calming sound and beat. It’s the kind of song that you can drown out into the background without being overwhelmed by the sound.

2. Color Sky by Monster Rally

This song reminds me of a lullaby in a way, but with a different twist. Along with typical instrumentals, there’s wind chimes and synthesizers that gives it a creative air.

3. You by The 1975

It’s The 1975, need I say more? This is one of my favorite songs by them, because of the overall feeling I get when listening to it. It’s very peaceful with its repetitive chord progression and echo sound.

4. Eyesdown by Bonobo, Andreya Triana & Dels

A mix between rap and an ambient sound, this is a great song to get those creative juices flowing. That sounded gross, but you know what I mean.

5. 1979 by The Smashing Pumpkins

1979 feels like the passing of time. It’s relaxed and while Billy Corgan’s voice is usually louder and higher in pitch, he’s practically whispering here. But not in a creepy way.

6. Congratulations by MGMT

I hate to refer to anything as “chill”, but that’s the only way to describe it. It’s very dreamy, but not hypnotic.

7. Wordless Chorus by My Morning Jacket

My Morning Jacket are one of the few bands today that could be considered hippie. Wordless Chorus was used in an episode of American Dad in a peaceful hallucinogenic scene, if you get where this is going.

8. Tumblr Girls by G-Eazy

Just a little G-Eazy to change things up. A lot of this mix is instrumental, but Tumblr Girls is a slower paced rap with a pretty sad message if you understand the lyrics. Just don’t pay attention to that and enjoy the song as a whole.

9. Crystalised by The xx

A lot like their song Intro, Crystalised has the same type of sound but with lyrics. The singing is so soft that you might forget it’s even there, but it still has that chill but dark feel that The xx has perfected.

10. Kiara by Bonobo

This has to be one of the best songs by Bonobo, because it’s mixing some string instruments with the electronic vibes that blend amazingly. Interchange this with some of the slower songs and you’ll have a great mix to keep things moving.

11. Sleepyhead by Passion Pit

Here’s a throwback song for you! A much faster song compared to the rest of the mix, with high pitched voices, electronic beats and rhythm, this one will probably wake you up so you won't be a Sleepyhead. Get it?

12. Orchids by Monster Rally

Orchids may remind you of background music for a movie scene on the shores of a beach. Which is exactly what you need when you’re cramming for an exam you have in nine hours.

13. Electric Feel by MGMT

MGMT uses minimal instruments in here, so their voices are dominant in the song. It has a psychedelic feel and you may have to fight the urge to dance in your seat.

14. Go do by Jonsi

Jonsi has an eccentric sound that will probably remind you of a little kid playing around in a field on a sunny day. But hey, he’s telling you to Go do your homework, repeatedly throughout the song.

15. First Fires by Bonobo

I’ve been listening to this song while working for years. Pick this if you want a meditative sound. It’s mainly repetitive so it won’t distract you with huge chord changes.

16. Disparate Youth by Santigold

End your hour of work with this fast-paced song. You’ve probably heard Disparate Youth before in commercials, since most marketers are trying to reach the “youths” with something “hip and cool”. Santigold has an indie-punk sound with some electro, that will help you finish strong!

There's something for everyone on this mix, so hopefully it will help keep you focused and going. No checking Facebook or scrolling through Instagram after writing one sentence of that essay! Turn on this mix and get to it.