Music can be the greatest comfort in moments of happiness, sadness, or calmness. Lyrics of a song can explain the feelings you have - the ones you aren't able to put into words. Songs that play in the background can cement in your brain forever, so that anytime you hear that one song, a rush of memories floods your brain.
It's truly amazing the power that music has and the impact it has on our lives.
One of the main influences music has is in movies and television shows. A perfect soundtrack can make or break a scene. There have been countless times where I've looked up the song playing in the background of a scene that's resonated with me. Personally, I've always wanted that main character scene where they have the windows down in a Y/A movie with a song playing at full blast. But maybe that's just me. My love for those scenes has led me to create a playlist for any occasion, mood, or event.
I struggled on my journey of creating perfect playlists, so I thought I'd share tips I've learned along the way so you can make the perfect playlist seamlessly.
1. Add songs organically.
I wasn't able to make the perfect playlist until I realized one simple truth: a playlist that is going to be the soundtrack of your life (We are our own main character, remember that) needs to be made up of songs that stir up certain feelings. For instance, a reading playlist is probably not going to have heavy metal on it even if that is your go-to genre. Instead, a reading playlist will be filled with calming and non-distracting music. The best way to make the perfect playlist is to pay attention to songs that add to an experience you're having - think of that event and what you're feeling. Does it make you feel sad, happy, and calm or does it pump you up? Even if you're driving, think of what kind of music will add to the mundane task you're doing.
2. Don't just add your favorite artist to every playlist.
I was always in the habit of adding Panic! At the Disco to every single playlist I ever made. While I enjoy their music, hence why they are my favorite band of all time, the playlists I ended up having didn't flow and felt forced. Even though they do have music for every mood, it doesn't mean that those songs will fit into a playlist. For instance, I have a playlist right now that's for reading, so it's filled with slow songs. You will not find a single Panic! At the Disco song on it. You shouldn't add your favorite band to every playlist because it can be distracting. I love Panic! so much that when I hear them, I get so invested in just listening to the songs, which is not helpful when I want to read. So remember, don't add in unnecessary bulk.
3. Look for inspiration in other people's playlists.
Some of my favorite playlists that I have are made up of songs that I found by just listening to different people's Spotify playlists. I will sometimes find songs I already know or songs I don't know but end up loving. It's an easy way to see what makes a good playlist or bad playlist by comparing how certain playlists flow. Apple Music has some public playlists available made by users, and Apple itself curates playlists for listeners, as well. It's cool because both Spotify and Apple Music have playlists based on moods, activities, and genres.
4. Listen to your favorite movie and TV show soundtracks.
One of the best ways to make good playlists is by adding songs from your favorite movies and TV shows. Most of the songs that I have on my playlists are from my favorite scenes from a movie or TV show. I think the reason that songs from movies or shows help to make good playlists is because those songs already have memories connected to them. For me, personally, I'm a huge Delena (Damon and Elena) fan from "The Vampire Diaries," and a lot of songs in my love songs playlist are from scenes of the two of them.
5. Check out instrumental versions of your favorite music.
One of the best ways to make playlists for when you want to feel calm or chill is by listening to the instrumental versions of your favorite music. Whenever I want to chill, I have a playlist filled with covers by the Piano Guys and Vitamin String Quartet. Both make instrumental covers of all different genres of songs. They have pop, movie soundtracks, hits by the decade, and even albums dedicated to different artists. It's a really easy way to listen to songs you like without getting distracted when reading or studying.
