Locking in with a good playlist

Introduction

Who puts in their headphones or ear buds as soon as they start to lock in at a cafe? Having your own catered soundtrack that will get you in the work-mode groove is pretty crucial. I know I have certain playlists and music types that really engage me for my different cafe lock-in sessions, and if you need some new beats to listen to, you've come to the right place.

Our Tips

1. Readings, books, writing, synthesis, reports: Lofi Beats (but not any lofi beats) 

   1. I have heard a lot of logo music, and I have loved this youtube channel recently. The lofi is upbeat, uplifting, and so easy to study with. Sometimes I get sleepy listening to lofi music, but playing these tunes at a cafe keeps me awake, alert, and happy because of how good the music makes me feel. Here are some of my fave playlists on YT:

      1. "get your work done ★ you got this (study playlist)"

         1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HptHiJJJwBM

      2. "Let’s lock in and get it done"

         1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M32egVO2bok&t=1s

2. Unmotivating tasks you’re feeling… just… unmotivated: Dance Pop! 

   1. When I feel sluggish, dance pop and super hype tunes wake me up and make me feel on top of the world. They give me a lot of energy to study because it is impossible to feel sleepy when I listen to them, and there is so much variety. There are so many languages and artists to choose from (as there is with all music).

   2. I also recommend listening to music in different languages to expand your music base and also because it is a good way to incorporate music with lyrics into your study routine. Because you might not understand the lyrics, it might be harder to get distracted by them... This is a tip I have heard randomly before. It has stuck with me, and my music taste has become a lot more diverse as a result and I love finding new music styles from different regions of the world!

1. Calm studying, chill work, planning, etc: Indie Pop 

   1. Sometimes I am at a cafe to do really low-key work, leisurely studying, sipping my caramel latte, and I want music to match the vibe. I like Indie and Indie Pop music for this because the music tends to be slower, more mellow, and more chill.

1. Study breaks: anything you want! 

   1. During your study breaks is the time to play the usual music you might listening to when walking or chilling in your room. This might be a hype song, a motivating playlist, or something that inspires you, like a podcast or a movie soundtrack. We don't recommend studying intensely with music with lyrics, podcasts, Youtube videos, or Netflix shows during your core study time. Sometimes it can feel like far too much going on at one time, which will not only hinder your progress but make you feel overwhelmed or like you are unfocused! 

Person studying at a cafe with headphones, locking in on work.

~NOTE~

Take our recommendations with a grain of salt… you know your study routine the best and locking in at a cafe does not need to be stressful based on music choice. Ensure that you are playing the music you will study with the best, but remember that sometimes silence and the background noise of a cafe can be a good vibe too. 

Concluding thoughts

Let us know if you use Lock In A Latte’s study tips and playlist tips… Send us an email at info@lockinalatte.org.