Six Tunes: To Study To When You’ve Spent All Sem Procrastinating

BY RACHEL FIELDHOUSE

Semester 2 is well underway, and the dread that comes with an accumulating pile of unwatched lectures and upcoming assignments has fully set in. With the reprieve from Zoom meetings and in-person classes that is Mid Semester break, we’ve put together some tunes so that you can settle in and get focused. Whether you’re a sucker for some lo-fi beats or prefer something more upbeat, we’ve got something you’re sure to enjoy.

‘Hey September’ – Harris Cole 

The subtle transitions from solo piano to muffled drums and layers of syncopated guitars give the song a subdued and cruisy vibe, making it easy to tune out the outside world. Featuring tiered dynamics, the titular work on his latest single, alongside the atmospheric ‘Gone Fishing’, shows off Cole’s electronic side and makes for a perfect backdrop for studying or a relaxed summery night. 

‘Cellophane Rainbow’ – SAFIA

Need a (well-deserved) break? Listen to this when the brain fog sets in and you’re in need of a change of pace. SAFIA are pretty well known for their futuristic style and fusion of indie and electronica, and ‘Cellophane Rainbow’ doesn’t break with tradition. With breathy vocals and an upbeat, psychedelic sound, you’re sure to feel refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes next.

‘Soulful’ – L’indécis

Lo-fi vibes meet lounge funk in this groovy tune. Sustained chords are left to hang and settle, forming the backdrop for rhythmic guitar lines, steady percussion, while a solo electric guitar comes in and out of focus. Throughout, tiered dynamics see the song wax and wane in the layering of instruments, leaving the listener with a feeling that’s slightly out of this world.

In A Landscape – John Cage

Any study playlist wouldn’t be complete without some classical music. Clocking in at nearly 10 minutes, this solo piece for piano (or harp) uses slow chord progressions, cyclical repetition, and little to no dynamics to create an ethereal air, all while giving the impression that time has slowed and stretched. Featuring Cage’s signature minimalist style, those looking to dive deep into an assignment or take a moment for some mindfulness are bound to enjoy this one.

‘A Thousand Kisses Deep’ – Till Brönner & Dieter Ilg

Sick of writing that essay? Throw on this dark, jazzy number and you’ll be transported to a dimly-lit detective’s office, filing your latest case report. A pared-down rendition of Leonard Cohen’s original vocal work, the pairing of a breathy trumpet line over rhythmic bass evokes a laid back yet somber tone that would be right at home in the soundtrack of a classic film noir.

‘Jungle Law’ – Boogie Belgique

Featuring trumpet calls, funky sax lines, and a driving, groovy rhythm section, ‘Jungle Law’ blends the best parts of swing and big band jazz with a sprinkle of some EDM. And, the addition of animal calls and animal-like brass growls brings in some jungle flavour (and is reminiscent of The Jungle Book’s ‘I Wanna Be Like You’).