April 3, 2017 at 12:12The influence of ambient music on the process of writing code
In this article, I would like to talk about the music to which we write the code. About music "for programmers." Or rather, about such a specific genre of music as ambient.
The influence of music on everything living in general and on man in particular has been studied quite well at the moment. It has long been known that classical works help people calm down and relieve stress, and energetic music of different genres can improve the results of your sports training.
There are a large number of scientific papers on this topic, especially in the field of medicine and psychology (the use of music in the treatment of patients, the influence of music on various human organs, etc.). Of course, many studies should be skeptical, as there is a danger of becoming pseudoscience, but authoritative works on this subject are more than enough.
On the same Habré there is a mass of excellent articles about how music affectson the working climate of the office, on the concentration of the employee, etc. But this material is a little about something else.
I have been working as a programmer for five years and have been listening to ambient music for about ten years. Naturally, I have other preferences among musical genres and directions, but I associate the programming process mainly with ambient music (in the future I will use the Russian designation of the genre). Nevertheless, this article will be relevant not only for programmers, but also people of other professions, one way or another connected with mental work. But, before moving on to observing the relationship between ambient music and comfort in programming, I would like to introduce those who are not familiar with this musical direction.
What is ambient? Most people are unfamiliar with him. As close as possible to ambient music, popular genres are a lounge or chill-out, which can be heard both in clubs and on the radio. Ambient, for all its diversity, is a more experimental direction in which the rhythm as such and the voice parts are most often absent. In addition, unlike chill-out, ambient is usually less melodic.
Wikipediadefines ambient as “a style of electronic music based on modulations of the sound timbre. Ambient is often characterized by atmospheric, enveloping, unobtrusive, background sound. ” The definition is correct and in general terms describes the features of the genre, but it does not cover all its forms, with which the most ardent fans of such music are familiar. In the article, the term "ambient" will be used in relation to related styles, such as: Dark Ambient, Space Ambient, soft forms of IDM, etc. We will talk more about genres further.
Ambient often intersects with other genres, and you’ve heard its manifestations somewhere, anyway. A lot of soundtracks for games and films - pure ambient music. There are ambient tracks from popular musicians who usually do not work in this genre (for example, Depeche Mode and Radiohead). You could also hear ambient music in news screensavers, in advertisements, amid audio podcasts, etc. In other words, you definitely met this type of music, you just don’t know about it.
The perception of reality is always subjective, especially when it comes to addictions in music. Therefore, this article is, first of all, my own feelings, which do not necessarily completely coincide with yours. However, I suggest that a similar approach to the relationship of music and work may be interesting.
In my opinion, programming is a type of activity that requires concentration, but not the utmost tension of attention on an ongoing basis. Thoughts should flow smoothly, and the process of creating code (ideally) should be calm and conscious. In principle, the concept of the notorious “state of flow” says the same thing. Naturally, I understand that there are different cases, and sometimes programmers are aggressive creatures that hit the keyboard with their fists when something does not work as it should. But let's look at the option when the work takes place in a quiet mode (by the way, this calmness can be achieved just because of the right music).
Writing music on old analog synthesizers is a bit like a programming process.
In my opinion, an important factor to create a pleasant working atmosphere is to minimize distractions. That is why during work I can’t practically listen to music “with words,” since the perception of the text attracts attention, which makes it very difficult to write code. For me it is the same as reading a book and listening to the radio at the same time. Two streams of information are mixed into one, because of which you skip words when reading and lose some of the audio information.
So in programming. Writing code is like writing text: notes or articles. Sometimes it happens that the words of the song somehow catch you, you are heard and lose the thought, after which you have to restore the working state. Probably, the ability to perceive several sources of information without such failures can be developed, but why complicate your work? Therefore, I try not to listen to news and songs during programming.
An exception to this rule is the form of ambient where voice samples are used (recordings of radio broadcasts, fragments from films and television programs). In this case, the voice is embedded in the music so that from the moving element of the track it turns into just another layer of the musical environment. From examples of ambient sound with voice samples, I can name Boards of Canada, Biosphere, eyesix.
Too energetic and dynamic music is not suitable for writing code - at least for me. One gets the feeling that at a fast pace and moving rhythm (it doesn’t matter if it's electronic music or rock) I try to do the work faster than necessary: I want to write code to the beat of the music and at the same time I don’t feel like stopping and thinking. I think that such an aggressive way of programming can find its lovers (in fact, this is also in some way a state of flow), but to me this kind of music helps me more in matters related to physical activity. For example, dig potatoes under The Prodigy.
As I said, the influence of music on the emotions and mood of a person, their close relationship have been known for a long time. If you have fun, then the headphones will sound music that matches your elated mood. Or, perhaps, it will be heard from the speakers, conveying your mood to others (the main thing is not to overdo it with the volume). If you want to relax, take a break from worries and bustle of life, it is better to listen to light, calm music. All this applies to your working condition. There is even a huge number of albums and playlists (on streaming services) that were created for different types of work activities, including programming. Ambient music often falls into these collections.
Ambient includes many styles, and not all of them are suitable for work. For example, Dark ambient, which is distinguished by a gloomy, heavy atmosphere, can drive you into a gloom and deprive you of the energy you need to work. There is also Drone ambient, which consists mainly of low-frequency buzzing - such constant pressure on the ears will definitely not improve your ability to think and write code. Therefore, I advise you to use light forms of ambient. Here is a small “instruction for use”, in which you will find what you can listen to from such music during work.
If you have never listened to ambient music, you should start with a variety of easier-to-perceive varieties, since a random encounter with too experimental compositions can forever discourage your interest in this genre.
In my opinion, residents of the French label Ultimae Records have one of the most enjoyable (and understandable) sounds. This label releases music in the genre of psychedelic ambient (Psybient or Psy Chill), which contains pleasant melodies, a beautiful and even structure. This genre often touches on the themes of outer space, both internal and external. I advise you to listen to Solar Fields (he has albums in the genre of trance, do not mix it up), Carbon Based Lifeforms, Asura.
Those who want something more fun, with a little inclusion of rhythm, you can turn to ambient house, downtempo and dub ambient. This music is more positive, more "sunny." There is a light rhythm that came from reggae and dub. I advise you to listen to The Orb, Ott and Future Sound of London.
If you go into more saturated forms of ambient, then you should try ambient techno. This direction can even be considered as dance. Music is built on looped parts of drum machines that are mixed with atmospheric synthesizers. I strongly advise you to listen to Selected Ambient Works 85-92 from Aphex Twin, The Black Dog, B12. I would also like to mention such an ambient techno musician as Biosphere - the music is very atmospheric, with a special Arctic sound.
There is also classical ambient, which is based on the work of several renowned composers. This is ambient in all its diversity: the forms and shades of music are completely different. Classical ambient is based on the use of ambient noise and certain analog instruments (for example, old analog synthesizers). The "main" name of classical ambient is Brian Eno. Actually, it was this musician who coined the term "ambient" in circulation. You can also listen to Steve Roach, Robert Rich, Klaus Schulze and Pete Namluk. Each of them has a huge discography with many works in various styles.
There are forms of ambient in which the musical component is minimized. A striking example is field recording. In this genre, the musician does not write music in the generally accepted sense, but takes a highly sensitive microphone and goes into the forest to record the environment. This is the most natural music you can hear. Of the most famous, you can recommend Biosphere, listening to which, you are transported to the mountains beyond the Arctic Circle.
Biosphere musician in his natural environment
Creating a working mood is very important, especially during the programming process, which requires calm and concentration. I know that each of you writes code for your favorite tunes that belong to completely different genres, but try to reconsider your view on the connection between the music surrounding you and the efficiency of your work. Try a new approach in creating your environment. Try writing code in ambient.
Man working and music.
The influence of music on everything living in general and on man in particular has been studied quite well at the moment. It has long been known that classical works help people calm down and relieve stress, and energetic music of different genres can improve the results of your sports training.
There are a large number of scientific papers on this topic, especially in the field of medicine and psychology (the use of music in the treatment of patients, the influence of music on various human organs, etc.). Of course, many studies should be skeptical, as there is a danger of becoming pseudoscience, but authoritative works on this subject are more than enough.
On the same Habré there is a mass of excellent articles about how music affectson the working climate of the office, on the concentration of the employee, etc. But this material is a little about something else.
I have been working as a programmer for five years and have been listening to ambient music for about ten years. Naturally, I have other preferences among musical genres and directions, but I associate the programming process mainly with ambient music (in the future I will use the Russian designation of the genre). Nevertheless, this article will be relevant not only for programmers, but also people of other professions, one way or another connected with mental work. But, before moving on to observing the relationship between ambient music and comfort in programming, I would like to introduce those who are not familiar with this musical direction.
Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask about ambient
What is ambient? Most people are unfamiliar with him. As close as possible to ambient music, popular genres are a lounge or chill-out, which can be heard both in clubs and on the radio. Ambient, for all its diversity, is a more experimental direction in which the rhythm as such and the voice parts are most often absent. In addition, unlike chill-out, ambient is usually less melodic.
Wikipediadefines ambient as “a style of electronic music based on modulations of the sound timbre. Ambient is often characterized by atmospheric, enveloping, unobtrusive, background sound. ” The definition is correct and in general terms describes the features of the genre, but it does not cover all its forms, with which the most ardent fans of such music are familiar. In the article, the term "ambient" will be used in relation to related styles, such as: Dark Ambient, Space Ambient, soft forms of IDM, etc. We will talk more about genres further.
Ambient often intersects with other genres, and you’ve heard its manifestations somewhere, anyway. A lot of soundtracks for games and films - pure ambient music. There are ambient tracks from popular musicians who usually do not work in this genre (for example, Depeche Mode and Radiohead). You could also hear ambient music in news screensavers, in advertisements, amid audio podcasts, etc. In other words, you definitely met this type of music, you just don’t know about it.
Ambient and programming, or how I stopped being afraid and fell in love with ten minute noise tracks
The perception of reality is always subjective, especially when it comes to addictions in music. Therefore, this article is, first of all, my own feelings, which do not necessarily completely coincide with yours. However, I suggest that a similar approach to the relationship of music and work may be interesting.
In my opinion, programming is a type of activity that requires concentration, but not the utmost tension of attention on an ongoing basis. Thoughts should flow smoothly, and the process of creating code (ideally) should be calm and conscious. In principle, the concept of the notorious “state of flow” says the same thing. Naturally, I understand that there are different cases, and sometimes programmers are aggressive creatures that hit the keyboard with their fists when something does not work as it should. But let's look at the option when the work takes place in a quiet mode (by the way, this calmness can be achieved just because of the right music).
Writing music on old analog synthesizers is a bit like a programming process.
In my opinion, an important factor to create a pleasant working atmosphere is to minimize distractions. That is why during work I can’t practically listen to music “with words,” since the perception of the text attracts attention, which makes it very difficult to write code. For me it is the same as reading a book and listening to the radio at the same time. Two streams of information are mixed into one, because of which you skip words when reading and lose some of the audio information.
So in programming. Writing code is like writing text: notes or articles. Sometimes it happens that the words of the song somehow catch you, you are heard and lose the thought, after which you have to restore the working state. Probably, the ability to perceive several sources of information without such failures can be developed, but why complicate your work? Therefore, I try not to listen to news and songs during programming.
An exception to this rule is the form of ambient where voice samples are used (recordings of radio broadcasts, fragments from films and television programs). In this case, the voice is embedded in the music so that from the moving element of the track it turns into just another layer of the musical environment. From examples of ambient sound with voice samples, I can name Boards of Canada, Biosphere, eyesix.
Too energetic and dynamic music is not suitable for writing code - at least for me. One gets the feeling that at a fast pace and moving rhythm (it doesn’t matter if it's electronic music or rock) I try to do the work faster than necessary: I want to write code to the beat of the music and at the same time I don’t feel like stopping and thinking. I think that such an aggressive way of programming can find its lovers (in fact, this is also in some way a state of flow), but to me this kind of music helps me more in matters related to physical activity. For example, dig potatoes under The Prodigy.
Creating mood with ambient music
As I said, the influence of music on the emotions and mood of a person, their close relationship have been known for a long time. If you have fun, then the headphones will sound music that matches your elated mood. Or, perhaps, it will be heard from the speakers, conveying your mood to others (the main thing is not to overdo it with the volume). If you want to relax, take a break from worries and bustle of life, it is better to listen to light, calm music. All this applies to your working condition. There is even a huge number of albums and playlists (on streaming services) that were created for different types of work activities, including programming. Ambient music often falls into these collections.
Ambient includes many styles, and not all of them are suitable for work. For example, Dark ambient, which is distinguished by a gloomy, heavy atmosphere, can drive you into a gloom and deprive you of the energy you need to work. There is also Drone ambient, which consists mainly of low-frequency buzzing - such constant pressure on the ears will definitely not improve your ability to think and write code. Therefore, I advise you to use light forms of ambient. Here is a small “instruction for use”, in which you will find what you can listen to from such music during work.
If you have never listened to ambient music, you should start with a variety of easier-to-perceive varieties, since a random encounter with too experimental compositions can forever discourage your interest in this genre.
In my opinion, residents of the French label Ultimae Records have one of the most enjoyable (and understandable) sounds. This label releases music in the genre of psychedelic ambient (Psybient or Psy Chill), which contains pleasant melodies, a beautiful and even structure. This genre often touches on the themes of outer space, both internal and external. I advise you to listen to Solar Fields (he has albums in the genre of trance, do not mix it up), Carbon Based Lifeforms, Asura.
Those who want something more fun, with a little inclusion of rhythm, you can turn to ambient house, downtempo and dub ambient. This music is more positive, more "sunny." There is a light rhythm that came from reggae and dub. I advise you to listen to The Orb, Ott and Future Sound of London.
If you go into more saturated forms of ambient, then you should try ambient techno. This direction can even be considered as dance. Music is built on looped parts of drum machines that are mixed with atmospheric synthesizers. I strongly advise you to listen to Selected Ambient Works 85-92 from Aphex Twin, The Black Dog, B12. I would also like to mention such an ambient techno musician as Biosphere - the music is very atmospheric, with a special Arctic sound.
There is also classical ambient, which is based on the work of several renowned composers. This is ambient in all its diversity: the forms and shades of music are completely different. Classical ambient is based on the use of ambient noise and certain analog instruments (for example, old analog synthesizers). The "main" name of classical ambient is Brian Eno. Actually, it was this musician who coined the term "ambient" in circulation. You can also listen to Steve Roach, Robert Rich, Klaus Schulze and Pete Namluk. Each of them has a huge discography with many works in various styles.
There are forms of ambient in which the musical component is minimized. A striking example is field recording. In this genre, the musician does not write music in the generally accepted sense, but takes a highly sensitive microphone and goes into the forest to record the environment. This is the most natural music you can hear. Of the most famous, you can recommend Biosphere, listening to which, you are transported to the mountains beyond the Arctic Circle.
Biosphere musician in his natural environment
Finally
Creating a working mood is very important, especially during the programming process, which requires calm and concentration. I know that each of you writes code for your favorite tunes that belong to completely different genres, but try to reconsider your view on the connection between the music surrounding you and the efficiency of your work. Try a new approach in creating your environment. Try writing code in ambient.
