In severe need of a confidence boost, I’m apprehensive of taking that painfully long walk down my school gates. Eyes constantly scanning for a singular flaw to unravel you, are hidden behind stark blank faces. Just when I’m on the verge of a disastrous breakdown, I remember there’s a sure-fire solution.

Concentrated dopamine induced ecstasy.

My f** it up playlist. At the drop of the first beat, I am powerful, unfazed and above the rest of the world, all those perpetually gazing eyes completely blinded by my light. 

A good playlist can change your impression of music completely. Songs are a gateway to get intimately in tune with your feelings, but music arranged in a carefully curated manner is an exquisite experience. The importance of a good rotation is severely underrated. Many are victims (as am I) to the trap of letting the “system” do it for you. I find it’s sucks you into an eventually mind-numbing cycle of repetitive listening, leaving you sonically repressed. Stuck in the shell of your most recent plays. It can even possibly leave you tired of perfection and master craft by painfully dragging you back to it. This is a situation I recently found myself with the ever-gracious artist that is Beyoncé.

Perfection is supposed to be intentional, not as dismal as a suggested listen. As highlighted above, an audio queue, a specially crafted one at that is the only way to level up your tastes.

Before we dive in to all the fantastical ways to improve your lifestyle, we must first conceptually understand the meaning behind a playlist.

The Truth Behind a Playlist

Now take a short trip to your imagination. You are in the 80’s , going on a melodic expedition, in search for tunes to add to your mixtape, further raising your reputation as that person. The Audiophile.

The above illustration is the essence of a playlist. It is quite obviously a list of audio or video files arranged in an order specific at the creator’s whim or driving intention for possible listeners.

You can also attribute a compilation as your own setlist drawing from multiple artists to further elevating your in-shower concert experience (as I do from time to time). Alternatively, this is crucial method to developing your vocal tool with a range of genres beautifully arranged in your mix, seamlessly testing, and discovering the dimension of your sonic range.

Here are just a few reasons why playlists are so damn important;

• The invaluable option of customization: These days, the flexibility of tailoring a playlist is almost limitless. From a cover art that subtly encapsulates the details of music it carries, to the different variations of songs, it is quite simply a marvel to play around with.
• Versatility, the holy grail of fluidity: Although primarily, playlists were intended for intentional auditory listening, their use cases differ for almost any scenario, whether it’s a lo-fi mix for studying and catching sheep, or some R&B arrangements to treat the blues and get you all in your feels, they are an easy way to accompany any mood.
• Arrangement: As with any thing in life, there’s an order to things. A specific setting to maximizing effectiveness and balance. At other side of the coin, a bit of chaos and randomness adds spice and intrigue to the mix of life. Each side has its obvious pros and cons. Following the intended listing, gives one the opportunity to witness the blessings of transitions, providing a set aura and vibe. It’s thematic in that sense. Alternatively, taking a chance with a shuffle uncovers hidden nuances and flows along your sonic odyssey.

A playlist is whatever you imagine it to be, as long as the founding principles apply. From a secret treasure trove just for you and you alone, or the main scene of a get together with friends and companions alike, its is a medium to personalize and broaden your entertainment experience.

The Art of Constructing a playlist

Come closer, just within ear’s reach and pay close attention to my gentle whisper. I shall be your esteemed guide on the cosmic journey of the musical subspace. Just one crucial thing of note though; make sure you take it all in.  Feel the music.

Step 1: Clear your mind

The great artiste Tems once phrased so delicately; “I really need, I need to free my mind now” And that is exactly what is adviced at this venture. (Now, this is not a therapeutic advice. That you can find in a different post). To fully focus on the careful task at hand, a spotless subconscious is the starting point. After all, art usually starts from a blank space. An invaded mind brings too many distractions. Different thoughts can cloud what could become a great creation. Serenity is the best way to let all those creative juices seep in and inspire a magnificent artwork.

Step 2: Set the scene

They do say your mind is what you make it. Or something along those lines. Anyways, the background behind crafting a masterpiece is crucial. A lot of thought must go into it. This has to be constructed in a manner that intuitively encapsulates a specific mood. Excuse the grammar. Despite the aura you want to project, there’s a common denominator. Being detailed oriented. Each scene has its specificities, so integrate that when generating a suitable setlist. Even in nature, sunsets differ from the minute to the obvious.

Step 3: Paint!

From your subspace to your brush, to your canvas, paint the scene you would like to see. Once you’ve conceptualized your vision, it is quite easy to begin the process of building your musical assortment. Select a cover art that accurately provides a context to the mix. This could be any image that calls out to you. Then choose your headliner that introduces the glorious music to follow, add more songs that intertwine beautifully while still standing independently and providing their standalone impact on your senses. Lastly, add a record that leaves a lasting impression as the headliner, giving a masterful finish to the melodic exploration ending with a sense of nostalgia and fulfillment. The starting note can be a deep resonating interlude from your favorite artist. Further down, the audio can steadily build up pace till it reaches the middle as a vocal centerpiece with the following songs cascading down to a symphonious ending. Think of it as a bus ride adventure, with the first song being the start point, the rest of the songs being notable landmarks, and the last being the conclusion at your final destination.

Step 4: Stop when it feels right.

It is quite easy to ruin art by adding unnecessary touches. Ultimately, your intuition and heart should dictate the flow of the process. At the right time, after a few listens, the pieces of your work will weave together the perfect expression. It doesn’t necessarily have to make conventional sense. Judging by general metrics will only result in a lackluster compilation. Always remember there’s a bit of perfection in imperfection. Balance and gut feeling is essential in this craft.

Step 5: Listen with respect.

Art deserves reverence. And in this form, that I present to you, proper appreciation is expected. To truly receive the gift of a playlist in all its glorious essence, you have to listen and comprehend with full intention. With something that evokes such powerful emotions, a rushed digestion can completely offset your entire mood. Whether its through speakers, earbuds or whatever form you take in music, it is imperative you do it the right way.

I’m pleased to inform you that coming this far, you’ve successfully mastered the skill of inventing a unique playlist. Now, go into the world, share with others your newfound talents that they too might have their senses awoken to this hidden art.

Below is a little compilation we have crafted specially with love just for you.

Credits:

Bennett, Korede