Studio Sounds: Five Creatives Share How Music Boosts Their Work

If we had a CD for every study done on the powerful effects of music on creativity, we’d have a pretty sweet collection for our Discman! And there’s a common harmony that flows through each report: listening to music – specifically upbeat music – can reduce feelings of anxiety, improve mood, and, in doing so, aid creativity and innovation. Research also shows that listening to music connects the left and right sides of our brain, helping to expand thinking and enable idea generation. It’s safe to say that music’s a Mood!

Whether you’re into fresh new beats, nostalgic faves, or bingeworthy podcasts (or simply prefer the sound of silence!), there’s an auditory panacea that’ll get your creative juices flowing. We reached out to five Peppermint friends to get the rundown on the sounds of their studios.

LINDSEY RAE @SewToGrow

SEWING PATTERN AND FABRIC DESIGNER

What role does audio play in your creative process?

It’s funny, but I actually need absolute silence when I’m actively being creative, like working on a new fabric or pattern design. I go into hyperfocus mode and like to pour my entire mental focus and energy into what I’m working on. I don’t like having any audio on during those times because my mind will start to drift.

When you do listen to something, what is it, and why?

When I’m getting hands on with sewing a pattern or making a sample, I’ll 100% have a podcast on! I love feeling like I have someone there with me while I’m working and enjoy the mental stimulation. 

Is there a go-to track that pumps you up and gets you in the mood for making?

I definitely don’t have a go-to track because I like so many genres of music, but if I’m wanting to feel pumped up then I will definitely put on a bit of rap. Right now I am obsessed with Doechii!

What are the top three tracks or podcasts we’d hear if we stepped into your studio this week?

I listen to the Toni and Ryan podcast and The Daily every day. Plus, I like to sprinkle in a little bit of true crime podcasts like Crime Junkie.

IMAGE ABOVE OF MADELAINE BY CALLIE MARSHALL FOR CREATIVE MORNINGS

MADELAINE BUTTINI @MadButt

COLLAGE ARTIST

What role does audio play in your creative process?

I’m a solo creator and audio keeps me company at my home-based studio! I have the privilege of rarely having to pass the aux… unless my partner is helping me. It can get a little lonely at times and I love listening to all different types of formats – music, podcasts, and TV shows.

I choose different options for different moods and capacities. I might play a re-run of a TV show like Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown. I love learning about history, so I listen to Only The Royals podcast sometimes. When burnout is approaching, I tend to wake up with limited capacity and I need a relaxed chill vibe to get creative. When I’m feeling well adjusted and energised, I crave the high energy of house and techno music (think early Ministry of Sound or Cafe Del Mar mixes)! When I’m creating artworks which deal with feelings of injustice, I will listen to punk or hardcore bands (I really enjoy the band Speed at the moment).

What do you mostly listen to when you’re creating, and why?

Over the last decade, I’ve learnt that I can’t hold a conversation when making art! Sometimes I turn my phone on Do Not Disturb because I don’t need distractions. When I’m planning for a commission or exhibition, I will only listen to binaural beats to allow myself to get into a flow state. There is one album I love, it’s called Subconscious Bliss by Sonic Gateway. I get into a meditative state where all the noise in my head quietens down and I can be in my own creative bubble. It truly is subconscious bliss!

Is there a go-to track that pumps you up and gets you in the mood for making?

I have so many incredible parts of myself which get activated through music. If I want to channel my Inner Feminist, I love listening to Knifey by Amyl and The Sniffers. Amy is an incredible songwriter and singer. She discusses some really important issues women face within a contemporary context. Barry Can’t Swim is also an amazing artist, their song Fiorucci Made Me Hardcore got me through a lot last year.

Do you have any audio no-deals?

You’ll never catch me listening to my own podcast, 1800-MADBUTT! Being an AuDHD creative and running multiple businesses can get overwhelming. Add being an artist, and it’s usually feast or famine with projects. So, I try my best to alternate to sounds that match my capacity. If I’m feeling overwhelmed, I put on rainforest or storm sounds. This helps me feel more connected to myself and my surroundings. There is one track I love, which is The Space In Between by Onassis Hernandez. It makes my brain feel like I’m touching grass; it’s incredible. And if that doesn’t work, then I know I need to leave the studio and touch some real grass!

What are the top 3 tracks or podcasts we’d hear if we stepped into your studio this week?

Without Me by Sillage, FS Melody by Jeigo (if you love that one, listen to Pearl Leaf) and Bassically – Tei Shi.

ROMY-KRYSTAL CUTLER @SewLike 

SEWIST AND PATTERN DESIGNER

What role does audio play in your creative process?

It brings focus and energy. I know that sounds weird, but my mind can tend to wander when I sew so when I’m playing music it keeps me going while also keeping me on task. 

What do you mostly listen to when you’re creating, and why?

Strictly music and usually playlists I’ve created. 

Is there a go-to audio track that pumps you up and gets you in the mood for making?

Pretty much anything by Bad Bunny. Lately it’s NUEVAYoL. 

Do you have any audio no-deals?

I cannot do calm music, I’ll absolutely fall asleep! Haha! 

What are the top three tracks or podcasts we’d hear if we stepped into your studio this week?

NUEVAYoL by Bad Bunny, On & On by Armin Van Buuren & Punctual ft. Alika and Cinderella by Remi Wolf. 

BELLA CAMERON @ColourPuffGirl

CROCHET ARTIST

What role does audio play in your creative process?

My studio is never quiet. My chosen audio mirrors my mood most of the time. It’s a way for me to stay grounded and present when making art. If I’m sad it’s a lot of Lana Del Ray and if I’m feeling extra magical it’s Enya and Aurora. Just a lot of whimsy, really!

What do you mostly listen to when you’re creating, and why?

Music! I like to feel a rhythm when I’m making art. Anyone who crochets will understand that feeling of being in the rhythm of crochet and music definitely helps me with that. Podcasts can be a bit too jarring when I’m trying to count stitches and concentrate on pattern writing. Music helps quiet the chaotic nature of my brain. I think of a million things at once and have way too much energy most of the time!

Is there a go-to track that pumps you up and gets you in the mood for making?

Here Comes the Rain Again by the Eurythmics. This song just does something to my soul! It takes me back to driving through central Australia hunting for waterfalls in my little van. I was solo travelling and drove with the windows down, blasting the Eurythmics. My art pulls on memories of me feeling peaceful and magical in nature. 

What do you listen to when you want to escape the world?

When I want to zone out completely I’ll put on my high-rotation music. It’s comforting in a way and I have headphones that block out the entire world and I’ll just zone out to pop girls mostly.

What are the top 3 tracks or podcasts we’d hear if we stepped into your studio this week?

Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club hasn’t left my rotation for over a year at this point! I also love Cocaine Jesus by Rainbow Kitten Surprise, and Tash Sultana’s Electric Feel.

KYLIE DI GERONIMO @OhhSoPretty

WEARABLE ART JEWELLERY DESIGNER

What role does audio play in your creative process?

Audio is huge in my studio! We’re a musical family – my eldest son and hubby play guitar, my next two sons play piano, and our youngest son is a drummer. For me, music creates a sense of calm. 

What do you mostly listen to when you’re creating, and why?

Music is my sound of choice in studio. I love creating with music in the background – if it’s not my go-to playlist, I get lost in the sounds of my sons playing instruments. It’s such a proud mamma moment! 

Is there a go-to track that pumps you up and gets you in the mood for making?

I listen to a lot of different kinds of music, but love tunes that you can sing along to and actually hear the musical instruments being played. My current favourite song I love listening to is Daydream by Lily Meola. I just feel like sometimes we hold ourselves back and stick to our ‘safe’ zones, but this year I’ve taken a huge step experimenting with laser cutting techniques, and Daydream is just so relatable and meaningful to me at present, I’ve actually used this song in one of my recent reels (blue peonies), quoting ‘never to stop dreaming’.

Do you have any audio no-deals?

Not really, but I do sometimes enjoy a quiet space when I’m working on my computer planning designs or releases. 

What are the top three tracks we’d hear if we stepped into your studio this week?

It would depend on what I’m doing, but again, Daydream would be on the list. Along with the Sound of Silence by Celtic Thunder, and if I’m packing orders, Guns N’ Roses. I love packing orders and literally dancing – it’s such a high for me!