Sounds of Focus: Student-Approved study songs that hit all the right notes

  Various UMKC students have curated a playlist of songs to help them find their groove when it comes to hitting the books and preparing for exam week.

   LUCKI – Sunset

This track is built around slow and ethereal synths, and the minimalist drumbeats help keep the song at a steady and engaging pace. Freshman undergraduate Dontae “Tae” Taylor finds himself enjoying the track during study sessions. “It’s mellow and the beat helps me keep a rhythm with my workflow without feeling too overpowering.”

  Crybaby- SZA

This track begins with a prominent and groovy bassline, alongside some soothing organ. Accompanied by the heavenly vocals from SZA, this song is easy listening for anyone’s ears.

“It’s slow and it helps mellow me out when I need to get into that zone,” said first year dance major J.J. Jones.

  Wrong Places- Josh Baraka, JAE5

A versatile track that is appropriate for multiple occasions, teeming with influences from Afro-pop and R&B sensibilities. Third year health administration student Angel Kirumira said, “I just like afro-beats, so it makes sense to have it on while I’m doing my homework.”

  4EVER- Clairo

Clean synth basslines, sparse drum beats and a dreamy feeling that allow the listener to sink into the vibe. Clairo is one of those artists that is typically welcomed in any scenario, particularly studying. “It’s a banger and it’s still mellow enough to hum along to, it’s a good balance,” said Reyna Salvador, a junior studying electrical and computer engineering.

  黄昏のBay City– Junko Yagami

An addition to the playlist from overseas, Junko Yagami sings a lively Japanese citypop hit from the 1980s. Third year biology major Adam Gouddou said, “ I try to listen to a lot of music from different languages if I can, not knowing the words helps me study.”

  back of the club- kwn

A track that elevates the listener from the first second, yet never takes them too high out of orbit. The calming mood of the song lends itself greatly to anyone’s study session. Freshman undergraduate Laila Johnson had a hard time deciding which song to answer with, but ultimately landed on this track, stating, “Just the beat alone makes you want to lock in, and kwn is one of my favorite artists at the moment.” 

  No Chill- PARTYNEXTDOOR

Jossy Beattie, a first year biology student, stated she has been listening to No Chill by the artist PARTYNEXTDOOR when studying or doing everyday tasks, “It’s just relaxing, like it’s a good middle ground for studying or doing homework”, said Beattie.

  Easier Said Than Done- Thee Sacred Souls

Third year health science major Vanessa Reyes says she enjoys listening to a lot of music that gives her the “oldies vibe.” Her study song of choice is one that reflects just that, with live instrumentation and traditional production processes, “I like the instrumentals, they’re relaxing and his voice is really impressive,” said Reyes.

  Resentment- PARTYNEXTDOOR

Another addition from artist PARTYNEXTDOOR, first year psychology major Liyah Ware expressed how helpful the artist has been in her academics, stating, “I always come back to listening to him when I’m trying to study, the beats are just soothing to me.”

  Hoy El Aire Huele a Ti- Luis Miguel

Luis Melgoza, a sophomore business major, says he appreciates a trumpet in a song, since he himself used to play in high school, “The song opens with a trumpet and makes you feel like you’re on a beach resort or something. It’s so chill.”

  This playlist will have a little something for everyone to enjoy. To listen to this new study playlist, please use the link below:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0O07bid7rNlTZIdLpL8baW?si=9781927f3c494342