I'm writing this as I'm currently being bombarded by the non-stop sounds of a nearby jackhammer pounding away at concrete, accompanied by the intermittent rattles and rolls of nearby traffic zooming by. A cacophonous symphony causing my teeth to clench, temples pounding in rhythm. It's one of those days when I wonder why I live in the middle of the city...when I definitely need the aid of my headphones and one of these following relaxing mixes to bring me back down to a lower blood pressure.
1. 8 Tracks Contemporary Classical: 83 playlists of instrumental contemporary classical music (Downton Abbey fans might want to check out this mix inspired by the show).
• Example of artists: Fabrizio Paterlini, John Lunn, The Cinematic Orchestra
2. The Quiet Sounds: 35 episodes of free ambient and electronic music thoughtfully curated by created by Brian Bieniowski, ideal for relaxation before or after work. "Ambient and electronic music for somnambulists and insomniacs since 2005."
• Example of artists: Atlas Sound, OST from Drive, Beach House
3. Space Station SomaFM: mellow playlist of ambient and mid-tempo electronica for distraction free background music.
• Example of artists: Resonant Drift, They Will Come, Aphex Twin
4. Relax Daily's Relaxation Music Playlists and Download: a site dedicated to "peaceful relaxation music for chilling after work, doing your daily yoga, meditating".
• Example of artists: Paul Horn, Deuter, Steven Halpern
5. Ghostly Essentials: Music For Creatives: a free 40 minute, 8 song mix of ambient electronica inspired by the work of experimental musician, Brian Eno. A joint effort between music label, Ghostly International and design site, Behance.
• Example of artists: Tycho, Lusine, Christopher Willits
(Images: Spectral-Design/Shutterstock; as linked above)