5 Playlists That Help Me Focus as a Freelance Writer

Publication Date

February 11, 2022

Summary

The right playlist can block out distractions, help you focus, and even nudge you into that elusive flow state.

The Best Playlists for Freelancers Who Need to Focus

1. Hey Arnold Vibes

This might be my all-time favorite. It’s a jazzy, upbeat playlist inspired by the 90s/2000s show Hey Arnold—but with a modern twist. You’ll hear everything from jazz to hip hop to pop-inspired tracks.

No vocals = fewer distractions
Includes epic solos, subtle dissonance, and some nostalgic throwbacks
Perfect if you were a jazz nerd in high school or college

This one always gets me hyped for work.

2. Not Quite Classical

If you want something chill but still dynamic, this playlist delivers.

Mostly instrumental with a few light vocals
Lush, calming vibes that ease you into deep work
Great for slow mornings or tasks that require creative energy

It’s not about rushing—it’s about settling in.

3. Road Trip to Tokyo

Think cinematic beats and wanderlust vibes. This playlist feels like a soundtrack for focus.

A mix of electronic and lo-fi beats
Uplifting but steady—great for writing sprints
Keeps your mind engaged without being overwhelming

It’s like fueling your workflow with an imaginary adventure.

4. JazzHop Lounge

Exactly what it sounds like: jazz meets hip hop in the calmest way possible.

Laid-back tempo, smooth beats
Helps create a steady rhythm for long work sessions
Perfect background music for admin days or editing

This is my go-to when I need steady, consistent focus.

5. Lofi Fruits

This one came to me via TikTok—and it’s perfect for breaking the scroll cycle.

Features many of the trending TikTok remixes
Chill lofi beats mixed with pop culture familiarity
Keeps your brain engaged while you write or design

It’s playful, modern, and surprisingly effective.

Try This: The Pomodoro + Playlist Hack

Want to supercharge your productivity? Pair these playlists with a Pomodoro timer.

Here’s how:

Set a timer for 25 minutes (I use Toggl Track’s Chrome extension for this).
Pick or create a playlist that’s close to 25 minutes long.
Stick to one musical style for each session.
Try starting with something chill, building up to higher energy, then ending with a calming track.

It’s a small tweak, but it helps train your brain to associate music + time blocks with focus.

Music won’t solve every freelance stressor—but it can make a huge difference in your ability to focus. Whether you need calm, hype, or nostalgic vibes, these playlists give you a starting point.

I’d love to hear what you’re listening to! If you’ve got a go-to playlist that helps you focus, send it my way—I might feature it in a future roundup.

FAQs About Music Focus

Q: What kind of music is best for focus while freelancing?

A: Instrumental or low-vocal playlists usually work best—jazz, lofi, and classical variations are especially effective.

Q: Why does music help with productivity?

A: Music can block out background noise, reduce stress, and create a sense of rhythm that helps you focus.

Q: Can I use Spotify or YouTube for focus playlists?

A: Absolutely. Most of the playlists I use are on Spotify, but you can find similar ones on YouTube or even create your own in Canva mock-ups for your portfolio.

Q: How long should a focus playlist be?

A: Try matching playlists to your work sessions. A 25-minute playlist works perfectly with a Pomodoro timer.

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