If you are a designer like me, you can’t go 5 minutes on a project without making a trip to your iTunes library. Some people need silence but I can’t go very long, even when I’m not designing, without music playing. I have a collection of about 8 albums that I always seem to gravitate towards when I start working on a project. I like to post not only great illustration and design here on SDWHaven, but also anything that pertains to the processes or areas of illustration in general.
So I have decided to post my 5 favorite albums that I love to listen to while I’m working. I find music to be a very important part of my day as a designer. I numbered the albums from 1 – 5, with 1 being my top favorite right now. You might recognize a few of these artists, but if you are looking for some new music to listen to while your working then you might find something that you haven’t heard before. Below I have included a video from each artists. So if you haven’t heard of any of these bands be sure to give them a quick listen.
1. Hands Like Houses – Ground Dweller
If you have never heard of Australian Band Hands Like Houses, then you are severely missing out on some amazing music. Right now this is my favorite album to listen and work to. It hasn’t been out for very long, but the band and the album quickly went to the top of my favorites list. If you are a fan of bands like Emarosa, The Receiving End of Sirens, and Of Machines then you will like this band.
2. Brand New – The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me
As far as I am concerned Brand new’s The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me is the best album released in it’s genre. It is an album that never gets old. It has always been one of my favorite album to listen to while designing. It’s a deep album with many amazing tracks, but it isn’t to detracting while I need to be focusing on a job.
3. Freelance Whales – Weathervanes
I bought Weathervanes by Freelance Whales after only hearing 30 seconds of the opening track, Generator (First Floor), of the the album. They have an amazing indie sound that experiments with a lot of instruments that you don’t normally hear from artists today. It has turned into one of my favorite albums to listen to while designing. If you like indie bands like Vampire Weekend, Foster the People, or even Two Door Cinema Club, then you will like Freelance Whales.
4. Deas Vail – Deas Vail
Deas Vail’s latest Self-Titled album has turned into one of my favorite albums to work to over the past year, so far. If you find that music with depth and emotion inspires you while working then you will want to give Deas Vail a listen. They have a great indie sound that really lends to a creative environment while designing.
5. Jamie’s Elsewhere – They Said A Storm Was Coming
Jamie’s Elsewhere are a very different band than anyone else in my top five so far, but lately I have been spending a lot of time working while listening to They Said A Storm Was Coming. It is definitely the most distracting type of album for me to listen to will working, but I find myself still be very productive to this album. Check it out.
What albums do you love to listen to when you start designing and drawing? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. Be sure to share through one of the options below.
