As every copywriter, content producer or editor will know, getting into the right head space for a large project is critical for getting the job done well.

Here at Blueclaw, it is no secret that we work in a vibrant office, one that is often filled with laughter, music and the incessant clicking of mice and keyboards. This however, sometimes makes it quite difficult for getting into “the zone” when creating a nifty bit of content.

But with a strong cup of tea (Yorkshire), a decent pair of headphones, and the right kind of music, anything can be achieved.

So here is the unofficial, totally subjective, possibly pretentious, top five bits of music to listen to when creating great pieces of content.

5

Lucky Shiner – Gold Panda

Released in 2010 under Ghostly International, Gold Panda’s Lucky Shiner makes for an interesting study.

Although it failed to enter the Billboard 200 or the UK Albums Chart, it was released to universal acclaim and was nominated for the 2011 Mercury Prize.

It’s also an excellent way to kick off a Monday morning.

4

Nothing Hype – Taragana Pyjarama

Hailing from the great country of Denmark, Taragana Pyjarama (Nick Eriksen), released this beautiful mini-LP in 2013.

Filled with luscious synths and rich harmonies, Nothing Hype provides a great vehicle for immersion and bringing back that forgotten touch of summer – even on a murky October afternoon. Take a listen to Rar, the second track on the album.

3

Krieg und Frieden (Music for Theatre) –Apparat

Recorded to coincide with Sebastian Hartmann’s theatre production of Tolstoy’s War and Peace, Krieg und Frieden (Music for Theatre) forms one of the most exceptional and unknown electronic albums of 2013.

Filled with a near overwhelming amount of musical layering, Apparat and his string quartet provide a great feast of sound for anyone who wants to get their head down and create.

2

Spaces – Nils Frahm

The only live album on the list, Spaces is a patchworked record produced from various live recordings of the German composer and pianist, Nils Frahm.

A work that is both beautiful and stunning, it provides the perfect soundtrack for when you need to focus on a challenging task ahead. The above song is one of many electronic tracks featured on the album.

1

Immunity – Jon Hopkins

Released to critical acclaim in June 2013, Immunity is the fourth album by musician and producer, Jon Hopkins.

Recorded in his flat, using an array of unorthodox recording techniques and instruments (listen out for the salt grinder on Open Eye Signal), the album is a grass roots recording that is both powerful and daunting; two things that can be felt clearly within the above track.

A great stimulant for anyone creating content, it is also worth looking out for some of the remixes taken from Immunity, of which are equally beautiful.

Of course, these won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, that’s fairly obvious. But what music do you listen to when you’re feeling creative? Let us know with a comment below.