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10 Study Tunes You Need Right Now

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Stefanie Karasavidis
Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Kellie Anderson
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Western chapter.

 

As the 2016 midterm season begins (*insert the Star Wars Imperial March here*) so do the late nights and headaches. Don’t let the midterms blues get you down — the key to studying well is maintaining your focus for long periods of time, and music is a great way to help overlook distractions and keep yourself motivated! Let HerCampus get you into the optimal studying mood with these ten tracks. 

1.     Baby – Ariel’s Pink Haunted Graffiti

 

Hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3utvDLTynY

Although certainly an eclectic choice, singer-songwriter Ariel Pink’s “Baby” is the perfect segway into the studying mentality.

 

2.     Rumour Mill (Feat. Anne-Marie & Will Heard) – Rudimental    

Hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1IVP8R8jTs

English band Rudimental’s “Rumour Mill” straddles the perfect line between tantalizing bass and easy listening, and Anne-Marie’s vocals will delight every Major from Classic’s to Med Sci!

 

3.     Hunger Of The Pine – Alt-J

Hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCCXq9QB-dQ

Miley Cyrus may not have made our criteria for study music but clearly she stood out to Alt-J, who samples her “4×4” song in this enigmatic track.

 

4.  Constant Conversations – Passion Pit

Here it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBLuWKnKIn0

This indietronica band released “Constant Conversations” in their Top 10 Album Gossamer, making it a fitting choice on our ’10 Tunes’ list.

 

5.  My Love – Route 94 (Feat. Jess Glynne)

Hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS46C2z5lVE

Clearly a man of many talents, DJ Route 94 clearly brings what Club Weldon is missing and works with fellow rising star Jess Glynne to make “My Love” a vocally compelling library jam.

 

6.  Finally Moving – Pretty Lights

Hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sk9XYQMRiLY

“Finally Moving” is an absolute for studying, with its organic beats and samples of everything from hip-hop to vintage funk, your eardrums will thank you.

 

7.  No Diggity – Chet Faker

Hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1JsBhRCRH0

Hailing from Australia, Faker is well known for his cover of Blackstreet’s “No Diggity” and intimate vocal style. This song is a favourable tune for students who want to get real intimate with their Calc notes.

 

8.  Child’s Play (Feat. Chance the Rapper) – SZA

Hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNqL8X-VzG8

The simply unraveling Solana Rowe creates the perfect minimalist vibe, and provides plenty of Shakespeare references to supplement studying for any and all in Arts and Humanities.

 

9.  Islands – Young the Giant

Hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Q7QkZRaSuI

Alternative American band Young the Giant are no stranger to fame, but their lesser known track “Islands” is the otherworldly sound thats been missing from your iTunes. For more surprising additions to your study playlist check out their In The Open sessions.

 

10. Crystallised – The XX

Hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pib8eYDSFEI

The XX are capable of bringing Top 40 and Indie fans together with their music, so sit back, wipe away those exam grind tears and prepare to be overwhelmed with this trio’s unique flair (and the amount of essays you still have left to write). 

Bonus: Instrumental Tracks for Low-Key Academics

 

For those students who can’t abide classical for studying but get easily distracted, here are some subtle sounds to keep you immersed.

 

1.     AirplaneShadows – Kiln

 

Hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTEJ_PWgN68&list=PL3FC1CAD113196D15&index=4

 

2. Gold Panda – 5th Avenus

Hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRLreGvjC4c

 

3. Saltwater (Rework) Nora En Pure

Hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyiX49gsebs

 

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Stefanie is majoring in English Literature & MIT, spending much of her time at the University of Western Ontario acquiring her tastes for the finer things in life, such as high-end cosmetics & everything chocolate. A strong advocate for animal rights, she is happiest surrounded by her furry friends. For your weekly dose of sass & eloquence follow her on Instagram @s_karasavidis
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Kellie Anderson is incredibly proud and excited to be Western Ontario's Campus Correspondent for the 2015-2016 year. She is currently in her fourth year of Media Information & Technoculture, and has an overflowing passion for creative writing. While Kellie loves to get wildly creative while writing fictional short stories, she has found that her true passion is in shedding light towards hard-hitting topics like Mental Illness - she believes that writing is the best healer. Kellie has some pretty BIG plans for her future and can't wait to graduate as a Her Campus Alumni! You can contact her at kellieanderson@hercampus.com.