7 recommendations for music to study to (that are not AI-generated)

When you look up music to study to, there’s a chance that you will encounter a bunch of AI-generated songs.

Truth is, there is no escaping the widespread use of AI art, including AI-generated songs. Recently, the #1 hit on US iTunes was a viral TikTok song called “Celebrate Me” by AI-generated persona IngaRose. 

The question this brings forth is simply: why? Why is it that people will always fall susceptible to AI art, be it in writing, in visuals, or in music, when there are millions of artists around the world working day and night to have their original pieces even just slightly noticed?  

AI music has even started to flood into instrumental YouTube playlists, and this phenomenon is not welcome. 

Now, it’s fine when AI is used as a resource. YouTube music has recently launched an AI playlist-generation feature to make it easier for users to find new music.  

What’s not okay to let artificiality replace genuine human thought and emotion. A few Spotify users pointed out that their Discover Weekly playlists would get filled out with four to five AI-generated songs. On Deezer, which is the only platform actually tagging AI music, nearly 75,000 AI-generated songs get uploaded everyday — making up 44% overall.  

Much like when trying to find music to study to, it all bows down to choice. You cannot stop this viral spread of AI-generated art, but you can stop engaging with it whenever it pops up. It’s easy to have blind spots, but it’s also easy to do a little search when a profile has zero human information and uploads too frequently.  

At the end of the day, you have the choice to celebrate real people making real music — and more specifically in this case, real music to study to. 

If a song’s credits are empty, then it is likely made by AI. Source: Mohammad Metri on Unsplash

Now, finally — 7 recommendations on real music to study to

Not everyone enjoys listening to music when they study.

However, a 2020 study found that “preferred background music can enhance task-focused attentional states on a low-demanding sustained task.” There’s even a term called “The Mozart Effect,” which is the belief that listening to his music somehow improves mental performance. 

Music has also been shown to have great impact on memory. A Harvard study states that music not only helps retrieve stored memories, but also “helps us lay down new ones.” It’s almost like perfume, in a way. You listen to specific tracks during a particular event or relay of information, and it becomes your main association.  

At the end of the day though, it boils down to your personal preference. So, here are our recommendations for music to study to across a spectrum of genres. 

If you need a little whimsy to make studying a little less boring, try a Ghibli soundtrack 

Featured: Howl’s Moving Castle Original Soundtrack by Joe Hisaishi on Apple Music 

If you want to feel a little high fashion before you hunch over your laptop all day, try some house 

Featured: “real deep house mix (no AI slop)” created by gesus8 on YouTube 

If you’re into some chill house music, another option for music to study to is YouTube DJ sets  

Featured: “CHILL MORNING DEEP HOUSE” by LILICAY on YouTube 

If you like rock music, but you can’t listen to lyrics, here’s “That Japanese Math Rock Sound” 

Featured: “‘That Japanese Math Rock Sound’ Compilation – My Favourites Volº1”  created by a Whale and a Deer on YouTube 

If you’re rushing a deadline, these speed of these strings feels like something’s chasing you

Featured: “when you wake up late and have to get to school in less than 30 minutes (a playlist)” created by nobody on YouTube 

If you’re an artist needing a ‘little stimulation, this playlist by influencer Lindsey Rem has you covered 

Featured: “ART-ING 2.0” created by lindseyrem on Spotify 

If you’re an avid gamer, then perhaps a soundtrack could offer some perfect nostalgia 

Featured: “Genshin Impact Lofi To Sleep or Study To 🌾 原神 [No Mid-Roll Ads]” created by gacha guild on YouTube