Driving is an opportunity to plug into a personal soundtrack that sets the tone for our journey. Whether you’re navigating the daily commute or taking a long trip, the right music can enhance the experience. For me, the kind of music I choose often correlates with the purpose of the drive and my personal mood.
Intense and Aggressive Drives
Whenever I go for a drive, I want the hardest, most brutal Techno. The heaviest Hardcore Punk. Sometimes, I opt for brutal Metalcore. I love something that’s fast and aggressive to match the intensity of the journey.
Relentless and Diverse Music
On my daily commute, I usually settle for Jazz or sometimes veer into classical music. Rocking through any era - from classic rock to modern rock – is a perfect choice. Sometimes, I even catch myself listening to PBS or other educational programs while driving, adding an extra layer of mental stimulation to the trip.
Enthusiasm and Passion in Music
The genres I lean into during driving are as diverse as my taste. Scrolling through my music library, I often find myself dipping into Scandinavian Metal, Praise music, and a wide array of Metalcore artists. I can get lost in the melodies of artists like Relentless Flood, Stryper, Toby Mack, Jordan Feliz, H.B, Collision of Innocence, Day of Fire, Hyperstatic, Union, King James, and many others. JESUS ROCKS!
BTS and K-Pop on the Move
For a more upbeat and modern selection, my playlist serves me a mix of K-Pop and Electronic music. I love tracks from Hyo-deep, Jhope-More, Jackson Wang (cruel), Jennie (solo), Blackpink (shut down), Dreamcatcher (boca and scream), Pixy (wing), Everglow (pirate and first), BTS (magic shop, best of me, save me), Itzy (wannabe), Sunmi (tail), Jisoo (clarity), Lisa (lalisa), Rose (on the ground and gone), and StrayKids (red lights). Lovebringer
Exploring New Sounds
Recently, I have been growing to love Puscifer’s album Existential Reckoning. The talented musician Maynard James Keenan, who is also the frontman for Tool and A Perfect Circle, brings a fresh perspective to this album with its blend of electronic and rock elements.
Mixing Genres to Suit the Mood
Being open to all kinds of music, I don't discriminate when it comes to what I listen to while driving. My mood dictates my playlist. Sometimes, I feel like diving into country’s favorite 2-step, while other times, heavy metal or crunk is more my style. Every drive might call for a different genre, and I enjoy this flexibility.
The 80s and Electronic Classics
I also have a soft spot for 80s music, a genre rich with iconic hits and innovative sounds. Whether it's classic rock tracks or electronic music from artists like Tangerine Dream, Jean Michel Jarre, and Vangelis, these 80s tracks often find a place in my driving playlist. It’s always entertaining to reminisce about the days of synthesizers and memorable tunes.
Endearing Inspiration
On longer trips, an inspirational piece can be a welcome addition. Works by Beethoven, such as the Fifth Symphony, or Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue are perfect choices to lift the mood and provide a sense of motivation for the journey ahead.
No matter the setting or the purpose of the drive, the music you choose can transform the experience. It can be a source of joy, inspiration, or the perfect accompaniment for a reflective moment. Let your music guide your drives, and enjoy the journey!