Some people prefer complete quiet when writing code. Some people like to write code in a busy coffee shop. But most of us,
we write our code to music. Whether it’s because you’re in a start-up and have no money for a private space or because your boss thinks that open work spaces are the shit: putting on your headphones and listening to your favorite tunes is a great way to focus on whatever programming task lays ahead.
I’ve been enjoying Japanese pop music a lot. Some indie bands, some not-so-indy bands. Out of all the bands I’ve discovered recently, thanks to Spotify (which is not available in Japan, or is it?), is Shishamo. Shishamo is a band whose members met in high-school. Except for their bassist. She joined when all members were 20, because the the now ex-bassist promised herself to leave a highly succesfull band after the age of 20. Okay. I’m not here to judge.
Anyway, one of their best songs in my opinion is “Nettaiya”. (tropical night). And as if the music isn’t easy enough to listen to, I think that their music videos are superbly shot as well.
Another song I really like is “Nakaniwa no Shoujo-tachi”. Which translates to something along the lines of girls in the yard.
From these cheesy tunes, let’s switch to Qomolangma Tomato. Apparently they’ve been around for a while. Now I’m going out on a limb here and say that this probably not everyone their cup of tea. So be warned before hitting that play button. I’d say they sound pretty similar to what a Japanese System of a Down would sound like.
I have Spotify Playlist with a bunch of other songs that I like to listen to while writing code. This is all kinda-pop-ish Japanese music. Some of it is more unusual than the other.
Now if you’re really in the mood for something else, I recommend you try this playlist. If there is any style of music that can get me in to the zone, it’s Japanese hardcore.