Five Records to Get in the Flow

The flow state (also known as being in the zone) is the mental state in which a person is fully immersed in an activity creating a feeling of energized focus, full involvement with the ability to solve complex problems with ease. Finding your flow state can produce magical results. Music can assist the mind in entering this transcended state. The genres and artists are going to be a matter of personal preference regarding what you choose as background sound for your work. These five albums are my 'go-to' records when I want to spend 1-2 hours in my flow.

Kid Loco - Kill Your Darlings

This downtempo album allows you to fall in love with the lyrics or fade into the background while you get into the zone. Mellow tracks with great vocals. From beginning to end, this record is chill.

Dj Mark Farina - MushroomJazz 4 

This record introduced me to The People Under the Stairs. Farina creates a more upbeat feel, including some old school scratching. Mark Farina's the 4th installment of the now legendary Mushroom Jazz series. It is a real phenomenon in sound interweaving hip–hop, soul, and the blunted beats all mixed to perfection. 

GreyBoy AllStars - Freestylin

 DJ Greyboy and saxophonist Karl Denson collaborated to create this rare groove. This instrumental record showcases the legendary California jazz-funk revivalists. Uptempo tracks convey a carefree ambiance.

Poi Dog Pondering - Soul Sonic Orchestra

PDP's Soul Sonic Orchestra is a cross-pollination of diverse musical genres. Orchestral arrangements with elements of Electronic and acoustic instruments accompanied by soul-moving vocals. This record takes the listener on a journey and is excellent for flow state work and psychedelic experiences.

Love & Rockets - Express

This record is my one 80s throwback to the dark side of new wave. The Goth album is probably unique to my flow state playlist. The tracks rekindle memories from days long passed that are close to my heart. The irony of such melancholy music bringing back fond thoughts of my youth is fitting.

You may have experienced a flow state at some point — that sense of fluidity between your body and mind, where you are totally absorbed by and intensely focused on something without distraction. Time feels like it has slowed down. Your senses become heightened as you become one with the task at hand, as action and awareness sync to create an effortless momentum. Music is one of many tricks to help get into your flow state. Driving, meditation, and other practices that help you focus on a single thing can also help.