Creating playlists

I wrote a blog post 3 years ago on making a running playlist.  I'm still listening to a lot of that music but my means have changed a bit.  Now there's Pandora radio, Spotify, and iTunes.  There was iTunes then, and maybe the others but I didn't know how to use them =)  I have created several playlists using these apps for different times in my day.  We recently cut cable so I'm finding that I love having music playing in the background of my day.  I have one for Sunday mornings, one I like to listen to when cleaning and, of course, a Christmas playlist! 

Here's my top 5 tips for making your playlist:

1.  Be inspired - choose music that inspires you in whatever activity you're doing.  I like easy-listening/pop while I'm cleaning.  I listen to my Christian playlist on Sundays when Liam and I are getting ready.  I have upbeat pop/rap and Christian for my running music.  I need to be motivated and it does just that!

2.  Explore new albums without purchasing them - You can listen to entire albums in Spotify shortly after their release to see if you want to buy them.  And signing up with Spotify is 100% free.  You have to listen to ads every couple songs but that's worth the free for me personally.  Pandora radio is also a good deal as it groups all different artists together based on what you want/like.  

3.  Use suggestions - Pandora and Spotify will suggest artists or albums to you based on what you have liked or put in a playlist.  Try them out!  I have found some of my favorite artists that way!

4.  Go back in time - I have created a few playlists with all my 80's and 90's favs.  (Yes, that's old to me)  But those songs take me back to childhood and instantly boost my mood. These playlists are often saved for my morning commute. They put me in a great mood for the day!

5.  Follow your friends - Search for your friends in Spotify and see what they're listening too.  Try a new artist while you're exploring!  

Here's a few screen caps of my favorite playlists:

PS - Here's my top 5 songs right now - no matter my mood!  

1. He Knows My Name - Francesca Battistelli
2. September - Earth, Wind and Fire
3. Try - Colbie Caillat
4. Leave the Night On - Sam Hunt
5. The Rock Won't Move - The Vertical Church Band


Happy playlists friends!