Blame it on the Bossa Nova

I stopped listening to the news in the morning. I have no need to be angry this early–that can wait until the afternoon–so I switched to listening to sports talk when I need mental stimulation without consequence. However, if I have to do something creative, I’ve found a new outlet – an endless stream of elevator music.

The correct term is “light jazz” or “bossa nova,” Brazilian jazz music, but I can’t shake the feeling that it’s still elevator music… you know, back when elevators still had music. Something light and inoffensive that will relax your riders while they spend the next 5-10 minutes in an enclosed space with strangers. I should hate this stuff. And yet, I flick it on every morning.

There’s a channel called Relax Cafe Music on YouTube that the creator just alternates the same self-created light jazz stream daily, and although the notes change, it’s still the same relaxing pap that I don’t have to think about and fills up the background. If I want something I can recognize, you can turn to Dr SaxLove for sexy sax jazz covers of pop hits.

I should hate this. It’s mindless. It has no redeeming value. And yet it’s soothing. It’s like taking the placebo: you know it’s not a real drug, but you feel better taking it anyway. I guess I drink decaf coffee for the same reason. I don’t need the caffeine, I just want the comfort of a hot beverage. (That’s the most controversial thing I’ve said in a while.) 🙂

The trick, I think, is that it has no words. I listen to EDM when I’m writing stories because it pumps me up and I’m not distracted by the words. Once you include words into the mix, then that throws off what you’re trying to write.

Am I the only one? Are you secretly embarrassed by something you listen to? Let me know in the comments below!