# What do you stream for background sound? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 27, 2023, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-stream-for-background-sound/983276 "2023-04-27T14:43:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Sitnam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2023, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-stream-for-background-sound/983276/1 "2023-04-27T14:43:24Z")
You’re studying or reading or busy in your home and want some background sound from the tv, what do you pick? Ideally I look for something I have seen before so I can ignore it, but something I liked enough so it doesn’t bother me. The problem is streaming services typically have only the newest shows or films or at least recent anyway and I haven’t seen it. If I put anything on from Netflix for background I’ll have to watch it and stop what I am doing or turn it off. So, no bueno. I’ve been going to YouTube for stuff like [THIS](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR-Zen2s2Qw) but there has to be something better. That’s where you come in. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2023, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-stream-for-background-sound/983276/2 "2023-04-27T14:52:47Z")
I just let YouTube music run on my TV for background since they already know what I like and I sometimes stop and hear something I hadn’t heard before or something I hadn’t heard of in years. ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2023, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-stream-for-background-sound/983276/3 "2023-04-27T15:01:46Z")
I like Explosions in the Sky for working. https://www.youtube.com/embed/iShjscYYtW8?feature=oembed&wmode=opaque&list=PL91d9W0UnKIF24a50_EXMvamy37Awy344 ---
**Author:** ![WildaBeast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wildabeast/32/6_2.png) [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2023, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-stream-for-background-sound/983276/4 "2023-04-27T15:13:24Z")
When I work from home I always have NPR on in the background. ---
**Author:** ![NinthAcolyte](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ninthacolyte/32/13676_2.png) [@NinthAcolyte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinthAcolyte)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2023, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-stream-for-background-sound/983276/5 "2023-04-27T15:20:08Z")
I can’t do anything brain-intensive while there are voices going on - my brain latches onto thinking about the words being spoken. My favorite music for working is [Morkins​á​lmar](https://dyfliza.bandcamp.com/album/morkins-lmar), an album by an Icelandic duo. They describe it as “wintery dungeon synth.” It’s very soothing - melancholy but not mournful, icy but comfortable. Track three, “V​æ​ttavals,” is my favorite. It means “Wight Waltz” and for me it vividly conjures images of faded, solemn, stately specters dancing slowly in a frozen grove. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2023, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-stream-for-background-sound/983276/6 "2023-04-27T15:24:32Z")
I just put my Spotify “Liked” list on shuffle and a low volume. It’s ~250 songs and I’m obviously going to generally like anything that comes up. If I decide I want more variety, there’s an option to inject new suggestions into there as well. ---
**Author:** ![hogarth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hogarth/32/1773_2.png) [@hogarth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hogarth)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2023, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-stream-for-background-sound/983276/7 "2023-04-27T15:36:14Z")
I listen to various podcasts (see one of the many “what are you favourite podcast?” threads for suggestions). ---
**Author:** ![Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/marvin_the_martian/32/2898_2.png) [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2023, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-stream-for-background-sound/983276/8 "2023-04-27T17:11:35Z")
Classical piano music, usually Chopin Nocturnes and Rach Preludes. Also Native American inspired music, generally featuring Native American flutes and/or drums. Through Sonos, not TV though. ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2023, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-stream-for-background-sound/983276/9 "2023-04-27T17:24:00Z")
If I’m reading or studying, I prefer quiet. If I’m doing something on the computer and I want background noise, I’ll usually play music on the other computer. ---
**Author:** ![Yodalicious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yodalicious/32/8195_2.png) [@Yodalicious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yodalicious)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2023, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-stream-for-background-sound/983276/10 "2023-04-27T20:58:52Z")
Depends on what I’m doing. If I really need to concentrate I’ll put on some spanish guitar or nuevo flamenco. I don’t have a drop of Spanish or Hispanic blood, just really enjoy the style. If it’s a day like today, I’m in the office and it’s pretty slow, so I’m listening to Joe Bonamassa. For some reason I find ZZ Top my go to cooking music. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2023, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-stream-for-background-sound/983276/11 "2023-04-27T21:05:56Z")
KCSM Jazz Radio out of San Francisco (San Mateo, actually). ---
**Author:** ![Yogeekgirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yogeekgirl/32/4129_2.png) [@Yogeekgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yogeekgirl)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2023, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-stream-for-background-sound/983276/12 "2023-04-27T22:42:52Z")
True Crime Podcasts! True Crime Garage, My Favorite Murder, RedHanded and Morbid are my go to’s for bus rides, chores and errands. 🔪🔪🔪 ---
**Author:** ![TruePisces](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/truepisces/32/13628_2.png) [@TruePisces](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruePisces)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2023, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-stream-for-background-sound/983276/13 "2023-04-27T22:44:40Z")
Depending on my mood, I’ve got about probably 20 different playlists on YouTube Music. They’re usually songs that I know already fairly well so it’s not a problem to have them playing in the background. Occasionally, if I’m doing mind numbing, repetitive work, I’ll put in an audio book to listen to. Hubby always has to have either a YouTube videos that he’s familiar with (a lot of old Loading Ready Run stuff) or episodes of shows he’s seen a million times (read: Poirot, Miss Marple, Phryne Fisher, things like that). Not sure what the kids do for background, since they always have their headphones on. ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2023, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-stream-for-background-sound/983276/14 "2023-04-27T22:46:27Z")
I don’t like background sound if I’m trying to work or read and I hate having a tv on unless I’m watching a program. When I’m listening to music, I usually have pandora shuffle all my stations, it makes for crazy mixes. ---
**Author:** ![HMS\_Irruncible](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hms_irruncible/32/7394_2.png) [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2023, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-stream-for-background-sound/983276/15 "2023-04-27T22:48:50Z")
> [@Sitnam](#): > > You’re studying or reading or busy in your home and want some background sound from the tv, what do you pick? There’s a really nice ad-free infinite stream on YouTube called [LoFiGirl](https://www.youtube.com/c/lofigirl). It’s an endless stream of instrumental downtempo EDM. Very pleasant and relaxing. One reason I like it is that it doesn’t seem to repeat, and all the songs sound the same, so there aren’t any hooks, lyrics, or quirks to catch my attention. Just an endless stream of pleasant undifferentiated sonic Valium. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2023, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-stream-for-background-sound/983276/16 "2023-04-27T23:14:56Z")
I like the semi-revival of classic Rock station KISN. Available to stream [here](https://streamdb8web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KISNLP). Loads of rarely played oldies, old-time ads and such. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2023, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-stream-for-background-sound/983276/17 "2023-04-27T23:30:59Z")
WVLI “The Valley” out of Kankakee, IL. Available to stream [here.](https://player.listenlive.co/42211) They play a little bit of everything, from the Andrews Sisters to ZZ Top. ---
**Author:** ![Paintcharge](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/paintcharge/32/7946_2.png) [@Paintcharge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paintcharge)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2023, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-stream-for-background-sound/983276/18 "2023-04-28T01:07:03Z")
When I’m in the shop building stuff, I generally have WITH radio on. They have a couple of locally produced music shows, some interviews with acts touring the area, and a bunch of music that the hosts just like, followed by World Cafe. Saturday and Sunday I’ve got NPR on at the house. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2023, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-stream-for-background-sound/983276/19 "2023-04-28T01:28:28Z")
I do the same thing for studying or for zoning out and drawing. I have a playlist called _Draw, Pard’ner…_ A combination of well-worn instrumentals (classical, jazz and _hippie stuff)_, and songs that I’ve played so many times over decades that I don’t have to listen to the lyrics, or the music. Now, if it’s work/art that doesn’t take any writing or other concentration, then I can listen to audiobooks while I draw. And I go through a lot of books, because my favorite thing to do is sit in a coffee joint/diner/bar where I don’t know anyone, plug in earbuds and my 003 Pigma pens, and draw a cathedral in perspective (or, yeah, easier stuff sometimes). I just looked, and I finished four long audiobooks\* this week (an average of almost five hours a day). \*And three of them were worth it… ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2023, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-stream-for-background-sound/983276/20 "2023-04-28T03:16:14Z")
> [@HMS\_Irruncible](#): > > There’s a really nice ad-free infinite stream on YouTube called [LoFiGirl](https://www.youtube.com/c/lofigirl). It’s an endless stream of instrumental downtempo EDM. Very pleasant and relaxing. Trying it now. It _is_ very pleasant! [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-stream-for-background-sound/983276.md?page=2)