Varun Parikh
03-May-2025
From soothing soundtracks to mood-lifting beats, find out how the right playlist can transform your travel experience
Varun Parikh, Founder of Bay Owl Studios
Ever noticed how a simple melody can instantly lift your spirits or wash away a tough day? It’s amazing how music and sound tap directly into our emotions – stroking heartstrings, unlocking vivid memories and even nudging our mood in an instant. Whether it’s the steady beat of a drum aligning with our own heartbeat or the gentle swell of strings that brings a sense of calm, our brains are wired to respond to sound in deeply powerful ways. It’s this incredible ability of music to shape how we feel that makes it my go-to mood booster, especially when I’m on the road.
The right song or soundtrack can transform any journey into exactly the experience you crave. Heartbroken after a breakup? Let a soulful ballad wash those tears away on a long drive. Heading off on a boys’ trip? DCH and ZNMD got your back. On a girls’ weekend? That One Direction & Taylor Swift mixtape (do people still say mixtape?) is going to “shake it off, shake it off!” Need to blow off some steam? Heavy metal. Celebrating a promotion? Upbeat Pop. Feeling ambitious? There are always the indies! There’s truly a song for every emotion, and with the perfect playlist in your pocket, every road trip becomes a mood-boosting adventure!
It turns out there’s real science behind why music has such a powerful effect on our emotions. When we listen to something we enjoy, our brains release dopamine – yes, that same “feel-good” chemical that helps us feel motivated and happy. That’s why a favourite song can instantly lift our mood or calm our nerves, simply by engaging our brain’s ‘reward system’. Travelling often brings a mix of excitement and anxiety: unexpected delays, bustling terminals and unfamiliar surroundings can quickly elevate our stress hormones.
( Varun Parikh, Founder of Bay Owl Studios )
Over the years I’ve found that slipping on a pair of noise-cancelling headphones and tuning into a gentle piano piece or a mellow acoustic track can do wonders. Studies have shown that slower tempos and softer dynamics help slow our heart rate and lower blood pressure, signalling to our bodies that it’s okay to relax. In practice though, what works for one may not work for others. I’ve recently developed anxiety when flying, and what helps me breathe more deeply and feel less overwhelmed is heavy rock music, a choice that would definitely aggravate the emotions for most people. So while the science behind it is important to understand the dynamics of music and emotions, don’t ever neglect the subjectivity and power of one’s personal preference.
Music isn’t only about unwinding; it can also guide us into a more mindful state. By focusing on subtle details, the resonance of a cello note, the distant chirp of birds in a field or the swell of ambient synths, we can train our minds to stay in the present moment. I have a playlist called ‘Focus Work’ that I pair with my noise-cancelling earphones when I have to zone into something that requires my undivided attention, such as writing this piece. It’s amazing how quickly this anchors my attention to the job at hand and quietens the usual chatter in my head. A similar road trip playlist for long drives helps keep the drive from being mundane, especially if everyone on the journey starts zoning out.
Try this for yourself: start by curating a playlist with mostly instrumental or lightly lyrical tracks, so your brain isn’t busy processing words. Consider adding nature’s sounds, such as the rustle of leaves or soft ocean waves blending beautifully with music to create a soundscape that soothes your nervous system. And if you need a pick-me-up later on, bump the tempo up to around 100–120 BPM to gently invigorate your senses without jolting you out of your seat.
Before your next trip, remember to pack more than just your passport – toss your headphones in your bag and handpick a playlist that matches the mood you’re chasing. Hit play and watch as the perfect soundtrack turns every mile into a moment you’ll love.
