The psychedelic experience is a deeply personal and transformative experience and it not to be taken lightly. It’s a profound exploration of the mind, the 5 senses and your idea of ‘reality’. It can lead to moments of introspection, creativity, spiritual connection and so much more.
In this blog post, we delve into the art of curating a tripping playlist—an essential component that can elevate your psychedelic experience to new heights. We will guide you through what to consider when adding songs to your tripping playlist such as emotional resonance, lyrical meaning, and overall energy of the music. We’ll also explore the importance of striking a balance between familiarity and novelty, experimenting with different genres, and picking the perfect music that aligns with your intentions. As always, we’ll start with the basics.
What are Psychedelics?
Psychedelics is a class of mind-altering substances that have been used by cultures throughout history for their life changing effects. Two notable subcategories of psychedelics are Lysergamides and Tryptamines, each with its unique properties and effects on the mind.
Lysergamides, such as LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide), have gained popularity for their ability to induce intense visual and auditory hallucinations, altered perceptions, and profound introspective experiences. First synthesized by Albert Hofmann in the 1930s, LSD skyrocketed to prominence during the counterculture movement of the 1960s, and its use continues to this day.
Tryptamines, such as psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms/truffles) and DMT (dimethyltryptamine), have an ancient history in traditional shamanic rituals and spiritual practices. These compounds are known for their ability to produce altered states of consciousness, inducing vivid open and closed eye visions, deep connections to nature and ‘the divine’, and sometimes even ego dissolution.
The science behind psychedelics is continuously evolving, shedding light on their fascinating nature. These substances primarily interact with the serotonin system in the brain, specifically targeting the 5-HT2A receptors. This interaction leads to the disruption of abnormal patterns of communication between brain regions, resulting in the subjective effects of psychedelics.
Psychedelics are known to create a variety of psychological and physiological effects. Mentally, they can enhance creativity, induce spiritual or mystical experiences, and promote introspection and self-reflection. Physically, users may experience altered sensory perception, changes in mood, and increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Let’s go over how our sense of sound is altered by psychedelics.
The Effect of Sound During a Psychedelic Trip
During a psychedelic trip, the role of sound takes on a whole new dimension, playing a crucial part in shaping the overall experience. The interplay between music and psychedelics has been a subject of fascination and exploration for many individuals looking to access deeper states of consciousness.
Sound has a unique ability to influence our emotions, perceptions, and inner landscapes when in our regular, sober mind… Never mind when under the influence of substances. When combined with the altered state of mind induced by psychedelics, the impact of sound becomes even more profound. It can shape the mood, guide the direction of thoughts and emotions, and amplify the visual and auditory hallucinations prevalent during a trip.
One key aspect to consider when curating a tripping playlist is the intention behind the music selection. Different genres, rhythms, and melodies evoke distinct emotional responses, which can significantly influence the tone and direction of the trip. For example, gentle and ambient music may cultivate a calm and introspective atmosphere, while upbeat and rhythmic tunes can facilitate energetic exploration.
Choosing music that resonates with your personal preferences and intentions can enhance the psychedelic experience. Certain genres such as ambient, electronic, psychedelic rock, classical, or traditional ceremonial music have been popular choices among psychonauts. However, there are no set rules regarding what type of music to listen to during a trip; ultimately, it comes down to individual taste and intention/motive of the trip.
Music can intensify visuals, trigger emotional states, unlock memories, and even induce synesthesia (a blending of sensory perceptions). It has the power to transport the listener to otherworldly realms, enhance feelings of interconnectedness and deepen introspection.
Playing music through high-quality speakers or using headphones can create a more immersive and intimate sonic environment. Additionally, carefully selecting the physical surroundings, such as a comfortable and visually pleasant space, can further enhance the sensory journey.
Moving on, we’ll delve into specific elements to consider when crafting a tripping playlist, providing suggestions and insights to help you curate an immersive and pleasant auditory experience during your psychedelic trip.
What to Consider When Adding Songs to Your Tripping Playlist
Curating a tripping playlist is an art form that requires careful consideration. When selecting songs to include, there are several important elements to keep in mind. These considerations can help guide you towards creating a playlist that aligns with your intentions and enhances your journey.
1. Tempo and Energy
The tempo and energy of a song can significantly impact the mood and flow of your trip. Slow, ambient tracks can induce a sense of relaxation and introspection, while faster-paced and rhythmic tunes can evoke a more energetic and exploratory experience. It is great to have a few options on one playlist so your trip sitter can change the vibe if they notice one type of music is not serving you in the right way.
2. Emotional Resonance
Choose songs that resonate with your emotions and inner landscape, keeping in mind that psychedelics amplify emotions greatly. Songs with lyrics/melodies that evoke a specific emotional response can contribute to a more profound and cathartic experience. You may opt for songs that evoke joy, healing, introspection, or spiritual connection. Do you wish to penetrate a deep state of psychedelic meditation or are looking for an explosively expressive session? Your choice is dependent on your intentions for the trip!
3. Lyricism and Meaning
Pay attention to the lyrics of the songs you select. Lyrics hold the power to shape thoughts, access memories, and provoke introspection. Depending on your preferences, you may choose songs with profound lyrics, or you may prefer instrumental tracks that allow for a more open and subjective interpretation.
4. Emotional Flow and Transitions
Consider the overall emotional flow of your playlist. Aim for a balanced progression of songs that takes you on a journey, allowing for both introspective moments and uplifting peaks. Thoughtful transitions between songs can create a seamless and continuous experience, enhancing the depth of the trip.
5. Genre and Eclecticism
Consider incorporating a diverse range of genres into your playlist. Different musical styles can evoke varying emotions and offer distinct sonic textures. Experiment with a mix of genres that align with you, your intention and your soul. If you are in the beginning of your experimentation with psychedelics, try asking a friend that shares a similar relationship to music with you who has lots of experience with psychedelics.
6. Length and Duration
Take into account the length of each song and the overall duration of your playlist. Depending on the duration of your trip, you may want to curate a playlist that spans a few hours or even longer. For example, Lysergamides typically last for 10-14 hours while some Tryptamines, like magic mushrooms, last between 3-8 hours. Make sure your playlist is long enough so you don’t run out of music and have the manually search. Keep in mind there may be some songs you end up skipping, so make sure your playlist is much longer than you intend to be tripping for.
We hope that these pointers can help you to select songs that truly resonate with you, align with your intentions, and create a harmonious energetic environment for your psychedelic experience.
Final Thoughts
Curating a tripping playlist is an opportunity to create an inner landscape that can guide you along your trippy way. The effect of sound-waves during a psychedelic trip is profound enough to shape you trip.
Remember, the music you select should align with your intentions and provide a experience where your jumbled senses are in harmony with your surroundings. Whether you choose ambient sounds or energetic rhythms, your tripping playlist is an essential tool to expand your consciousness, leaving you with insights that will last a life-time. Embrace the power of sound and choose wisely!
