Consider creating your own freelancer’s soundtrack. Not just a collection of songs, but something to get through the ups and downs of freelancing.
In this article, we suggest ways you can create a proper freelancer’s “mixtape” with personal relevance. A playlist you can blast in your home office, in the car, or while getting in your daily steps.
Forget “curated” Spotify algorithms. What every freelancer needs is a playlist that mirrors their unique and emotional journey of self-employment.
You’ll want to include tracks that genuinely speak to your personal and professional experiences. Think of those songs that bring you back to when you used to let your hair down; when you would belt out your favourite song in the car without a care about what other drivers would think (i.e. Stereophonics’ “Dakota”). Consider adding international tracks that resonate with your heritage, your foreign travels or simply songs that make you smile no matter what.
Include some ambient or instrumental tracks, too, for when you need to concentrate but still want some calming background noise. Artists like Ludovico Einaudi or lesser-knowns such as Nils Frahm, Ólafur Arnalds, or even film soundtracks can provide the perfect backdrop for focused work sessions.
Film soundtracks
One of our family favourites is the film soundtrack to Begin Again, which features songs by Adam Levine and Keira Knightley. It was one of those films that we had no expectations for, yet were moved and pleasantly surprised. It is far from sweet and sappy, but honest and uplifting. There are even two versions of the film’s track “Lost Stars”, so you can choose if you prefer Levin’s or Knightley’s versions.
The same goes for the About Time film soundtrack, which has such a great mix of tunes, from “How Long Will I Love You” to The Cure’s “Friday I’m in Love”.
Your freelance soundtrack should also evolve with your career. As you grow more established, you might find yourself gravitating towards different themes – perhaps less “survival mode” and more “strategic growth.”
When the world of freelancing throws you an unexpected oops or you’re sick of being ghosted, at least you’ll have the perfect soundtrack for whatever comes next.
Here are some track suggestions to get you inspired (don’t blame the DJ):
The “flying high” phase
This is when you’ve just landed a brilliant client, your portfolio is polished, and you’re feeling rather optimistic about your prospects. Lizzo’s “Good as Hell” captures that confidence perfectly, whilst Clean Bandit’s “Rather Be” reflects the joy of doing what you love. Add in some Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” for those moments when you’re genuinely chuffed with your work, and perhaps a bit of “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves for when everything seems to be going your way.
The “chasing payments” phase
Inevitably, there comes the invoice-chasing period. Destiny’s Child’s “Bills, Bills, Bills” becomes rather apt, doesn’t it? When you’re sending your third “friendly reminder” email, Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know” provides the perfect emotional outlet.
For those particularly stubborn clients, Rihanna’s “Bitch Better Have My Money” offers a more direct approach (though perhaps keep it to yourself). Simply Red’s “Money’s Too Tight (To Mention)” works brilliantly for those lean weeks, whilst ABBA’s “Money, Money, Money” captures the circular thoughts about finances that plague every freelancer.
The “bounce back” anthems
When projects get rejected, websites crash, or you accidentally delete hours of work, you need songs that help you dust yourself off.
Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” is obvious but effective. Add The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” for those dark moments when you need reminding that things will improve. Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” works wonders after losing a big client, whilst Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” provides that necessary shot of optimism when facing seemingly impossible deadlines.
The “grinding through” collection
For those long nights and endless revisions, you need tracks that keep you motivated. For example, The Chemical Brothers’ “Go” or Daft Punk’s “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” are suggestions for pushing through difficult projects.
Add some Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” for when you need to dig deep, or perhaps some 80s tunes like “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor when you’re determined to nail that pitch. Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” always provides a clever twist – you’re working crazy hours, but at least you’re working for yourself.
The “celebration” section
For those moments when everything clicks, like when your client loves your work, you receive a stellar testimonial, and payment arrives promptly – you need proper celebration music.
Queen’s “We Are The Champions” is an obvious choice. Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” might resonate when you remember all the late nights and caffeine that led to this moment. Add Imagine Dragons’ “On Top of the World” for pure euphoria, and perhaps a bit of “Good Life” by OneRepublic when you’re feeling genuinely grateful for the fact that you can meet a friend for a last-minute lunch, without having to put in a request to your boss. You’ll get the work done and on time.
The “reflective” moments
Sometimes you need music for the quieter moments of contemplation. Something captures the intensity of life yet reminds you why you chose independence in the first place, likeFleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way”.
Leonard Cohen’s “Everybody Knows” is a go-to tune for those philosophical moments about the nature of work and life and how we’re not alone.
Music is very personal. We know what we love and what we don’t. But when a track plucks your heartstrings, then you’ll know to add it to your personalised freelancer soundtrack. Here’s to hoping your playlist becomes a hit, with fellow Freelance Informer readers among your followers.
I’ll leave you with one more, “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers.
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