The Best Morning Ever Playlist: Created with AI and Earthy Alternative Vibes

Harnessing the power of AI and my passion for technology, I recently embarked on a unique experiment - can an AI DJ create a perfect playlist? The result was an AI-curated playlist that introduced me to new music while hitting all the right emotional notes and perfectly matching the intended music genre. ChatGPT did better than I expected.

During #TechWeek, I immersed myself in various events, including a beach yoga class named "Best Morning Ever." I enjoyed it so much that I have been there every Monday since to start my week off with the best morning ever. In addition to yoga, we journal; one exercise evolved into composing a playlist for our life songs. Then we shared with one other person in the group. After sharing, we were asked to create a playlist that tells the story. This is where ChatGPT enters the picture.

The style of the playlist I was aiming for was "earthy alternative," a genre I wasn't initially familiar with. Armed with only the names of two artists and ChatGPT, I ventured to build out this playlist.

Me: Can you act like you are a music DJ who creates the most amazing playlists and understands different types of music??

ChatGPT: Of course!?? I'm ready to rock the virtual turntables and create the most amazing playlists for you! Whether you're into pop, rock, hip-hop, jazz, or any other genre, just let me know your preferences, and I'll curate a fantastic playlist tailored to your musical taste. Let's get this party started! ????

Okay, I thought ChatGPT was really excited to get started. Let's see if it can handle this genre.

Me: Would you understand a music preference if I said it was earthy alternative?

ChatGPT: Absolutely, I understand! "Earthy alternative" refers to a music style that combines alternative rock elements with a more organic, down-to-earth sound. It often incorporates acoustic instruments, folk influences, and a raw, soulful vibe. If you're into that genre, I'll be sure to include tracks that match that earthy and alternative feel in your playlist. Let me know if there's anything specific you'd like to add or any artists you enjoy!??? ????

Wow, it seemed to really know "earthy alternative" music. Let's give ChatGPT the two artist suggestions to see if it knows. I gave it Lord Huron and Trevor Hall. It knew these artists and described them and their music style. It also gave some initial music selections. Now for the tricky part. Part of the journaling exercise also called for bringing in instruments that spark emotions.?

Me: I like this so far. Also, I am thinking about incorporating instruments and thinking about emotions that those instruments bring. I am thinking a guitar for joy, a sax for fun, and drums for love. Can you incorporate that into the mix as well when thinking about bands or musicians that will fit into this playlist?

ChatGPT: Absolutely, I love the idea of incorporating emotions and instruments into the playlist! Here's how we can go about it:

For the emotion of joy represented by a guitar in an earthy alternative style, we can include tracks from bands like Fleet Foxes, The Head and the Heart, and Iron & Wine, as they often infuse their music with uplifting acoustic arrangements and harmonies.?

For the emotion of fun represented by a saxophone, we can explore the work of artists like Moon Hooch, who bring a unique blend of saxophone-driven sounds with an experimental and alternative twist.

For the emotion of love represented by drums, we can include tracks from Lord Huron itself, as their music often contains heartfelt rhythms that evoke emotions and connections. Additionally, artists like The Tallest Man on Earth and Sufjan Stevens could also be great fits, as they create soulful and emotionally resonant songs.

By combining these elements and carefully selecting tracks from artists that match the "earthy alternative" style and the emotions you described, we can create a cohesive and enjoyable playlist. Let me know if you'd like me to proceed with this approach or if you have any specific songs or artists in mind!?????????

Me: Yes please proceed!?

It did it! It created a great playlist, but it seemed like it was missing something. It needed more of a flow, and it was short.?

Me: Can you make sure it is at least an hour long?

ChatGPT: Certainly! ...

I had it create a few versions to see what it came up with and thought, why not throw in some more context.

Me: This is so good. Can you just do one last version and this time think about yoga, meditation, and the ocean if any of those three ideas could be incorporated??

ChatGPT: Absolutely! ...

It did it again! It even let me know how I can create the playlist on Spotify. I had a few other steps asking for variations and asked it to focus on newer music. The next step pushed ChatGPT a little further.?

Me: This is great. Can you do this with an emotional arc that would feel like you are part of a story? I want to make sure the playlist has a good flow to it.?

ChatGPT: Absolutely! Let's craft an "earthy alternative" playlist with an emotional arc that takes you on a journey, creating a story-like experience. We'll?arrange the songs to flow smoothly and evoke different emotions throughout the playlist:?

Intro & Awakening (setting the stage for the journey):

? The Paper Kites’ - “Featherstone”

? Bear’s Den - “Above the Clouds of Pompeii”

Joyful Exploration (embarking on an uplifting adventure):

? The Paper Kites - “Bloom”

? Hollow Coves - “Coastline”

? Of Monsters and Men - “Alligator”

Playful Encounters (fun and energetic moments):

? Moon Hooch - “Acid Mountain”

? Youngblood Brass Band - “Brooklyn”

? The Cat Empire - “Two Shoes”

Deep Connection (finding love and meaningful connections):

? Lord Huron - “Meet Me in the Woods”

? Vance Joy - “Georgia”

? Mumford & Sons - “Guiding Light”

Soulful Contemplation (reflecting and introspecting):

? Hozier - “Cherry Wine”

? The Lumineers - “Sleep on the Floor”

Conclusion & Serenity (reaching a sense of peace and closure):

? Hollow Coves - “Coastline” (Reprise)

? RY X - “Berlin”

By carefully arranging the songs in this emotional arc, the playlist will take you through a captivating story-like, journey. It begins with an awakening, moves into a joyful exploration, has playful encounters, finds deep connections, allows for soulful contemplation, and ultimately reaches a sense of serenity and closure. Each song transitions smoothly into the next, creating a cohesive and evocative experience.

Enjoy the emotional journey of this "earthy alternative" playlist and imerse yourself in the captivating story it weves through music!

ChatGPT responded with?an impressive curated Playlist that not only embraced the musical preference and created the desired emotional journey but also introduced me to new music within the earthy alternative genre. One of the tracks was by the Lumineers, a band whose concert I had attended back in 2017. It was a pleasant surprise to rediscover them in this playlist.?I can't wait to create my next playlist. Next, I'll create a playlist for my life song. I can't wait to see what it comes up with.

This experiment demonstrated the potential of AI in personalizing experiences and increased my curiosity about its role in creativity. As a software engineer passionate about innovation, I am excited about the future and AI's role.?

Join me as I explore AI's potential in reshaping our experiences. Here is to more mornings filled with yoga, music, and AI magic.??

Here is the playlist on Spotify

If you like #taylorswift, the group has a special Taylor Swift-themed yoga event on Monday morning. Here is the link for the group.

This is the journal prompts and homework.

1. Imagine you are a life music composer and you need to come up with a new song for your life. What would be the title of the song, the style, and the tempo of it? Why?

2. Now that you know the title, tempo and style of your song, choose 3 instruments that you absolutely want in your song and 3 that you absolutely don’t want.

3. Next to each of those instruments, attach 3 words that you want to be remembered by and 3 that you absolutely do not want to be remembered by. In 4 lines, write out the first verse of your life song.

***homework***

Curate a playlist for your partner for the week which features/highlights the instruments your partner absolutely wants in their life song.

This made me excited to revisit a video I posted on Instagram from the Lumineers concert at the Rose Bowl.