If you’ve been involved in the psychedelic therapy or plant medicine world, you’ve probably heard about the importance of set and setting. That is, what you surround yourself with during a psychedelic journey — as well as how you feel beforehand — can make just as much of an impact as the substance itself.
One way to create a set and setting conducive to a pleasant, insight-producing trip is to carefully select a playlist that will uplift you and/or bring you into the depths of your consciousness. While music will affect people differently based on factors like the memories associated with it, here are a few songs that seem uniquely suited to psychedelics.
Best Chill Music
“Ask the Mountains” by Vangelis
The ethereal chanting that opens this song will transport you straight to the heavens.
READ: 16 of the Trippiest Music Videos Ever
“So Much Magnificence” by Miten
This dreamy song will put you into a relaxed mindset and evoke a sense of awe conducive to spiritual experiences.
“Seem to Freeze” by Dirtwire
Angelic vocals by Emma Lucia make this track the highlight of Dirtwire’s Electric River, an album inspired by psilocybin mushrooms.
“The Well” by Ley Line
These lyrics and harmonies usher in inner peace and paint a picture of purification.
READ: The Best Psychedelic Albums Through the Ages
Best Classic Rock Songs
“She’s a Rainbow” by The Rolling Stones
The perfect song for when you’re seeing rainbows, and to celebrate all the colors within your mind. Also check out the Molly Tuttle cover.
“Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles
“Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds” would’ve been too obvious, and this one is pretty trippy too.
“Uncle John’s Band” by the Grateful Dead
The gentle harmonies of this song can take a trip in a positive direction.
Best R&B/Hip Hop
“Death bed (coffee for your head)” by Powfu
If your mind’s in a place to go there, put on this tune and contemplate the transience of your own life.
“Lucid Dreams” by Juice WRLD
Enter your own waking dream with this track’s catchy beats.
Best EDM Music
“Clair de Lune” by Flight Facilities
This slow-paced song with a mystical vibe is perfect for easing yourself into a trip.
“Children” by Robert Miles
This classic EDM favorite’s magical sound never gets old.
“Imprint Of Pleasure” by Tube & Berger
Bob along to this song’s infectious strings as you contemplate the question posed by the refrain: “Why has man given such importance to pleasure?”
“Blue Skies” by BT feat. Tori Amos
Put this on if your trip takes a dark turn and you want bluer skies above you.
Best Classical Music
“The Four Seasons” by Antonio Vivaldi
Allow your mind to enter scenes of spring, summer, fall, and winter with this string composition.
W.A. Mozart – “Adagio”
Johns Hopkins University selected this uplifting number to play participants in a study on psilocybin and depression.
Best Songs About Getting High
“High With You” by Suzanne Vallie
Vallie paints a dynamic, vivid picture with lyrics about “sand and shades, sea level haze, future lays, and a bronzy glaze.”
“Let’s Get High” by SUSU
This dramatic rock song is an ode to the joys of entering another dimension.
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DoubleBlind Magazine does not encourage or condone any illegal activities, including but not limited to the use of illegal substances. We do not provide mental health, clinical, or medical services. We are not a substitute for medical, psychological, or psychiatric diagnosis, treatment, or advice. If you are in a crisis or if you or any other person may be in danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency resources. If you are considering suicide, please call 988 to connect with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
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