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Best Music For A Mushroom Trip [Full Playlist]

Are you looking for the best music for a mushroom trip?

Psychedelic music can have a huge affect on someone’s mood and perception. Some even say that the right music can make or break a psychedelic experience.

Music with a hypnotizing beat, a long build-up, and a powerful climax will do wonders for those under its spell.

By listening to this certain kinds of music during your trip, you’ll be ready to heal internally.

In this article, we’ve compiled the best music to listen to during the come up, peak, and come down of your next psychedelic trip.

The Come Up

Faith’s hymn by beautiful chorus.

“Faith’s Hymn” by Beautiful Chorus is a serene and uplifting vocal piece that begins with a gentle harmony of angelic voices.

As the song progresses, the layered harmonies build into a soaring crescendo that creates a sense of spiritual elevation and connection to the divine.

The repetitive nature of the lyrics and melody can create a sense of hypnotic trance, allowing the listener to focus inwardly and detach from their physical surroundings.

This song may be ideal for the beginning of a psychedelic journey as it can set a positive and uplifting tone for the experience, while also helping to ground the listener in a state of relaxation and inner peace.

Makambo by Geoffrey Oryema

“Makambo” by Geoffrey Oryema is a hauntingly beautiful song that blends traditional Ugandan folk melodies with contemporary Western instrumentation.

The song opens with a mournful chorus of African voices that evokes a sense of longing and nostalgia.

As the song progresses, it builds into a powerful crescendo of guitar, drums, and strings that can create a deeply emotional and cathartic experience for the listener.

The lyrics, sung in Oryema’s native Acholi language, describe the pain of separation and the yearning to reconnect with loved ones.

This song may be particularly well-suited for the peak of a psychedelic experience when emotions and sensations are heightened, as it can evoke feelings of intense empathy and connection with others.

Naturaleza (Mose Edit) by Danit

“Naturaleza” by Danit (Mose Edit) is a meditative and introspective song that blends Danit’s enchanting vocals with atmospheric sounds of nature and electronic beats.

The song creates a sense of calm and serenity that can facilitate a deep meditative state, helping the listener to connect with their inner self and the natural world.

The lyrics, sung in Hebrew and Spanish, describe the beauty and power of nature, and invite the listener to embrace the present moment and surrender to the flow of life.

This song may be particularly effective during the come-down phase of a psychedelic experience, as it can help the listener to integrate their insights and experiences into their everyday life, while also fostering a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the world around them.

Guacamayo by Danit

“Guacamayo” by Danit is a vibrant and energetic song that blends Latin American rhythms with electronic beats and Danit’s sultry vocals.

The song creates a festive and celebratory atmosphere that can encourage the listener to let loose and enjoy the moment.

The lyrics, sung in Spanish, describe the beauty and vitality of nature, and invite the listener to embrace their own wildness and passion.

This song may be particularly effective during the peak of a psychedelic experience, as it can amplify the sense of euphoria and joy, and encourage the listener to dance, move their body, and express themselves freely.

The lively rhythms and catchy melody can also help to distract the listener from any challenging or uncomfortable aspects of the experience, and create a sense of fun and playfulness.

Iluminar by Poranguí

“Iluminar” by Poranguí is a powerful and evocative song that blends traditional South American instruments and rhythms with contemporary electronic beats and Poranguí’s soulful vocals.

The song creates a sense of mystical and shamanic journeying, inviting the listener to embark on a transformative and healing experience.

The repetitive nature of the rhythm and melody can create a sense of trance and surrender, allowing the listener to access deeper layers of consciousness and explore the inner realms of their psyche.

The lyrics, sung in Spanish and Portuguese, describe the power of light and the journey towards inner illumination and awakening.

This song may be particularly well-suited for the peak of a psychedelic experience when the listener is seeking profound insights and transformation, as it can guide the listener towards a sense of spiritual awakening and renewal.

Gajumaru by Yaima

“Gajumaru” by Yaima is a dreamy and ethereal song that blends Yaima’s angelic vocals with atmospheric sounds of nature and traditional Asian instrumentation.

The song creates a sense of otherworldly beauty and mystery, inviting the listener to explore the inner landscapes of their imagination and connect with the natural world.

The slow and hypnotic rhythm can create a sense of deep relaxation and surrender, allowing the listener to let go of any tension or resistance and embrace the present moment.

The lyrics, sung in English and Japanese, describe the power of imagination and the infinite possibilities of the creative mind.

This song may be particularly effective during the come-up phase of a psychedelic experience, as it can help the listener to relax and ease into the journey, while also sparking their imagination and inspiring a sense of wonder and awe.

Warmth of the Sun’s Rays by Hang Massive

“Warmth of the Sun’s Rays” by Hang Massive is a soothing and uplifting instrumental piece that blends Hang drum melodies with ambient sounds of nature and electronic beats.

The song creates a sense of warmth and relaxation, inviting the listener to bask in the beauty and healing power of the natural world.

The slow and gentle rhythm can create a sense of inner calm and tranquility, allowing the listener to let go of any stress or worry and enter into a state of deep meditation.

The absence of lyrics can also allow the listener to focus on the sensations and visuals of their psychedelic experience, and create their own personal narrative or meaning.

This song may be particularly effective during the peak of a psychedelic experience, as it can help the listener dive deep into the inner being.

Israel Song by Carioca Chandra Edgar

“Israel Song” by Carioca Chandra Edgar is a joyful and playful song that blends Brazilian rhythms and melodies with contemporary electronic beats and Carioca’s charismatic vocals.

The song creates a sense of infectious energy and fun, inviting the listener to dance, sing along, and express their own unique personality.

The lyrics, sung in English and Portuguese, describe the beauty and diversity of Israel and the warmth and hospitality of its people.

This song may be particularly effective during the peak of a psychedelic experience when the listener is seeking a sense of connection and community, as it can inspire feelings of love, friendship, and shared experience.

The upbeat tempo and catchy melody can also help to uplift the listener’s mood and create a sense of positivity and hope.

The Song of the Butterfly by Estas Tonne

“The Song of the Butterfly” by Estas Tonne is a mesmerizing and enchanting instrumental piece that blends flamenco guitar melodies with Eastern European and Middle Eastern influences.

The song creates a sense of mystical and magical journeying, inviting the listener to embark on a profound and transformational experience.

The intricate and virtuosic guitar playing can create a sense of awe and wonder, while the slow and meditative rhythm can create a sense of inner stillness and focus.

The absence of lyrics can also allow the listener to enter into a state of deep introspection and contemplation, and connect with their own inner wisdom and intuition.

This song may be particularly well-suited for the peak of a psychedelic experience when the listener is seeking profound insights and connection to the divine, as it can guide the listener towards a sense of spiritual revelation and enlightenment.

Shante Ista by Mose, Sunyana, & Nalini Blossom

“Shante Ista” by Mose, Sunyana, & Nalini Blossom is a mesmerizing and atmospheric song that blends ambient sounds of nature with electronic beats and Nalini Blossom’s angelic vocals.

The song creates a sense of inner peace and tranquility, inviting the listener to surrender to the present moment and connect with the natural world.

The slow and meditative rhythm can create a sense of relaxation and ease, while the layered vocals and instrumental sounds can create a sense of depth and complexity.

The lyrics, sung in Sanskrit and English, describe the power of stillness and the journey towards inner harmony and balance.

It Starts Now by BLOND:ISH

“It Starts Now” by BLOND:ISH is an upbeat and energetic song that blends electronic beats and melodies with African and Middle Eastern influences.

The song creates a sense of excitement and anticipation, inviting the listener to embark on a journey of self-discovery and exploration.

The fast and driving rhythm can create a sense of momentum and forward motion, while the repetitive and hypnotic melody can create a sense of focus and determination.

The absence of lyrics at times can also allow the listener to connect with their own inner voice and intuition, and create their own personal narrative or meaning.

This song may be particularly effective during the peak phase of a psychedelic experience, as it can help the listener to embrace the unknown with a sense of curiosity and openness.

The high-energy tempo and pulsating beats can also help to activate the listener’s senses and amplify their experience.

An Analog Guy In A Digital World by Martin Roth

“An Analog Guy In A Digital World” by Martin Roth is a thought-provoking and introspective song that blends electronic beats and melodies with acoustic and organic sounds.

The song creates a sense of contrast and paradox, inviting the listener to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of living in a rapidly-changing and technologically-driven world.

The slow and contemplative rhythm can create a sense of inner stillness and reflection, while the layered and intricate instrumentation can create a sense of complexity and depth.

The absence of lyrics can also allow the listener to enter into a state of deep introspection and contemplation, and reflect on their own relationship with technology and the world around them.

This song may be particularly effective during the peak phase of a psychedelic experience, as it can help the listener to foster a sense of mindfulness and awareness.

Hasata by Yeahman

“Hasata” by Yeahman is a joyful and uplifting song that blends reggae rhythms and melodies with electronic beats and Yeahman’s playful vocals.

The song creates a sense of warmth and positivity, inviting the listener to let go of any stress or worry and embrace the present moment with a sense of playfulness and fun.

The fast and upbeat rhythm can create a sense of excitement and energy, while the catchy melody and playful lyrics can create a sense of lightness and joy.

This song may be particularly effective during the peak of a psychedelic experience when the listener is seeking a sense of connection and joy, as it can inspire feelings of love, friendship, and shared experience.

The uplifting tempo and feel-good vibes can also help to uplift the listener’s mood and create a sense of positivity and hope.

Saya by Sona Jobarteh

“Saya” by Sona Jobarteh is a mesmerizing and hypnotic song that blends traditional West African rhythms and melodies with contemporary instrumentation and Sona’s powerful vocals.

The song creates a sense of ancient and mystical journeying, inviting the listener to connect with the roots and traditions of African music and culture.

The fast and intricate rhythm can create a sense of excitement and vitality, while the soulful and emotional vocals can create a sense of depth and intensity.

The lyrics, sung in Manding, describe the power and beauty of the djembe drum, and its ability to transcend time and space.

This song may be particularly well-suited for the peak of a psychedelic experience when the listener is seeking profound connection and transformation, as it can guide the listener towards a sense of spiritual awakening and liberation.

The fusion of traditional and contemporary elements can also create a sense of bridging between past and present, and facilitate a sense of cultural exchange and understanding.

The Come Down

Soumbou toure by the touré-rachel collective.

“Soumbou Toure” by The Touré-Rachel Collective is a gentle and introspective song that blends West African and Middle Eastern influences with contemporary instrumentation and Rachel Brown’s soothing vocals.

The song creates a sense of calm and tranquility, inviting the listener to reflect on their experiences and insights with a sense of mindfulness and clarity.

The slow and meditative rhythm can create a sense of inner stillness and peace, while the delicate and intricate instrumentation can create a sense of beauty and serenity.

The lyrics, sung in Arabic and English, describe the power and mystery of the desert landscape, and the journey towards inner peace and wisdom.

This song may be particularly effective during the come-down phase of a psychedelic experience, as it can help the listener to integrate their insights and experiences into their everyday life, while also fostering a sense of inner peace and contentment.

The soothing melody and gentle vocals can also help to calm the listener’s nerves and create a sense of relaxation and tranquility.

Love Song by MARDELEVA

“Love Song” by MARDELEVA is a soulful and heartfelt song that blends Latin American and Middle Eastern influences with contemporary instrumentation and MARDELEVA’s emotive vocals.

The song creates a sense of intimacy and connection, inviting the listener to reflect on the power and beauty of love in all its forms.

The slow and romantic rhythm can create a sense of warmth and tenderness, while the expressive and passionate vocals can create a sense of vulnerability and authenticity.

The lyrics, sung in Spanish, describe the journey of falling in love and the deep emotions and sensations that come with it.

This song may be particularly effective during the come-down phase of a psychedelic experience, as it can help the listener to reflect on their relationships and connections with others, while also fostering a sense of compassion and empathy.

The intimate and personal nature of the song can also create a sense of emotional release and catharsis, allowing the listener to process any unresolved emotions or feelings that may have surfaced during the journey.

O, I Love You by Essie Jain

“O, I Love You” by Essie Jain is a soothing and delicate song that blends acoustic guitar melodies with Essie’s ethereal and angelic vocals.

The song creates a sense of tenderness and vulnerability, inviting the listener to connect with their own emotions and feelings.

The slow and gentle rhythm can create a sense of inner stillness and peace, while the hushed and intimate vocals can create a sense of closeness and intimacy.

The lyrics, sung in English, describe the depth and power of love, and the profound sense of connection and belonging that comes with it.

This song may be particularly effective during the come-down phase of a psychedelic experience, as it can help the listener to process any emotions or feelings that may have surfaced during the journey, while also fostering a sense of compassion and self-love.

The soft and delicate melody can also create a sense of comfort and reassurance, allowing the listener to relax and surrender to the present moment.

The Power Is Here Now by Alexia Chellum

“The Power Is Here Now” by Alexia Chellun is a powerful and uplifting song that blends Indian and Western influences with contemporary instrumentation and Alexia’s soulful vocals.

The song creates a sense of empowerment and motivation, inviting the listener to embrace their own inner strength and potential.

The fast and driving rhythm can create a sense of momentum and forward motion, while the uplifting and inspiring lyrics can create a sense of optimism and hope.

This song may be particularly effective during the come-down phase of a psychedelic experience, as it can help the listener to integrate their insights and experiences into their everyday life, while also fostering a sense of motivation and purpose.

The energetic tempo and powerful vocals can also help to uplift the listener’s mood and create a sense of positivity and confidence.

Hymn To The Soul by LAOR

“Hymn To The Soul” by LAOR is a haunting and atmospheric instrumental piece that blends electronic beats and melodies with classical instrumentation and cinematic soundscapes.

The song creates a sense of mystery and introspection, inviting the listener to delve into the depths of their own soul and psyche.

The slow and meditative rhythm can create a sense of inner stillness and contemplation, while the intricate and layered instrumentation can create a sense of complexity and depth.

The absence of lyrics can also allow the listener to enter into a state of deep introspection and reflection, and connect with their own inner wisdom and intuition.

This song may be particularly effective during the come-down phase of a psychedelic experience, as it can help the listener to process any insights or realizations that may have surfaced during the journey, while also fostering a sense of inner peace and clarity.

The haunting and ethereal melody can also create a sense of mystery and intrigue, allowing the listener to explore the inner landscapes of their imagination and connect with the sublime.

Best Playlist For A Mushroom Trip

Ultimately, the best playlist for a mushroom trip is one that allows for you to look deep inwardly and help you really stay present during your trip.

I recommend listening to this music with headphones on while wearing a sleep mask as that always seems to help me find presence during a psychedelic journey.

If you want a longer playlist for your full mushroom trip , try this Spotify playlist below:

It’s a playlist that was used during my first sound ceremony, and it’s one that has helped me work through a great depth of problems in my life. Shoutout to David Shemesh , a world-class sound therapist, for putting it together.

Comment below and let us know what song(s) you would add to this list!

About the Author

Austin Dixon

Austin Dixon is a recently converted psychonaut with a newfound interest in psychedelics and their affects on mental health. After thinking psychedelics were "weird hippie drugs" for 28 years, his mission is to now help educate others who are new to psychedelics.

Disclosure: We may receive affiliate compensation for some of the links on this site. You can read our affiliate disclosure in our Privacy Policy . Any product we recommend is something our team has tried out and endorses. This site does not endorse the use and/or possession of any illegal drugs. The information contained in this website regarding legal or illegal drug use in not an endorsement of any such use and should only be used for educational purposes.

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• Science Says You Should Listen...

Science Says This Playlist is a Must-Listen While Tripping on Mushrooms

Music Editor

If you’ve been filling your psychedelics playlist with stoner EDM or ‘70s rock , you are probably depriving yourself of a better trip.

While the health benefits of psychedelic drugs have long been debated, states like Oregon and California are making efforts to legalize the recreational use of magic mushrooms in the wake of studies like this year’s Global Drug Survey finding that people around the world consider them to be “ one of the safest drugs ”.

As this momentum continues to build, scientists are not only learning more about many medical benefits of magic mushrooms, but how their everyday use can be improved.

Psychologist Bill Richards, Ph.D., a researcher at Roland Griffiths’s lab at Johns Hopkins University and an expert in the field of hallucinogens, knows the importance of establishing a comfortable environment whenever ingesting psilocybin, and providing the optimal soundtrack is among the most important requirements.

Created after his many years of sessions with patients, Richards has shared his “Psilocybin Research” playlist on Spotify for all to use. But it’s important to remember that the music doesn’t define the trip, but more constructs the space in which the user’s trip will function.

“My preference is not to use either the word ‘augmenting’ or ‘the psychedelic experience’,” Richards tells Inverse . “Profound states of consciousness can occur in silence, and there are many discrete states of awareness that can make up a particular ‘psychedelic experience’ (or series of ‘experiences’). With adequate dosage, I do not feel that the music ‘causes’ particular experiences; rather, it supports and undergirds the experiential flow, as content is emerging for the particular person.”

Just like a proper party playlist, Richards points out that the order of songs is vital in crafting the right atmosphere, specifically during the “onset, peak, and post-peak phases”.

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The onset music should “supportive, unfolding, forward-moving”, like H.R. Reynolds’ arrangement of “O Magnum Mysterium”and Edward Elgar’s “Nimrod”. But once the peak sets in, things need to slow down a bit. “At a trip’s peak, music becomes a mirror of transcendental forms of consciousness that may not even be registered in unitive awareness, but is present if needed—like a net below a trapeze artist,” Richards says. This cocktail includes multiple inclusions from classical luminaries like Brahms, Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart, along with a few dashes from other composers from a variety of cultures . As the trip’s effects begin to wear off, the playlist can enter a more free-form state, tagging in tracks that are more familiar and sources of positivity and inspiration to the consumer. Interestingly enough, it’s also at this very end that lyrics really make their first appearance , and there’s good reason for their absence.

“Except in the final phase, I tend to avoid music with words in the language of the volunteer, so as to discourage the rational mind from following the content of the words,” Richards says. “The human voice, as a solo or choir, can be very supportive, even maternal, but it is received as ‘another instrument of the orchestra’.”

So what’s included in Richards’s closing run? Enya, The Beatles , Gipsy Kings , and, finally, Louis Armstrong’s “What A Wonderful World”.

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The Very Best Music for Mushroom Trips

Because nothing kills your trip quite like the wrong soundtrack., article by jefferson matthew vanbilliard .author-bio * { display: unset important; } published on march 08, 2024.

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From trippy visuals to transcendental encounters that have the power to rewire our brains, psychedelics can inspire powerful experiences. While many outside factors—including your  set and setting —can influence your mind and body during this journey, it seems like nothing can affect your emotions more than music: It’s important to have the right music for shrooming.

Music’s capacity to affect the psychedelic experience is not just anecdotal; it is grounded in the neuroscientific understanding of how both music and psychedelics  influence the brain . Both stimuli have been shown to disrupt your mind’s normal networking processes, a cerebral pattern of activity associated with self-referential thoughts and the ego. Allowing for profound shifts in perspective and emotional catharsis. 

What is the Best Shroom Music, Anyway?

So what should you listen to while tripping? The psychedelic sounds of the late ’60s may seem like the  obvious  choice, and there are even online  guides  dedicated to the art of building the perfect playlist for tripping. Although clinical trials tend to use classical music (more on that later) during their studies, it is generally thought that songs with lots of words or sudden bursts of noise can be disorienting and distract you from your experience. Instead, opt for ambient or instrumental tracks that will enhance your journey, allowing you time for introspection. 

READ: What Is Progressive Psytrance?

Deeper Learning The psychedelic music scene in the West is very different from the music that traditionally accompanies plant medicine journeys in Indigenous communities. Author Bett Williams covers the musicality of María Sabina, whose chants accompanied her work as a sabia —a Wise Woman in Mazatec communities.

While navigating the realm of psychedelic experiences, take extra care to consider the ambiance and your mindset. These elements can play a pivotal role in influencing your trip. If the thought of solo travel through your psyche seems daunting, make the journey a shared adventure—just make sure it’s with someone you trust. 

Subscribe to the Drop In by DoubleBlind. Your essential newsletter covering the world of psychedelics. Trusted by 100k+ readers.

Whether you are looking to discover new music for a playlist of your own or ready to push play on a mix right now, we invite you to read on and discover the best music for mushroom trips.

Ambient Electronic 

Ambient music is known for its tone, atmosphere, and diverse soundscapes. The genre originated in the 1970s with pioneers like Brian Eno, who is often credited with coining the term. Since then, it’s evolved to encompass a wide range of sounds and styles, all unified by their focus on creating immersive auditory environments. Designed to envelop the listener in a sound that can be both engaging and unobtrusive, ambient electronic music is perfect for meditation, relaxation and an ideal atmosphere for your trip. 

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The essence of the music is its ability to evoke emotion using layers of melody. While not purely ambient, bands like Portishead and Explosions In the Sky incorporate elements of ambient music into their ethereal, post-rock sound. Their use of bowed guitar, minimal vocals, and atmospheric melodies creates music that is deeply emotive and expansive. Listen to a great ambient mix below.

Experimental Electronic 

The allure of listening to experimental electronic music while tripping stems from its element of surprise and its capacity to paint vast, expansive realms that encourage psychedelic exploration. By casting aside predictable rhythms, it invites the mind to roam untethered, liberating it from the confines of structured musical norms. 

Artists like  Jon Hopkins , and Flying lotus exemplify this genre’s magic, blending piano harmonies with layered electronic elements to navigate through contrasting realms of light and dark. This musical approach facilitates a deeper, more expansive exploration of consciousness, dissolving the usual barriers between yourself and the external world, and enriching your psychedelic voyage. Curious? Listen to an experimental electronic mix below.

READ: Watch the Vibrations of Ayahuasca Songs on Water

Psychedelic Rock

Rising from the ashes of the counterculture hippie movement of the ’60s, psychedelic rock is anchored in the ideals of peace, love, and expanded consciousness. Using music to replicate the mind-expanding drugs that were popular in the scene, psychedelic rock encourages listeners to ditch conventional norms, advocating instead for freedom of expression, and exploring a more spiritual and philosophical way of thinking.

While bands like Pink Floyd, The Beatles, and The Zombies all have a spot on the Mt. Rushmore of psychedelic music, newer bands continue to carry the torch. Australian experimental outfit King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard have built a well-earned reputation as one of the most prolific, adventurous, and inventive bands of the modern era, releasing 25 studio albums that range from expansive jazz-rock to spaghetti Western soundscapes. Khruangbin are another dynamic force in contemporary psychedelia, known for their eclectic sound that highlights middle eastern soul with classic psychedelic textures to create a sound that is rooted in history yet still fresh.

You can find a more detailed look at the history of psychedelic music here , or listen to a playlist of some favorites below.

The name  shoegaze  comes from the musician’s tendency to stare at their own shoes or effects pedals during live performances. The genre emerged in the United Kingdom during the ’80s. Characterized by its ethereal soundscapes, distorted guitars, and vocal textures that focus on atmosphere over traditional song structure, the dreamy tracks on this mix may lull you into a psychedelic slumber. 

Bands like My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, and Ride are seminal to the genre, which has experienced a resurgence over the last decade, with a new wave of artists building on the foundation laid by the pioneers of the late eighties and early nineties.

Contemporary shoegaze continues to push the genre into new territory. With dreamy melodies and ethereal tones, bands like Beach House offer a softer, more introspective take on shoegaze, blending it seamlessly with sparkling dream pop elements. Wooden Shjips infuses their music with hypnotic, kraut-rock rhythms cut with a psychedelic edge, creating a mesmerizing sound grounded in rock. Another band to see success in the shoegaze scene is Ringo Deathstarr. The trio dives into the genre’s noisier and more aggressive roots, delivering dense layers of sound and feedback-laden guitars that echo shoegaze’s early days. Together, these bands continue to carry the torch, from its most tranquil and melodic to its most raw and psychedelic and beyond. Listen to the Shoegaze mix below.

READ: Incubus Lead Singer Brandon Boyd Talks Psychedelic Drugs

Concept Albums

If you are looking for a deeply immersive musical experience featuring one cohesive theme throughout, then look no further than a concept album. Usually featuring a unified narrative structure, concept albums allow artists to utilize rich, auditory storytelling to reach listeners at a profound level, guiding them through a spectrum of emotions and thoughts throughout. Since including a mix of our favorite concept albums would be detrimental to the artists’ intentions–and your listening experience, we’ve decided to include a list of some of our favorite albums to trip to below. 

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles

Not only an amazing concept album, this LP is regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time. Released in 1967, the record is full of psypop melodies skillfully blended with traditional Indian instruments to make a sound that is still as futuristic sounding today as the day it was released. The complex compositions and technicolor-like tones provide the perfect backdrop for tripping, remember to say hello to Lucy for us.

The Wall by Pink Floyd

Considered an instant classic, this album explores themes of abandonment, despair, and war while producing a whirlwind of sounds that continues to inspire listeners today. Told from the perspective of Pink, a fictitious singer who isolates himself from the outside world after building a psychological wall, the album’s narrative somewhat mimics the real-life story of bassist Roger Waters. From start to finish, The Wall is a powerful addition to any psychedelic experience.

Kid A by Radiohead

Although many are reluctant to call Radiohead’s raucous departure from traditional instruments to be a true concept album, the record does tick a lot of similar boxes. The band’s use of repeated musical motifs, and lyrics that were seemingly arranged at random offers a kaleidoscopic mix of psychedelic sounds. Kid A is a concept album that creates an expansive and emotionally resonant trip experience, proving that there is no singular definition to the term. 

Johns Hopkins Research 

Psychologist Bill Richards crafted a playlist that was pivotal to Johns Hopkins’ psychedelic studies for over two decades. This musical guide, originating from his earlier work in 1967 at the Spring Grove Hospital Center, was developed to enhance and support participants’ experiences during medical trials. These studies explored the therapeutic potential of LSD, psilocybin, and other psychedelics in treating pain, depression , as well as their impact on the professional insights of mental health workers.

The playlist is segmented to align with the different phases of the psychedelic journey. From the initial moments of the session, to the substance’s peak, and down to the grounding “welcome back” phase. The tracks were chosen to foster a profound inner experience. Beginning with a somewhat melancholy mix of guitar concertos, and slowly tiptoeing into the final moments of the mix, where Richards reintroduces familiar language through the comforting strains of Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.”

The methodical selection of tracks used in the study shows the importance of music in regards to the depth and quality of the psychedelic experience , with each piece serving as a companion through the various emotional landscapes encountered while tripping.

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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.

This Is a Scientifically Determined Playlist for Tripping

"There’s only room for so much music in a 6-7 hour period of time."

Two mandolins enter dreamily. They slowly build, occasionally fluttering, occasionally crescendoing, but always moving forward.

This is what you hear in the first minute of a psychedelic treatment that could change the course of your life. The effects of the drug may not be noticeable yet, but one thing is very clear: This is a special space. The swelling soundscape surrounding you is the artistry of psychologist Bill Richards, Ph.D. , who developed the playlist specifically for your psychedelic trip.

Richards works with Roland Griffiths’s lab at Johns Hopkins University, where patients get more than just conventional medicine. Instead, they get psilocybin , the active chemical in psychedelic “magic” mushrooms , so the researchers can investigate whether it can help cancer patients feel less depressed and anxious , induce mystical experiences in healthy patients , and even help smokers quit smoking .

The results have been promising, adding to the continued efforts of a handful of researchers to bring psychedelics back into the scientific mainstream after decades of notoriety.

Unlike larger-scale clinical studies, psychedelic sessions are extremely personal and introspective, and as such, says Richards, it’s important for a volunteer to be supported by compassionate staff and a safe environment. A big part of this is the playlist.

“I make the best musical choices I can, trying to separate the ‘very good’ and the ‘excellent’ on the basis of years of experience with many different people,” Richards tells Inverse .

“There’s only room for so much music in a six- to seven-hour period of time.”

Whether a session is held for treating anxiety, depression, and fear surrounding a terminal illness, or deepening meditative practice through a mystical experience — both things Richards has studied — he values music as a way to support a person’s experience .

It’s not a “trippy” playlist, though. You won’t find any psytrance or techno on the list, no Infected Mushroom, Shpongle, Daft Punk, nor any other music you might associate with altered states. Instead, there’s plenty of Brahms, Vivaldi, Mozart, and Bach. Richards says there’s a good reason for this: Orchestral music is less distracting and less likely to give room for a person to fall back on normal patterns of thinking.

“Except in the final phase, I tend to avoid music with words in the language of the volunteer, so as to discourage the rational mind from following the content of the words,” he says. “The human voice, as a solo or choir, can be very supportive, even maternal, but it is received as ‘another instrument of the orchestra.’”

While the assortment of sounds that make up his playlist is certainly important, Richards says it’s the order of songs that is crucial to a guided trip.

“In high-dose sessions, I feel that it is the structure of the music itself that matters most rather than the personal preferences of the volunteer or the guide — at least during the onset, peak and post-peak phases of the responses to the entheogen,” he says, using an alternate term for psychedelics that means “ generating the divine within .”

Music during the onset of a trip, he explains, needs to be experienced as “supportive, unfolding, forward-moving.” At this stage, he suggests Edward Elgar’s “Nimrod” from his “Enigma Variations” series, which functions as a “nonverbal support system.”

“At a trip’s peak, music becomes a mirror of transcendental forms of consciousness that may not even be registered in unitive awareness, but is present if needed — like a net below a trapeze artist,” Richards says. In this playlist, the slow movement of Brahms’s Violin Concerto provides that sense of stability.

Post-peak, when powerful content is still occurring, Richards plays similarly supportive music, like the ‘transfiguration’ section of Richard Strauss’s “Death and Transfiguration.”

Compared to the potent drug at the heart of the trial, a playlist may seem secondary. But psilocybin trips can be potentially overwhelming experiences, and patients experiencing them are highly suggestible and vulnerable. As such, it’s important for psychedelic researchers to create a space in which patients can be supported through what can sometimes be a challenging time.

Richards, who has studied psychedelics for decades, sees music not as a force that actively shapes trips but as one that forms a psychological space in which a person can trip comfortably and safely.

“My preference is not to use either the word ‘augmenting’ or ‘the psychedelic experience,’” he says. “Profound states of consciousness can occur in silence, and there are many discrete states of awareness that can make up a particular ‘psychedelic experience’ (or series of ‘experiences’). With adequate dosage, I do not feel that the music ‘causes’ particular experiences; rather, it supports and undergirds the experiential flow, as content is emerging for the particular person.”

Richards is not your typical psychologist, but he’s the one you want by your side when you’re peering deep within — and as you emerge from the experience. As participants in these studies return to consensus reality, he says, the form and structure of the music become less important. The person has passed back into the world they know and are free to listen to something familiar and pleasant.

At that point, Richards says, “most any music can be explored and often enjoyed — personal favorites and music from varied cultures and genres.”

So what does he put at the very end of the playlist, when a volunteer has begun to come back to reality?

“What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong.

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James Xander

Psychedelics, spirituality, and personal growth

Mushroom Trip Playlist

Hello shroomy soul!

I’m the host of The James Xander Trip podcast , where I interview fascinating guests about psychedelics, spirituality, and mindset.

I would super appreciate it if you follow the podcast.

• Follow the podcast on YouTube
• Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts

My mission is 1 Billion Humans – to get 1 billion people educated about the power of plant medicine, and to host a global synchronized trip where we all do mushrooms on the same day, worldwide.

Mushroom Playlist

This page is devoted to sharing the perfect music for your next shroomy trip. I’ve included my favorite mixes and music that has guided me on many psychedelic journeys.

I have playlists for both Spotify and YouTube.

Begin with this playlist: The Mushroom Trip Playlist • Level 1 (Spotify)

It contains sacred music that will guide on a beautiful mushroom journey. Trust in the music and trust where it takes you. If you feel resistance, surrender to what’s coming up.

Continue with Level 2, 3, and so on. Each one will guide you a different journey:

• The Mushroom Trip Playlist: Level 1
• The Mushroom Trip Playlist: Level 2
• The Mushroom Trip Playlist: Level 3
• The Mushroom Trip Playlist: Level 4
• The Mushroom Trip Playlist: Level 5
• The Mushroom Trip Playlist: Level 6
• The Mushroom Trip Playlist: Level 7

These playlists have a specific order – I recommend playing the tracks from beginning to end, in order. No shuffle.

I have a very specific process for how I create these playlists, and each one has been shroomy-tested. Each time I do a new trip for myself, I will add a new playlist. So expect Level 8 soon 🙂

Subscribe to my Telegram channel to be notified when the next playlist drops.

Tips for Music

My recommendation, especially with my Spotify playlists , is to begin playing them, then put your phone on silent and Do Not Disturb, make sure it’s plugged in and charging, and don’t look at it again until the end of the trip.

Let the music take you on a journey. Any tracks that you feel resistance to is an opportunity to surrender. I have specifically tested all my Spotify playlists with shrooms and I know you will receive an epic experience from them.

An important tip: I always try to listen to only new music on each trip. So each trip I choose a brand new set that I haven’t heard before. Something about fresh music seems to help create new connections during the trip.

This is why I have several different “Levels” on my Spotify. Start with Level 1 and continue up the levels with each trip.

Additional Music

If you use YouTube Premium or YouTube music, check out my epic mushroom playlist on YouTube . I specifically curated my favorite mixes there. Make sure you have Premium, so that you don’t get disturbed with ads.

If you’re experiencing a distressing trip and need calm, peaceful instrumental sounds, listen to this 3-hour mix or try one of the tracks from my God Frequencies Playlist .

YouTube Mix

December 26, 2023 😉

Tony from A&B: Deep Set 34 – I had an absolutely epic trip with this set. Wow.

July 10, 2023 😉

Marsh DJ Set – Live From Castello Zamittello, Malta – one of my favorite sets for a mushroom trip.

May 15, 2023 😉

Tony from A&B: Deep Set 12 – fantastic 4-hour set from Tony McGuinness. Guided me on a great journey.

The Anjunadeep Edition 319 with Tony McGuinness – great 2-hour mix, perfect for the afterglow

April 16, 2023 😉

This 4-hour mix guided me through a most incredible trip. Highly recommend!

Spotify Mix

I had absolutely amazing trips on these albums:

The Anjunadeep Edition 308 – spiritual, spicy Spotify | YouTube

Anjunadeep 13 – spiritual, soulful Spotify | YouTube

Anjunadeep 05 – fun, spicy Spotify | YouTube part 1 , part 2

Also recommend:

Anjunadeep 345 by James Grant – soulful, peaceful vibes Spotify | YouTube

Anjunadeep 09 – sweet, soulful, peaceful Spotify | YouTube part 1 , part 2

1-hour mix by Marsh – spicy

Telegram Group

Be sure to join my private Telegram channel to get bonus audios & insights around psychedelics, as well as to receive updates on future synchronized mushroom trips.

Mushroom Trip Playlist

Hi, I'm James Xander, psychedelic wizard, consciousness explorer, and host of The James Xander Trip podcast. Access my sacred shroomy playlists below; the perfect music for your next mushroom trip.

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Begin listening to The Mushroom Trip Playlist: Level 1 Have a beautiful journey! Access the Spotify playlist here » Access all my playlists here » PODCAST Subscribe to my shroomy podcast, The James Xander Trip . YouTube | Spotify | Apple Happy tripping!

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The Best Psychedelic Music Playlist for Your Next Mushroom Trip

Looking for tunes to accompany your trip? Look no further! This list will not only support positive transformation but take you on a journey through time towards the source of the genre — the shrooming ‘60s!

It begins centered in the present moment with modern music that sprang out of neo-psychedelia and other subgenres of psychedelic music. Then, it presses on into the past as it paves a path into your subconscious.

Playlist: The Evolution of Psychedelia (& You)

This psychedelic playlist has been curated to cultivate a novel state of consciousness with a positive cadence. There are popular names listed, but each song chosen is lesser known to the world at large.

“The New Strains” — Modern Tunes For Booming

Sounds of the ‘60s and ‘70s seeped into countless genres and spawned new styles of music. These songs are saturated with psychedelia!

1. Caleb Landry Jones – Flag Day/The Mother Stone (2020)

Set the stage! Whimsical and wholly dynamic, this track from popular actor Caleb Landry Jones greets you with enthusiasm and pulls you through a psychedelic portal. What’s on the other side?

2. Tash Sultana – Synergy (2016)

Enter the void! As its name suggests, Synergy is all about amazing fractal harmony within and around us. Its looped instrumentals will take shape as your shrooms kick in, leaving you awestruck.

3. Chet Faker – Cigarettes and Chocolate (2012)

Follow the love! This atmospheric and beat-driven song invites you to let go of resistance and hop on board the psychedelic express. It will prepare you to cruise toward occult concepts.

“The Spores” — Turn-of-the-Century Psychedelic Songs

For a couple of decades, psychedelic music sadly died down and all but vanished from the charts. Thank Darwin these bands spread its spores!

4. MGMT – All We Ever Wanted Was Everything (2011)

Leave Earth! This little-known banger from MGMT is upbeat, otherworldly, and mind-expanding. Explore your thoughts and place in the universe in a spaceship to another world.

5. Boards of Canada – Satellite Anthem Icarus (2005)

Arrive on Mars! Land on a different planet and soak in its atmosphere with calm clarity. Meditate on the sounds of an alien ecosystem as you introspect about your own inner landscapes.

6. Modest Mouse – Dramamine (1996)

7. the dream syndicate – when you smile (1982).

Party it up! One of the few bands that continued making psychedelic music through the ‘80s, Dream Syndicate drops you off at sound check so you can slowly mingle with the crowd.

“The Roots” — The Mycelium Of Psychedelic Music

The popularity of psychedelic use soared in the ‘60s and ‘70s, spurring unprecedented musical exploration. These groups changed the game!

8. Dyzan – Back To Where We Come From (1974)

Lift the curtain! Like the circus tent from Across the Universe, this song invites you in for an initiation ritual. Cleansing, primal, cool, and funky, it catapults you into your next phase of evolution.

9. Pink Floyd – Breathe In the Air (1973)

Take a breath of fresh air! Walk outside and let a wave of realization wash over you. A less-popular track by Pink Floyd, Breathe In the Air asks you to relax into your new paradigm.

10. Eric Burdon & the Animals – All Is One (1968)

Head home! All Is One calls you back to Earth with the cultural sounds of humanity. Then, the Animals hit you with an enlightening truth that will carry with you after your trip.

Common Mechanisms: What Do Music & Magic Mushrooms Have In Common?

Have you ever experienced music in a way that seemed to echo a trip? Tunes and shrooms actually have a lot in common!

• Music and psychoactive compounds alter our conscious experience and have entranced humanity for ages.
• They affect serotonin production and spark increased activity in multiple parts of the brain simultaneously.
• Each is used as a tool to enhance memories, emotions, and mental imagery for healing purposes.
• They are known to spark creativity and aid people in reconnecting with the most authentic version of themselves.

A Powerful Combination: What Happens When You Hear Music on Psychedelics?

Like to partake in music and a proper dose of mushrooms at the same time? Here’s scientific evidence to support your hobby!

Memory & Mental Imagery

Using music in conjunction with psychedelic compounds causes more information to flow from your parahippocampus toward your visual cortex. This increased connectivity leads to enhanced mental imagery and recollection of autobiographical memories.

Comfort & Emotional State

Music is a powerful tool to soothe and reduce stress. It has been shown to lessen opioid requirements and improve outcomes post-op! [2] Set and setting are crucial in making the onset, peak, and comedown of a psychedelic experience comfortable, and music helps do just that.

Insight & Creating Meaning

When we listen to music, we can’t help but interpret its meaning or infer our own. That is part of why it’s so moving! When we pair it with psychedelics, we have increased blood flow and activity in our cortical midline brain regions, boosting this instinct for more profound insight.

Openness & Mystical Experience

The entropic brain states you encounter on psilocybin get an extra push from music, increasing your chance of having a mystical experience. Studies suggest that this makes you more “open” once you return to reality… resulting in a more curious, creative, and perceptive you!

Pro Tip: Nostalgia & Prolonged Benefit

MRI scans have shown that music-induced nostalgia is a powerful context cue for vivid and meaningful memory recollection. [4] Combine that with the synergistic effects of tunes and shrooms, and you have a hack to get back to your psychedelic experience — Just hit play!

There Is More to Psychedelic Music Than Meets the Eye

While music itself is conducive to a positive trip, psychedelic songs have an especially profound effect on us. Here’s where they shine in particular!

Wonder & Timbral Complexity

Timbre is defined as the shape, spread, or character of a sound. Studies suggest that this musical property not only conveys strong emotions but determines their implications on a psychedelic experience.

Psychedelic music tends to have high timbral complexity, or a high range and density of different timbres. This translates to an increase in the feelings and brain activities that music evokes — like wonder!

Time to put on some psychedelic tunes, grab a therapeutic field guide , and get tripping!

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Thomas Wrona is a writer, designer, and wellness coach who believes that nature’s wisdom provides an antidote to the stress of modern life. As a former pro athlete, he’s all about staying in motion! When he’s not writing you’ll probably find Thomas outside.

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7 playlists for your next psychedelic trip (backed by science, obviously), just like a road trip, the soundtrack to your psychedelic journey can make or break the experience.

If you’re reading this, you probably know by now that set and setting are the two crucial elements to consider before embarking on a psychedelic journey, therapeutic or recreational. The “set” refers to your mindset going into the experience—How do you feel inside? Where’s your head at?—while the “setting” refers to the external—Where are you? Do you have everything you need? Are you safe and free from distractions?

The term has been used since at least the 50s, before Timothy Leary got his mitts on it and popularized the idea throughout the counterculture. Today, it’s considered a fundamental aspect that needs to be considered before embarking on any psychedelic journey, by trippers, therapists and scientists alike.

Yeah, alright Leary , but what about the soundtrack?

As psychedelics claw their way back into society, so too does the art of curating a psychedelic soundtrack. But there is an art to it. It’s not just a case of throwing on some lo-fi hip hop beats to study-slash-relax to , and hoping for the best. Research centers like Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Imperial College London and MAPS all offer up scientifically-informed psychedelic journey playlists, while artists like East Forest continue to explore new ways of creating guided experiences, whether that’s through standalone albums, or other innovative means that utilize modern technologies.

The synergy between music and psychedelic experiences goes back much further, too. Anyone who has let ayahuasca wrap her vines around them will vouch that the Icaros sung by shamans during a ceremony have a quality that transcends the physical; the word Icaros literally translates to magic song .

So what does the science say? Does music really have an impact on the potential of these compounds to heal? According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, “music has the ability to evoke meaningful experiences and memories and connect us to our sense of self.” Here’s a TEDTalk for more on that.

With all that in mind, we figured we’d give you a helping hand in getting ready for your next journey through consciousness. Consider us your personal vibe technicians as we run down some of our favorite guided journey playlists. Science-approved, of course.

Johns Hopkins University’s Psilocybin Playlist

Compiled by Dr. William Richards (a scientist who literally wrote the book on peak experiences with Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences ), the Johns Hopkins’ University Psilocybin Playlist was curated as a tool to be used in their 2020 study that examined the effects of psilocybin on major depression.

Clocking in at just under six hours (more than enough to keep you going for the length of your trip and then some), this science-approved compilation drops you in with a mostly classical build up, before sliding in some Enya, The Beatles and Ladysmith Black Mambazo for good measure. It all ends on Louis Armstrong’s “What A Wonderful World,” by which point you’ll be in emphatic agreement: What a wonderful world, indeed!

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/67XgZSDPcxj9NobKPcx4cw

Imperial College London’s Psilocybin for Depression Playlist

Tailored for a single medium-to-high dose of psilocybin (roughly 25 mg), this collection was used in the Phase 1 clinical trials for psychedelic treatment of depression at Imperial College London.

Curated by Mendel Kaelen, who happens to be a leading figure in the guided journey playlist scene (yes, really), this collection blends the neo-classical with the ambient to great effect. At times it drifts into yogavator music (that’s yoga music you’d expect to hear in an elevator, if you ever expected to hear yoga music in an elevator), but the missteps don’t last long.

List on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2mT6LpOU4ipJ0BkoCigAiw

Chacruna Institute: A Playlist for Psilocybin

Curated by researcher Kelan Thomas for the Chacruna Institute , this playlist follows the multiphase model of a psychedelic journey that was developed in the 1970s. That means it’s a journey in itself: starting slow and building up to multiple climaxes before coming to a satisfying, gentle resolution in its final hour or so.

This one’s heavy on the new wave and post-rock. For those who need something a little more dramatic to guide their flights, it takes in many peaks and troughs, with periods of much needed relief built in after all the drama.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2szSJ3rB6oQUn6ywghEGzO

East Forest: Music for Mushrooms

Yes, alright, we love East Forest. But we couldn’t put this article together without giving the legendary multi-instrumentalist and journey guide a much-needed mention.

Trevor Oswalt has been creating music for journeys for well over a decade at this point, and his work takes many forms. There’s the Music For Mushrooms: A Soundtrack For The Psychedelic Practitioner album that does exactly what it says on the tin, the playlist he’s created for the Trip app and the whole Journey Space project he’s pioneering, which hosts guided journey sessions from a range of artists in the scene.

Our recommendation? Start with one of his live sessions that took place on YouTube early in the pandemic and see how that vibes with ya.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ilysYCIY3uI

Jon Hopkins: Music For Psychedelic Therapy

Over on the other side of the Atlantic, Jon Hopkins (no relation to Johns Hopkins University) is doing a similar thing with his Music For Psychedelic Therapy album. It’s a gentler, more subtle affair than what East Forest creates, but could provide a calm cushioning for those not used to the murky waters of psychedelic experiences.

Listen on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/album/2zY5p176SfmupXceLKT6bH?si=kaCSHB4yQVqVVs9p3umSTQ

The Alan Watts Musical Philosophy

This writer’s personal favorite psychedelic soundtrack. You’re probably aware that there are hours and hours (and hours ) of Alan Watts’ recorded lectures available online. What you might not know, is there’s a whole genre of music out there—commonly referred to as “Wattswave” since Akira The Don’s collection of the same name—that pairs Watts’ wisdom to house, trip-hop and ethereal beats. This Spotify playlist curates the best of them, has been evolving for over half a decade and is over 17 hours long.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/16DtRPkSPPNOwsvgC7xA6w?si=df292a53f0704346

Guide Your Own Journey

Confident in your curation chops? Then choose your own adventure!

You know better than anyone else what music resonates with you and moves your soul. Maybe all of the above is a bit too on the nose. Maybe it’s death metal that really speaks to you. Or maybe you’re an old hippie that only trips to The Grateful Dead. Whatever, man, you do you.

However you might like your sonic highway paved, allow us to offer a couple of tips when curating your own journey playlist:

• If you’re using YouTube, make sure you’ve got an ad-free set up. Same goes for Spotify or any other app. You do not want to be hearing about the incredible benefits of BlueChew when getting pummeled by acid. Trust us on this one.
• Better yet, stay offline. Burn some CD-Rs. (Are we showing our age here?) Or just make sure that playlist is downloaded and your phone is on Airplane mode before lift-off.
• A psychedelic experience has its moments of tension and release, just like life, and just like any good album, song, or DJ set. As Timothy Leary and pals laid out in The Psychedelic Experience: A Manual Based on the Tibetan Book of the Dead , each psychedelic journey has three parts: a come up, a peak and a period of deflation. Depending on your medicine of choice, the lengths of each period differ. Your soundtrack should follow this general map, but don’t split hairs over it. Let your intuition guide you, too.
• Finally, use the music that resonates with you. You want to be comfortable. You might want some semblance of familiarity as you explore your consciousness. Or you might want something totally new to you.
• Lyrics can be distracting, but they can be equally profound. We’re not saying keep it all instrumental, but choose your songs wisely. Song after song of metaphor-dense verbiage can get hella stressful when you’re exploring other realms.

And if all else fails, do as McKenna would: eye mask on, earplugs in, darkened room, nothing but silence. It’s the psychedelic equivalent of “Look, mom! No handlebars!” As always, have a safe trip. Remember that the Fireside Project is on hand if you get into difficulty out there, too.

Andy Ritchie is a writer based in Barbados.

Read more: Flow and Behold: The Science Behind the Flow State and How to Achieve It

Read more: Is This Trip Really Necessary?

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6 Music Playlists For Psilocybin Journeys

Music can play a huge role in psychedelic sessions and knowing how to use sound to shape and influence an experience is extremely valuable.

If you’re looking for pre-made music playlists for a therapeutic psilocybin journey geared towards introspection and personal growth, welcome, you’re in the right place.

Two key pieces of equipment for a standard therapeutic journey

This post has links to six playlists that have been made specifically for use with psilocybin (magic truffles or magic mushrooms) with a little info on each of them and their creators. 

1. Psychedelic Therapy Playlist 1 – Mendel Kaelen 2. Psychedelic Therapy Playlist 2 – Mendel Kaelen 3. Sacred Knowledge – Bill Richards 4. A Playlist For Psilocybin – Kelan Thomas 5. Psilocybin2 – Kelan Thomas 6. A Playlist For Psilocybin – Matthew Baldwin

About These Playlists

These playlists are specially designed so that the lengths are matched to that of a psilocybin journey and take into account the various stages of a trip such as: onset, ascent, peak, return. There are variations on this depending on the creator of the playlist.

The phases of a psychedelic trip according to Bonny & Pahnke, the length of LSD is compressed 33% for psilocybin

Playlists are extremely useful in that you can press play after eating/drinking/ingesting your magical fungi and then not have to think about selecting music for the rest of the session – you just let it play out and ride the journey.

Although exploring different types of music intuitively and in the moment can be great on psychedelics, having to get up and try to find suitable music can be very difficult on higher doses and detract from the experience.

Read more: How To Set Up Music for Psychedelic Sessions (+ 6 More Playlists)

These playlists all contain music without words in English (bar a couple of reasoned exceptions); this is the general standard in psychedelic therapeutic work to avoid ‘hermeneutic contamination’, to use Matthew Baldwin’s phrase; ‘to discourage the rational mind from following the content of the words’, as Bill Richards puts it.

There seems to be a general consensus in the field that u nderstandable lyrics can be distracting and limit the experience.

Without further ado, let’s get into them.

Mendel Kaelen

• Psychedelic Therapy Playlist 1 :  Spotify | Mixcloud
• Psychedelic Therapy Playlist 2 :  Spotify

Mendel Kaelen is probably the biggest name in the world when it comes to created playlists for psychedelic work (admittedly not the largest field, but still). A neuroscientist and music nerd, Kaelen created these playlists, which contain ambient and neo-classical music, for the groundbreaking psilocybin for depression study at Imperial College London.

Kaelen presented at Psychedelic Science

Though they were created for the depression study, they can also work magic for non-depressed people too; I and many I know have journeyed to these amazing playlists, powerful stuff. The second one is an excellent playlist and would be my first recommendation.

You can read more about how he created these playlists in an article on Vice here .

Psychedelic Therapy Playlist 1 – Mendel Kaelen

Mendel is now working on Wavepaths , a person-centered music solution for psychedelic therapy. As a member of their community, I’ve attended a number of their deep listening sessions and find them to be a useful tool to go inside and develop a mindful listening practice.

Bill Richards

• Psilocybin Research: Sacred Knowledge : Spotify |  Apple Music

Bill Richards is a founding member of the Johns Hopkins psychedelic research team in the US and one of the most prominent names in the world when it comes to psilocybin research. His psychedelic psychotherapy research is wide ranging, from treating addiction to inducing mystical experiences, and Richards values music as a way to support a person’s experience.

“I make the best musical choices I can, trying to separate the ‘very good’ and the ‘excellent’ on the basis of years of experience with many different people” Richards on compiling the playlist

There’s a lot of classical music in this playlist (Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi, Brahms) and a few tracks that I have to say are just inspired choices towards the end.

You can read more about Richard’s choices and how he compiled the playlist here .

Kelan Thomas

• A Playlist For Psilocybin :  Spotify | Youtube (make sure there are no ads if listening through youtube)
• Psilocybin2 :  Spotify

I first heard of Kelan Thomas in an article about his first playlist  and was excited to see Mogwai (awesome Scottish post rock) and Dirty Three (violin, guitar and drums together in rumbling, flowing rock) on there – familiar names I didn’t expect to see, as well as some other stuff that falls somewhere between ambient and post rock; one of my all time favourite genres that I’ve long wanted to make a psychedelic playlist to, feeling its epic and instrumental style would lend itself perfectly to cosmic journeys.

I tried the first playlist to a classic therapeutic style journey (setting intention beforehand, using eye mask and headphones, with a sitter) and had a beautiful journey, finding peace, contentment and joy on the journey and in the musical choices. I was moved in that I wanted to thank all the musicians who made the music on that playlist, and to Kelan himself for creating the playlist.

As it happened, a couple months later, whilst setting up a room at Insight conference in Berlin, I noticed the name tag on an early comer in the room – it was Kelan Thomas! I  told him I’d used his playlist and was able to thank him personally for putting it together before chatting a little about it and his choices; interestingly he described it as a ‘decolonising’ playlist in the world of psychedelic therapy.

He also told me he had made a second playlist which I could find on his spotify. I tried it recently and had one of my most beautifully expressive journeys to date. 

A Playlist For Psilocybin

Psilocybin 2

Matthew Baldwin

Matthew was a fellow student of Kelan Thomas in the Certificate in Psychedelic Therapies and Research Program at CIIS in San Francisco, and is clearly a scholar on the topic. He presented one of the talks I found most interesting at Beyond Psychedelics last year which you can watch here: The Art Of Creating Musical Playlists For Psychedelic Work

Matthew presenting at Beyond Psychedelics 2018

Myself and co-retreat maker Tuk tried this playlist out during research for our retreats with New Moon and I was very surprised by a lot of the choices, this is certainly the most divergent of the playlist here on this list.  This playlist emphasizes organic (instead of sequenced electronic) types of music.

Safe And Wondrous Journeys!

The relationship between music and how it affects consciousness and mood is something I find super interesting and consider creating playlists to be an art.  Do you have a ny tips? Personal preferences? Favourite music to use for a session? Would love to hear others thoughts on this. If you know of any playlists I’ve missed or have your own to contribute, leave a comment below.

Related posts:

Thanks for this article John. I feel music has a dramatic impact on the psychedelic experience and I agree that it’s an art. While I haven’t mastered this art form, you asked for input and I’d like to share a few records that have had significant impact on my own experiences. Cantus Lyra by An Dro, Apocalypse Now Soundtrack by the Rhythm Devils, and Based on a True Story by Fat Freddy’s Drop have yielded truly remarkable experiences. These are obviously personal experiences but nonetheless I feel they are important enough to share.

Hi Chad. Yes the power and influence of music on a session aren’t to be underestimated. Thanks for sharing your recommendations, Fat Freddy’s Drop are a name that have been mentioned to me a few times before but am yet to check out, so your mention is a welcome reminder. The other two are certainly ones I will look into too. I do find it difficult to distinguish between what has been remarkable for myself and what to recommend others, due to the subjectivity of music, art, and experience in general. However there do seem to be generals that apply across a broader spectrum and I think we can find them in part by sharing, so thanks for visiting and leaving your comment. I will also share a couple of personal ones too as this post was more of a reference piece; Brian Eno’s Music For Airports (ambient), and Tame Impala’s Innerspeaker (psychedelic rock) have been pivotal records in my psychedelic journey. Anyone else?

Didn’t know these playlists were a “thing”. Wonderful idea but as you indicate, more of an art than a science at this point. Looking at the titles and having a familiarity with at least some of them, my impression is that therapists seem to be stringing together soothing new age, minimalist, and classical tracks, whatever genres they’re familiar with. Going forward I think a little more baseline music analysis would be useful. What are the tempos, the harmonies, the instrumental timbres of these tracks and their resulting affect. What about polyphony vs monophony? Dissonance vs consonance? The effect of the human voice (solo or choirs). Electronics vs acoustic instruments? Ultimately maybe the therapist could function like a DJ at a dance club with a number of tracks at his momentary discretion to fade in and out of depending on the subject’s mood.

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The Perfect Psychedelic Playlist in 10 Tracks

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From Mild to Wild: The Five Mushroom Trip Levels Explained

For decades, psychonauts have used the five mushroom trip levels to relate their experiences on shrooms. Learn what the levels are and how to get to each one 🚀

Level 1: Threshold

Level 2: musem dose, level 3: the oracle, level 4: the abyss, level 5: cosmic convergence, how many mushrooms should i take for each trip level, 8-circut model of consciousness (tim leary & ralph metzner), 5-point quantitative potency scale (alexander shulgin & ann shulgin), meq & apz (research questionnaires), 1. can you experience more than one psychedelic trip level at the same time, 2. does set & setting affect mushroom trip levels, 3. how long do shroom trip levels last.

Describing a mushroom trip is more complex than we’d like to admit.

The rainbow fractal light language might make sense to the person undergoing the experience — but putting that experience into words others can understand is no small feat.

Terence Mckenna said it best — “It’s hard to English it.”

Despite this fact — we will do our best to describe each of the five mushroom trip levels (with the help of talented visual artists).

The Five “Levels” of the Psychedelic Experience

One can assume that in the early days of psychedelic use, trippy cave art was how we conveyed our trips to each other.

Since the advent of language and the reemergence of psychedelics into the English-speaking world, we have made some progress (but maybe less than one might expect) in communicating what the heck just happened after the mind-blowing experience of psychedelic mushrooms.

A system for classifying the intensity, known as the “Five Psychedelic Levels” and created by Graeme Carl, has caught on online. Classic online psychedelic hubs like Erowid and Shroomery have been sharing this system for some time.

The original PDF once existed for download (now defunct) on Hyperreal.org.

Since its creation, people have been sharing it extensively around the internet. The specifics of each level have developed as more language and perspectives around psychedelics have emerged.

Below is our adaptation of the original five levels for psilocybin mushroom trips.

Carl mentions this as a “mild stoning,” with light visuals, such as brighter colors or a slight glow. Other effects include mild euphoria and the potential for slight anxiety.

Unique perceptions of music might occur, such as a more expansive, captivating, or immersive quality to the sound.

This level would be above a microdose as the effects are fairly noticeable.

Colors brighten further, and gentle visuals like breathing walls, tracers, or patterns have more movement.

Closed-eye visuals (CEV) are possible but are light. Confusion, reminiscing, euphoria, or insight into one’s inner world may become more apparent at this level. Short-term memory might become a bit scrambled, and one becomes easily distracted.

Carl suggested that increased creativity is more apparent at this level, suggesting the brain “filters” out less sensory data.

Here the visuals become more striking. The world may look warped or curved, and kaleidoscopic fractals on surfaces or people can occur with greater complexity and movement. CEVs develop more depth and become a 3D, immersive experience.

Emotional content and personal insights may be more meaningful and the mystery of life fascinating. The perception of time changes and dilates.

Movement may become difficult, and bouts of laughter and giggles may become hard to control.

Visuals get intense. Objects may morph into other objects or appear completely alien. Fractals and synesthesia may become disorienting, and CEVs become another world to journey in.

Emotional and philosophical content become strongly amplified, and perhaps feelings become confusing and contradictory. Past experiences may resurface along with profound insights about self and life.

Time can become meaningless; one may have out-of-body experiences or perceive paranormal phenomena like telepathy.

This is a complete departure from everyday consensus reality. Sense ceases to function normally, and language or movement may be impossible.

This is the level of ego death, oneness with the universe or God, or non-dual state. One may meet other beings, aliens, gods, or ancestors.

Other labels include satori, enlightenment, or peak experience. Time does not exist.

The dose of mushrooms for each person to reach every trip level will be different. Knowing your and your friend’s sensitivity to psilocybin will help you shoot for a specific trip level. Also, every batch of magic mushrooms is different, so be sure to establish how potent your shrooms are.

No trip level is “better” than any other, and learning how to navigate each one has its place in a psychonaut’s life. The lower levels are great for getting comfortable with psychedelics, using psychedelics for creativity, or being social.

The higher doses might be helpful for psychedelic therapy and personal or spiritual exploration. If you are going higher, get comfortable with lower doses first and have a trip sitter you trust.

That said, here’s a rough guideline to reach each trip level with dried mushrooms:

Other Ways to Measure The Mushroom Experience

Here are some of the other popular scales and systems trying to categorize magic mushrooms and other psychedelic experiences:

Using the Tibetan Book of the Dead as a reference, Leary suggested traveling through “Three Bardos,” which are states between death and rebirth in Buddhism [1]. Later, Leary developed an 8-circuit model of consciousness that some apply to psychedelics in his book Info-Psychology [2].

The Shulgins, along with Peyton Jacob, developed a five-point “quantitative potency scale” to explore Shuglin’s many research chemical creations in PIHKAL: A Chemical Love Story [3]. Reports typically included the dose and narrative of the experience. The system uses (-, ±, +, ++, +++) with “-” having no effect and “+++” being a “peak” experience.

Researchers employ many different scales and rating systems, like the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ), the Altered States on Consciousness Questionnaire (APZ), and many methods to attempt to quantify psychedelics. These are far more technical and designed for use in research [4].

Mushroom Trip Level FAQS

If you still have questions, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

Yes, all the listed effects of each trip level are variable. The boundary between each level is not set in stone and is simply a rough guideline or reference point in the experience. It is nearly impossible to predict a psychedelic experience, and every trip can touch on several levels.

Set and setting affect every mushroom trip. Arriving at any given level is a combination of set, setting, and dose. A safe and comfortable setting is necessary for the higher levels, along with sound mental health and either a trip sitter or health professional present.

Each level can occur outside of the optimal setting, but navigating deeper states can require a level of surrender only achieved in the proper physical and mental space.

A typical shroom trip lasts about 6-8 hours , with the peak of the experience lasting an hour or two. One trip will likely pass through several different levels. For example, levels 1 and 2 for about an hour, perhaps peaking at 3 for another hour or two and slowly going back down through the levels over another few hours.

Whatever level you are in, despite the altered perfection of time, will probably only last a couple of hours.

• ​​Leary, T., Alpert, R., & Metzner, R. (2017). The psychedelic experience: A manual based on the Tibetan book of the dead . Citadel Press.
• Leary, T. (1987). Info-psychology. Nova York: New Falcon .
• Shulgin, A., & Shulgin, A. (1991). PiHKAL. Transform, Berkeley, p xxi .
• Preller, K. H., & Vollenweider, F. X. (2018). Phenomenology, structure, and dynamic of psychedelic states. Behavioral neurobiology of psychedelic drugs , 221-256.

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Maren Morris and Perfect Match Star Justin Assada Are Newly Dating (Exclusive Source)

Morris recently told PEOPLE she was "enjoying dating for the first time" in her life

Jason Koerner/Getty; Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

Maren Morris is moving on!

The Grammy-winning singer is newly dating Netflix reality star Justin Assada, a source confirms to PEOPLE.

Assada first sent the rumor mill churning on Wednesday, Aug. 28, when he shared a photo of himself seemingly on a date with Morris, who split from ex-husband Ryan Hurd in October 2023,

The Perfect Match star, 27, posted a photo to his Instagram Story of the "Push Me Over" singer, 34, sitting casually across from him at an upscale restaurant and sipping a drink.

“Scary movies + Sushi 😫,” he captioned the Story.

Reps for the pair did not respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

Assada is best known for his appearances on the competition series Surviving Paradise in 2023 and the second season of the dating series Perfect Match , which aired earlier this summer.

Justin Assada/Instagram

In July, he appeared on Harry Jowsey’s Boyfriend Material podcast, and revealed that he’d recently moved to Los Angeles from his native Massachusetts — and was enjoying the boost the big move gave his love life.

When Jowsey asked if he was seeing anyone and joked about him having a date planned with an unnamed “superstar,” Assada said his appearance on reality TV had certainly boosted his profile.

“I went from bottom of the barrel Hinge dates in Boston and then all of a sudden the show comes out and there’s these people that I used to watch on TV or like, listen to their music growing up, not to sound too conceited, but they’re in my DMs,” he said. “And now I’m out here and I’m going on a pretty crazy date Thursday with someone that’s like, it blows my mind. But yeah for right now, I’m just exploring the field and kind of just navigating it.”

While Assada didn’t name his mystery paramour, Morris previously revealed on Cosmopolitan’ s Cheap Shots that she was on the celebrity dating app Raya.

The “Circles Around This Town” singer finalized her divorce from Hurd in January after nearly six years of marriage, and came out as bisexual in June.

Taylor Hill/WireImage

She told PEOPLE last month that she’s “ really, really happy” at the moment , and would only consider dating “a spectacularly impressive individual [who could] add something to my life.”

"I love my career, I love my baby [son Hayes, 4, with Hurd], I love my home, I love my friends,” she said. “Those are all things that matter to me, and those are self-made. I only will allow someone to come into my life if they amplify any of it. They can't be a net negative. They can't drain my resources, and I mean that in every sense of the word. Financially, emotionally, spiritually. You truly have to have your s--- together to be any part of my life at this point.”

Morris added that she’s been “enjoying dating for the first time” in her life, and that while putting herself back out there has been “tougher than you think,” she’s “excited.”

“This part of myself is the most confident and just not taking herself too seriously, so it is the perfect moment to be dating," she said. "My rules are just you have to be really spectacular to push me over."

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End of the Road review: Closing festival season with an eccentric, brilliant lineup

The bill across the weekend spans a rich and eclectic range of sounds, from moshy young american outfit lip critic to the charismatic country-pop powerhouse cmat, article bookmarked.

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Is there any festival more aptly named than End of the Road ? As people and performers gather at the woodland site in Larmar Tree Gardens, near the border of Dorset and Wiltshire, it does inevitably feel like an ending – festival season, and summer itself , drifting into a gentle and bittersweet close.

It’s something felt by the artists as much as the attendees. Introducing a moving, pared-back set on the scenic Talking Heads stage, Jess Williamson (one-half of the Waxahatchee collaboration Plains) remarks that it has “last day of school vibes”. For others, such as the brilliant and sonically mercurial electro-pop duo Jockstrap, the weekend also marks the end of a long summer run: a tour in lambent twilight.

The biggest coup of the weekend actually comes on Thursday, as Bonnie “Prince” Billy, the indie-folk music project of actor-songwriter Will Oldham, holds court on End of the Road’s main Woods stage. His is a sound that has influenced a generation of songwriters: sparse, soulful and cerebral Americana. Oldham seldom plays festivals, and his booking here is said to be more than a decade in the making.

It’s worth the wait: watching him and his small band pluck and strum their way through songs such as “Like It Or Not” and the rousing anticapitalist ballad “In the Wilderness” feels like a rare privilege. Not many festivals would yield a primetime spot on their biggest stage to music this gentle and intimate; he is rewarded with an audience that’s pin-drop quiet. When people say that End of the Road is a music lover’s festival, one with audiences that are “more attentive” than typical festival punters, it’s easy to dismiss it as spiel or hyperbole. Oldham’s set suggests it’s right on the money.

But it’s not all acoustic guitars and mellifluous choruses. The bill across the weekend spans a rich and eclectic range of sounds, from moshy young American outfit Lip Critic (playing in the darkened Big Top tent), to rowdy British rockers Idles , to Irish trad experimentalists Lankum, who headline Saturday’s garden stage slot with a set that’s by turns exhilarating and laden with doomy dissonance. Quirky singer-songwriter Joanna Sternberg is raw and captivating, performing twice, the second time in one of the festival’s many secret sets. Indie rock maven Julia Jacklin takes another, performing a terrific set of songs on her birthday – marked by a cake being brought out on stage.

Another of the highlights of the weekend is Irish country-pop powerhouse CMAT, whose athletic, funny and charismatic set includes an astonishingly well-executed cover of Kate Bush’s “Wuthering Heights”. “This is one of the best shows we’ve ever done,” she says towards the end.

Away from the music, the festival is just as eccentric in its choices, with the cinema tent – moved this year into a brick-and-mortar hall, in the part of the site patrolled by peacocks – featuring a diverse and unpredictable mix, from Kelly Reichardt’s wonderful indie Old Joy to classics such as Back to the Future . The comedy billing, meanwhile, includes Stewart Lee, Josie Long, and Fern Brady, who delivers a sharp half-hour about her experience turning down a slot on Strictly Come Dancing , one of the “most sinister programmes on TV”, and a magic mushrooms-dazed trip to Thailand.

A drop-out from Fever Ray sees indie rock veterans Yo La Tengo seamlessly upgraded to the main-stage headline slot, at one point bringing out a young child to join them on guitar, to the delight of the crowd. Despite this, and a few other cancellations, it’s a weekend replete with great music and great vibes. The end has never looked so full of possibilities.

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