So you have a project idea, but you are not entirely sure where to start. Well if you are anything like me, I am always at my most productive once I pop in some earbuds and dive into the relevant materials and resources. Unfortunately, since I also have the attention span of a turnip I must also take caution to not find myself too distracted looking for either music or project materials.This is why in the altruistic interest of helping those with a similar struggle, I have put together some music suggestions for every stage of projecting. Additionally I have also provided some resource locations for each individual stage so you can stay on task, all while keeping your music at full blast!*
*It actually is not recommended that you play any sort of audio at “full blast”, but unfortunately “so you can stay on task all while keeping your music at a safe and responsible 65% volume” did not have the same ring to it.
Stage 1: Project Inspiration
Song Suggestion: I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas
This timeless tune is a great beat to brainstorm project ideas to. Remember, if you have any ideas that might need some developing or direction, head over to the Digilent Forum to inquire for assistance with both technical questions and to get tips on where to take your ideas!
Stage 2: Gather Tools and Materials
Song: Good Time by Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen
This upbeat and chipper tune provide the perfect background tune with which you can browse for materials. In fact, I have found that this beat pairs particularly well with the the optimistic green that can be found on the Digilent website, and the soothing feeling of scrolling through the vast amount of useful project materials lends itself to quite a satisfying experience. This stage is an exciting time filled with hope, and when its easy to find what you need you can carry that early enthusiasm over into the next stage… which is a good idea to do. You will need it.
Stage 3: Assembly and Building
Song Suggestion: I Want It That Way by The Backstreet Boys.
This soulful classic is a great reminder that your ideas and methods have value, even in the face of adversity and defiance from a project. Even when presented with the most obstinate of builds, it is a good thing to remember that any obstacle can be overcome with the appropriate amount of belief. It also reminds one to keep perspective, since in retrospect many things that seemed like a good idea at the time later turned out to need a different approach.
The song also has some great quotes that can really sum up parts of the experience of stage 3. It can be satisfying, and totally not something to be embarrassed about to sing along as well.
Stage 4: Troubleshooting
Song Suggestion: Nine In the Afternoon by Panic at the Disco
This song is great for late nights when your panicking, even if its not at the disco. Even if its just by yourself in your bedroom the hour before you have to show your teacher a project that you totally promised was finished last week. If you are more into the country genre another good suggestion to play in this situation is “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood to remind yourself to think twice before academic dishonesty. If you find yourself in this position you may want to check out the Analog Discovery 2 and its amazing debugging capabilities to catapult yourself into stage 5.
Stage 5: Use and Showcase
Song Suggestion: We are the Champions by Queen
The ultimate triumph song is the only appropriate choice for this glorious moment. Feel free to sing its empowering lyrics as you power up your project and showcase your masterpiece. And make sure to show us what you made but submitting to the project vault and getting our attention on social media!
