The ISBian Study Jam

So, what do ISBians listen to??

Abhinav Banta, Class of 2015             Listening to music is the fuel to me while I am studying (read as: trying to study). I am not sure if it has a positive effect on academic performance, but it sure does stabilize me mentally especially during the pressure cooker situations that we usually find ourselves at ISB.  I prefer ghazals over any other forms of music (Jagjit Singh/Ghulam Ali). The general expression of pain or loss, which is the subject of most ghazals, appeals to me and the lyrics are heavenly. Here are my picks: 

1. Chupke Chupke Raat Din - Ustad Ghulam Ali 

2. Aahista Aahista- Jagjit Singh 

3. Classics of Madan Mohan and Lata Mangeshkar

These are again mostly sad songs but i like them. They are musically very rich.

4. Coke Studio

This wonderful initiative all about beautiful musical collaboration needs no introduction!

Anjan, Class of 2015                                               











1. God is an astronaut - All is Violent All is Bright. This song has been on my playlist since its release almost a decade ago. With a perfect blend of clean sounds and heavy distortion and no vocals to distract the listener, it is indeed worth a listen when you are toiling to crack a 25 page case.

2. Indus creed - Fireflies.

This feel good song by one of India's oldest rock bands is simple yet powerful. A must listen!

3. Until We Last - Rain. 

As much as this would seem like a publicity gimmick (considering that it is my band!), at least a couple of people on campus have come back to tell me that this song helped them get through some boring subjects. Check it out!

Arpit Gupta, Class of 2015

1. It's My Life - Bon Jovi

It talks abt how your life is like an open highway, which gives u the freedom to shape it your way.

2. Turn The page - Bob Seger 

It talks about the ups and down of life and how u shoud get on road again and turn the page from the past to the future.

3. Desert rose - Sting 

The way the song has been shot gels with the theme pretty well. Its has a very romantic, philosophical longing to it which talks about dreams, despair and hope.

Siddharth Bajpai, Class of 2015

1. Shofukan - Snarky Puppy

Jazz is very unstructured, improvisational music, and this track really has that sense of fun to it. It's incredible that it was recorded with barely a day of writing and prior rehearsal. I like to listen to it when reading cases and studying subjects that need tangential, creative thinking. 

Ideal for: MKDM, CSTR, SIMT.

2. La Catedral - Agustin Barrios (as played by Gabriel Bianco)

A wonderfully absorbing piece from the great Paraguayan guitarist Barrios, one of the earliest classical composers to have his work recorded. Here it is interpreted by French guitarist Gabriel Bianco. I like listening to it while I study analytical, dry subjects because it distracts me from monotony and reminds me of traveling in Europe. 

Good fit for: DMOP, CFIN, SMMD.

3. Telegraph Road - Dire Straits (Alchemy live version)

Telegraph Road tells the story of a city almost like it's a living being, and Knopfler (who used to be an English teacher before, thankfully, becoming a full time musician) paints the imagery both with lyrics and prose-like electric guitar lines. This is a classic concert recording, lively and dramatic, and works well when doing work that is simple but exposed to a high potential for faff. 

Good for: MGTO, RLDP, CMGT