artist Bevin Marie's studio table with art on it

What I'm Listening To in the Studio

One of my favourite parts of working in the studio is filling it with music. The right playlist sets the tone for painting, helps me focus, and often takes me back to the places and memories that shaped me. Music is such a personal thing, but I thought I’d share what I’ve been listening to lately—maybe you’ll discover something new you’ll love, too.

Much of my playlist is rooted in nostalgia. I grew up surrounded by wide-open space and nature, and the songs that filled our home back then still bring me right back there. Others are simply fun to sing along to, while some are instrumental pieces that create calm or spark daydreaming. I’d say most of what I listen to leans “folky,” but all of it either stirs memories or fuels my creative future.

What I Love Lately

  • William Prince – Breathless has been a favourite on repeat.
  • Maren Morris – The Bones is such a joyful one to sing.
  • Gregory Alan Isakov – his music is calm, steady, and grounding.
  • The Paper Kites – especially Paint, which always feels like a quiet moment captured.
  • Ben Rector, Ocie Elliot, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Ray LaMontagne, Patty Griffin, Noah Kahan – all staples in my studio rotation.
  • Anna Golden - Birds and Peace are two songs on constant repeat. It’s been lovely to listen to songs that borrow words from my heart.
  • Lauren Daigle - Thank God I Do, How Can It Be, You Say, Love Like This

Music from My Childhood

  • Mary Chapin Carpenter – Her song Why Walk When You Can Fly has been a steady encouragement whenever I feel discouraged in my creative journey. It’s a reminder to keep going and not make life harder than it needs to be. A Place in the World is another truly beautiful song. She’s unbelievably gifted at sharing stories and feelings through music.
  • James Keelaghan – rooted in story, his songs feel like home. I suggest checking out Kiri’s Piano and River Run.
  • The Rankin Family – timeless and lively, always tied to memories of growing up.
  • Laura Smith – Shade of Your Love, Duine Air Call, and I Go There (which moves me to tears nearly every time…”I watch as my hopes triumph over my fears and I dance with the child I lost touch with through the years.”)
  • Connie Kaldor – Canoe Song and Just a Little Dream are two of my long-time favourites. I even met her after a live show as a teenager—she was so kind and encouraging to me at the time I was considering studying music.

Instrumentals for Focus

Sometimes I need words, and often I don’t. For those quiet painting and planning hours, I turn to:

  • George Winston – especially his piano album December (though Night is stunning too).
  • Mairi Rankin & Eric Wright – their album The Cabin Sessions is such a fun, upbeat mix of Cape Breton fiddle and old-time cello.
  • Olexy – my current favourite discovery: acoustic folk guitar that’s soothing, melodic, and perfect for sparking ideas.

Why It Matters

For me, music isn’t just background noise—it’s part of the creative process. The songs I return to again and again remind me of where I’ve come from, anchor me in the present, and push me forward in hope. They are just as much a part of my art as my brushes and paints.

P.S. If you’d like to see the full playlist I listen to in the studio, I’d love to share it! Join my email list and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.

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