Press Play For Healing: 6 Playlists To Inspire You
For many of us, music plays quietly in the background of life—during morning routines, long drives, or family gatherings. But what if it’s more than just a soundtrack? What if music is also a powerful tool for healing?
I’m inspired by a recent initiative in dementia wards where they use live music therapy to soothe distressed patients without drugs. It’s a fascinating project called MELODIC that provides a low-cost way to support patients and staff.
This got me thinking, again, about the healing power of music. I always think of my daughter Isha, who sings to soothe her nerves. My husband Kanwar loves to curate music to set the mood when we host, and I make a playlist to capture my year.
In this post, my team and I share what music means to us, plus a few playlists we treasure that we hope inspire you, too.
Why music is powerful medicine.
It might sound a little mystical, but we already use inaudible sound in modern medicine every day. Ultrasounds, for example, use sound waves to create images of our internal organs. And in a procedure called lithotripsy, ultrasonic waves are used to break apart kidney stones—completely non-invasively.
In my conversation with neurologist Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary on The Healing Catalyst, we explored the science of sound and its incredible healing potential. She shared how music therapy is being used to support people recovering from traumatic brain injuries and dementia—with remarkably positive results and virtually no side effects.
But beyond the science, music also has a way of connecting us on a soul level. Christopher LeMark, founder of Coffee, Hip Hop, and Mental Health, told me, “hip hop has parented our community.” His work uses hip hop as a bridge to help Black men navigate mental health and healing in a language that feels familiar, safe, and empowering.
Dr. Avanti’s playlists – Message in a bottle.
Every year, I create a new playlist that I add to as the months go by. It’s become my own little “musical journal.” I save songs from trips, ones I stumble upon, and favorites friends share with me. Some songs end up on repeat for weeks, while others just capture a fleeting moment in time.
Music has a way of anchoring me in the present. Sometimes a single melody can shift my energy, unlock a memory, or even spark a creative idea. These playlists remind me to stay open—to the moment, to joy, and to whatever life is offering right now.
Avanti’s 2025 playlist.
This is my personal time capsule for the year so far. It holds the energy of new beginnings and the joy of arriving at milestones I once only dreamed of.
Longevity Formula playlist.
My husband created this playlist for my book launch—and it was truly magical. The songs carried us through the night with so much heart and happiness. I return to it when I want to relive that incredible evening.
‘Message in a Bottle’ is a song by The Police.
Jackie’s playlists – Stop! In the name of love.
I remember being six years old, watching the scenery through the window of my Mom’s 90’s Cadillac with the radio on. A sad song came on, and I bawled my eyes out. In Dad’s beat-up pickup truck, we always listened to 94.7 FM, the oldies station. My favorite was always “These Boots Were Made for Walking by Nancy Sinatra. I loved blasting Britney Spears' "3" or Katy Perry's "California Girls" on my little iPod.
These days, I’ve been leaning into physical media more. My car plays CDs, so I’m using burned mixes from the 2000s. I love shopping for records, too—my collection has everything from Motown to Metallica to, yes, Britney. It’s a little chaotic, a little sentimental, and totally me.
Popy playlist.
When I’m missing my dad, I turn to this playlist. It’s full of songs that remind me of him—some we used to listen to together, some that just carry his energy. It makes me feel close to him again.
Karaoke playlist.
This one’s for car rides with friends, windows down, singing at the top of our lungs. It's a mix pulled from group chats and inside jokes—a playlist made for pure joy and zero judgment.
‘Stop! In the Name of Love’ is a song by The Supremes.
Ruth’s playlists – A little bit happy.
My mom always says my birth returned her to music. From singing me lullabies to decades connecting people to song, it’s hard to imagine her doing anything else.
Eleven years of piano, various choirs, and Mom’s inescapable musical fixations meant that music was my bread and butter. I listened to Manhattan Transfer, Joan Osborne, and Wynton Marsalis at home, while car rides were reserved for Billy Joel and the Oh Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack. I like to think I’m a magpie for sounds, styles, and genres.
Today, I listen to more music than I make. I’m always hungry for new sounds, moody voices, and just a little dissonance.
get wildly enthusiastic about little things
After a tough year, I wanted 2024 to honor the moment I was in. I looked for bits and pieces of delight and collected them. This playlist was all about feelings, without judgment.
These songs make me feel things.
no pleasures are guilty
I’m on a mission to fully enjoy the things I enjoy, without worrying about how others perceive me.
My 2025 playlist is a reflection of the Korean and Thai shows I’m watching lately, plus a few past earworms and songs from people around me.
‘A Little Bit Happy’ is a song by TALK.
Whether it’s used to heal, to connect, or simply to feel, music is one of the most powerful tools we have. I hope our playlists spark a memory, inspire a mood, or invite you to make one of your own.
Be well,
Avanti Kumar-Singh, MD
