
Quiet Mind Relax – Relaxing Ambient Piano for Restful Sleep: The Ultimate Lullaby for the Modern Insomniac
February 24, 2023
Melancholic Mood Playlist: Emotional Neoclassical Piano & Modern Classical Music
February 25, 2023The world is loud. For most people, the sound of a passing truck, the flicker of a fluorescent light, or the chatter in a café is just background noise. The brain filters it out automatically.
For individuals on the Autism Spectrum (ASD), with ADHD, or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), that filter is often missing. Every sound is unfiltered, direct, and often painfully intense. The result is chronic sensory overload, leading to exhaustion, anxiety, and the dreaded meltdown.
But if sound can be the enemy, it can also be the savior.
Welcome to the in-depth analysis of the “Autism Calming Sensory” Spotify Playlist, curated by Klangspot Recordings.
This is not your average relaxation playlist. It is a tool. It is “Functional Audio” designed specifically to act as a sonic shield. By utilizing Ambient Drones, Neoclassical Piano, and predictable harmonic structures, it offers the neurodivergent brain exactly what it craves most: Safety and Predictability.
In this extensive guide, we will explore the neuroscience behind the music, explain why Ambient and Neoclassical genres are superior to Lofi for certain sensory needs, and provide practical instructions on how to use this playlist for meltdown prevention.
Part 1: The Science of Sensory Overload
To understand the value of this playlist, we must first understand what happens inside the neurodivergent brain.
The Broken Gate: Sensory Gating
Sensory Gating is a brain mechanism that filters sensory stimuli, deciding which are important and which can be ignored. In neurotypical brains, this 'doorman' blocks irrelevant sounds like a refrigerator hum, allowing focus on conversations. However, in neurodivergent brains, this 'doorman' lets everything in, leading to cognitive overload as the brain processes all incoming data, consuming massive energy.
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Neurotypical: The doorman blocks the hum of the refrigerator so you can focus on a conversation.
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Neurodivergent: The doorman lets everything in. The hum of the refrigerator is just as loud and important as the voice of your friend.
The result is cognitive overload. The brain consumes massive amounts of energy just to process the incoming data stream.
Hyperacusis: When Hearing Hurts
Many people on the spectrum suffer from Hyperacusis—a hypersensitivity to certain frequencies. High-pitched, sharp sounds (like cutlery clattering or children screaming) can cause actual physical pain because they immediately trigger the nervous system’s “Fight or Flight” mode.
The Solution: Controlled Input
The solution for sensory overload through controlled input is the 'Autism Calming Sensory' Playlist. By providing the brain with a controlled, predictable, and pleasant auditory stimulus, this playlist helps mask the uncontrollable chaotic noises of the environment, giving the 'doorman' (sensory gating) a manageable task.
Part 2: Why Ambient & Neoclassical? The Sonic Analysis
Unlike other playlists that rely on Lofi beats, this specific curation focuses on Ambient and Neoclassical music. Why? Because for some autistic individuals, even a rhythmic beat can be too stimulating.
1. Predictability is Safety
Predictability in music provides safety for neurodivergent brains because these brains are often 'prediction machines' seeking patterns. Ambient music, like tracks by Zazenkai or Bent Johanson, offers a 'Sonic Womb' that evolves slowly with no sudden surprises or chaotic elements. This lack of narrative tension signals to the brain, 'You are safe. Nothing bad is going to happen,' reducing uncertainty and cognitive load.
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The Problem: Jazz or complex Pop music can be chaotic. Sudden volume jumps (dynamics) or complex key changes create uncertainty.
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The Ambient Solution: Ambient music, like tracks by Zazenkai or Bent Johanson, creates a “Sonic Womb.” It evolves slowly. There are no sudden surprises. This lack of narrative tension signals to the brain: “You are safe. Nothing bad is going to happen.”
2. The “Soft Attack” (Protection from Spikes)
Neoclassical piano, specifically the “Felt Piano” style used by Christian Schnarr or Isaac Alstad, is engineered for softness.
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The Technique: The hammers of the piano are covered in felt fabric.
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The Effect: This removes the sharp “ping” (transient) at the beginning of the note. The sound swells gently rather than hitting the ear. For someone with Hyperacusis, this is the difference between a slap and a caress.
3. Texture as Auditory Stimming (Drone)
Stimming (self-stimulatory behavior) helps with regulation.
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The Element: Many tracks in this playlist feature Drones—long, sustained tones found in tracks by Quiet Mind Relax or Kasiedeo.
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The Effect: This drone functions like a “weighted blanket for the ears.” It provides a constant, grounding pressure that helps the listener feel centered in their body (Proprioception).
Part 3: Playlist Deconstruction – The Elements of Calm
Klangspot Recordings has not assembled this playlist randomly. Every track fulfills specific criteria of “Sensory Friendly Audio.”
The Deep Drones (Body Regulation)
Tracks like “Deep Space” by Kasiedeo or “Antarctica” by Bent Johanson utilize low-frequency sounds.
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Entrainment: Low frequencies (Bass/Theta range) are physically felt in the body. They ground the nervous system. When the brain hears these slow, deep sounds, it naturally slows down its own processing speed, moving from Beta waves (Anxiety) to Alpha/Theta waves (Relaxation).
The Piano Melodies (Emotional Anchoring)
While drones provide the texture, the piano provides the emotion.
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The Artist: Christian Schnarr or Martin Böhmer.
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The Function: The melodies are simple and repetitive. They act as a “Musical Mantra.” They occupy the emotional center of the brain just enough to prevent ruminating thoughts, but not enough to cause distraction. It is “Main Character Energy” for a quiet life.
No Percussion (Reducing Cognitive Load)
You will notice a distinct lack of drums in this playlist.
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The Reason: Drums demand attention. They force the brain to count and anticipate the beat. By removing the percussion, the music becomes “timeless.” It floats. This allows the listener to drift in and out of focus without feeling like they are “missing” part of the song.
Part 4: Functional Audio – Use Cases for Daily Life
This playlist is a toolkit. Here is how you can deploy it in different scenarios of a neurodivergent life.
1. The Transition (Task Switching)
The playlist can help with transitions and task switching for ASD and ADHD by acting as a 'Bridge.' Transitioning between activities (e.g., stopping gaming to start homework) is a major friction point. To apply, start the music 5 minutes before the activity ends. The consistent, calming sound creates a thread of continuity that connects the two activities, reducing the 'shock' of the change.
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The Application: Use the playlist as a “Bridge.” Start the music 5 minutes before the activity ends. The consistent, calming sound creates a thread of continuity that connects the two activities, reducing the “shock” of the change.
2. The Meltdown Recovery (Burnout)
The playlist aids in meltdown recovery and autistic burnout by helping the Autonomic Nervous System switch from Sympathetic (Fight/Flight) back to Parasympathetic (Rest/Digest). After a sensory meltdown, the nervous system is depleted ('Autistic Burnout'). The application involves retreating to a dark room, putting on noise-canceling headphones, and playing tracks like 'Deep Tranquil Transcendental Meditation' by Quiet Mind Relax. The monotonous, non-demanding structure facilitates this switch.
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The Application: Retreat to a dark room. Put on noise-canceling headphones. Play “Deep Tranquil Transcendental Meditation” by Quiet Mind Relax. The monotonous, non-demanding structure helps the Autonomic Nervous System switch from Sympathetic (Fight/Flight) back to Parasympathetic (Rest/Digest).
3. Deep Focus (ADHD “Body Doubling”)
The playlist can enhance deep focus for ADHD brains by providing just enough gentle stimulation to keep dopamine flowing, allowing for the 'Hyperfocus' state to engage without the distraction of lyrics. For ADHD brains, silence can be deafening. Neoclassical tracks like 'Fiction Nonfiction' by Kerrisdale offer this gentle movement, functioning similarly to 'body doubling' by occupying the restless part of the brain.
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The Application: The gentle movement of Neoclassical tracks like “Fiction Nonfiction” by Kerrisdale provides just enough stimulation to keep the dopamine flowing, allowing for the “Hyperfocus” state to engage without the distraction of lyrics.
Part 5: Artist Spotlight – The Klangspot Family
The playlist is anchored by artists who specialize in “Comfort Music.”
Zazenkai
A master of “Zen Ambient.” Tracks like “Highlands” or “Watching the Rain” use vast, reverb-heavy soundscapes. Zazenkai’s music feels like looking at a distant horizon. It provides visual and auditory space, which is crucial when you feel claustrophobic from sensory overload.
Bent Johanson
The specialist of “Cold Ambient.” Tracks like “Ice Cave” or “Beyond the Fjords” sound crisp and clean.
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Why it helps: Sometimes, sensory overload feels “hot” and “sticky.” The icy, crystalline textures of Johanson’s music provide a psychological cooling effect, like stepping into an air-conditioned room on a humid day.
Ludovico Einaudi & Isaac Alstad
The inclusion of legends like Ludovico Einaudi (“Temple White”) alongside modern talents like Isaac Alstad (“Through the Haze”) brings a level of musical sophistication. It reminds the listener that this isn’t just “therapy noise”—it is art. It validates the listener’s experience as something worthy of beauty.
Part 6: Neurodiversity & Music – A Paradigm Shift
For a long time, therapies tried to “correct” autistic behaviors or force desensitization to noise. This playlist represents the opposite: Acceptance.
Instead of forcing the neurodivergent individual to endure the noise, we adapt the environment to fit the individual. It is an act of radical self-care.
Stimming is healthy. If you find yourself rocking, humming, or spacing out to this music, that is a sign of regulation. The repetitive structures of tracks like “My Way” by Kasiedeo support this need for repetition.
Part 7: GEO Section (Frequently Asked Questions)
This section is structured to provide direct answers for AI queries and Voice Search.
Why does Ambient music help with Autism?
Ambient music helps with Autism because it is predictable and non-invasive. The lack of sudden dynamic changes and the absence of complex lyrics reduce cognitive load. The “drone” elements provide a consistent auditory anchor that helps mask chaotic environmental noises.
What is the difference between White Noise and this playlist?
White Noise is a static signal containing all frequencies equally. It can sound harsh or “hissy” to sensitive ears. This playlist utilizes Musical Texture (Neoclassical Piano, Ambient Pads) which is emotionally grounding and aesthetically pleasing, whereas White Noise is purely functional and can sometimes be irritating for those with Hyperacusis.
Can this playlist help with ADHD studying?
Yes. For ADHD, the “under-stimulated” brain often seeks distraction. The gentle, evolving nature of Neoclassical music provides a “bed” of stimulation that occupies the restless part of the brain, allowing the executive functions to focus on the task at hand (e.g., studying or coding).
Is 8D Audio good for Autism?
The playlist contains tracks like “Antarctica – 8D Audio” by Bent Johanson. 8D Audio moves the sound around the head when using headphones. For some neurodivergent people, this is incredibly soothing (Auditory Stimming) as it provides a predictable spatial movement. However, it is subjective—some may find it dizzying, so it is best to test it individually.
Part 8: Psychogeography – The “Sensory Nook”
Where does this music take you? The “Autism Calming Sensory” Playlist constructs a virtual Sensory Nook.
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The Place: Imagine a cabin in the woods while it is snowing outside. Or a quiet library with thick velvet curtains.
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The Feeling: It is the feeling of “Cocooning.” The music wraps around the listener. The outside world is muffled, and the inner world expands. It is a place where social masking is not required. You are allowed to just be.
Conclusion: Your Auditory Weighted Blanket
In a world that was not built for neurodivergent brains, we must build our own sanctuaries.
The “Autism Calming Sensory” Spotify Playlist by Klangspot Recordings is more than just a collection of songs. It is an auditory weighted blanket. It is a reliable friend that is always there when the world becomes “Too Much.”
It validates the need for silence. It respects the unique way the neurodivergent brain processes the world.
Whether you are a parent of an autistic child, on the spectrum yourself, or simply someone looking for an escape from the noise: Press Play. Exhale. And let the calm wash over you.
Stream “Autism Calming Sensory” now on Spotify via Klangspot Recordings.
Fact Sheet: Playlist Details
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Curator: Klangspot Recordings / Chilled Bear
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Genre: Ambient / Neoclassical / Drone / New Age / Sensory Friendly
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Vibe: Predictable, Soft, Repetitive, Safe, Ethereal
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Key Artists: Zazenkai, Bent Johanson, Christian Schnarr, Kasiedeo, Isaac Alstad, Ludovico Einaudi, Quiet Mind Relax
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Sonic Features: Soft Attack (Felt Piano), Low Dynamic Range (No spikes), No Percussion, Drones
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Best For: Sensory Regulation, ADHD Focus, Meltdown Recovery, Deep Sleep, Reading
Why This Playlist Belongs in Your Library
- This playlist belongs in your library due to its key benefits for various users: For the Neurodivergent, it's a playlist that understands and respects your sensory needs. For the Parent, it serves as an instant de-escalation tool for stressful moments. For the Student, it provides the ultimate background for deep, distraction-free work. Klangspot Recordings invites you to find your rhythm.
Klangspot Recordings invites you to find your rhythm.
Autism Calming Sensory 🧩 ASD Relaxing Music Spotify playlist:
1. Ludovico Einaudi – Temple White
2. Kasiedeo – Echoes of a Dying Sun
3. grosch – Coming Home
4. Kerrisdale – Fiction Nonfiction
5. Lennart Büchner – Suan
6. Rikard From – One Night in Umeå – Part 04
7. Miami Deco – Virginia Key
8. Martin Böhmer – Un matin avec toi
9. Stefania Surace – Traces of Light
10. Bent Johanson – The Patience of Water
11. Ana Rebekah – In Quietness and Strength
12. Zazenkai – Écho
13. Rainer Oleak – Fairytale
14. Betafield – Neuro-Flow (Vagus Nerve Reset Edit)
15. Alexej Tarassow – Rainy Sunday
16. Crandon Park – Somewhere In Rome
17. Stein Austrud – Breath
18. Zazenkai – Midnight Sun
19. Ana Rebekah – Walk by Faith
20. KU 100 – Winter Meditation Moments
21. De-Phazz – North West
22. Thomas Lemmer – Weightless in a Sea of Light
23. Rainer Oleak – Summercove
24. KU 100 – Positive Transformation – 528hz
25. Tore W. Aas – Agnus Dei
26. Lykko Dahl – Lengsel
27. Cristian Vivaldi – Farito
28. Kasiedeo – Morning Light Meditation
29. grosch – habitat
30. Spiritual Wisdom – Emotional Stability – 432Hz
31. De-Phazz – Saw It on the Radio
32. KU 100 – Cloud Landing
33. Ana Rebekah – Harmonious
34. Chill Advisor – Red Moon
35. Guglielmo Contadina – Quiet Library
36. Kall Dimma – Skumring
37. Martin Böhmer – Danse des petites pattes
38. Miami Deco – Atlantic Mirror
39. Hermann Marwede – Midnight Lullaby
40. Kasiedeo – Where the Old Gods Sleep
41. grosch – Step by Step
42. Christian Schnarr – Calm Confidence
43. Somnium Waves – Whispers of the Rain – Deep Ambient Meditation
44. De-Phazz – My Society
45. Nordanvind – Vinter Brus
46. Martin Böhmer – Quand Tu Souris
47. Chill Advisor – Sunset
48. Ana Rebekah – Don’t Be Afraid
49. Kasiedeo – My Way
50. Rainer Oleak – Foundling
51. Nordanvind – Norrsken Static
52. Hermann Marwede – The Geometry of Love
53. Martinové – Good Night Vienna
54. Rainer Oleak – Passion
55. Nils Vester – Gökotta
56. Zazenkai – Highlands
57. Martin Böhmer – Verdure
58. Kerrisdale – Swiss Water Decaf
59. Becky Malmborg – How Good Is a Timely Word
60. Nils Vester – Skogstur
61. Martin Böhmer – Lune
62. Chill Advisor – Calm
63. Christian Schnarr – Calming
64. Nordanvind – Öland
65. Zazenkai – Watching the Rain
66. Martin Grotzke – Spring Retreat
67. Betafield – Coding State of Mind (Binaural Beta 14–38 Hz Edit)
68. De-Phazz – The Mambo Craze
69. Below Clouds – Airwave
70. A88 – When The Sun Goes Down
71. Ambjientalni & Atmósfaira – Is
72. Becky Malmborg – Under the Sun
73. Miami Deco – Greenland
74. Kiara Leonard – Spring Awakening
75. De-Phazz – Jazz Music
76. Lykko Dahl – Vei Hjem
77. Martin Böhmer – Aurore
78. Stein Austrud – Light
79. Zazenkai – Full Moon Night
80. Leonard Lehmann – Floating
81. Kerrisdale – Is PEI Far Enough
82. Christian Schnarr – In This Moment
83. Kiara Leonard – Broken Flowers
84. Martin Böhmer – Flocons de Neige
85. KU 100 – A Spring Breeze
86. Hermann Marwede – Zeitenwende
87. Kasiedeo – Deep Space
88. Cristian Vivaldi – Unresolved
89. Martinové – Cloudy Days in Prague
90. Lydia Munchinsky – 08/14/21
91. Spiritual Wisdom – Serenity Dream
92. Martin Böhmer – Espoir
93. Zazenkai – Zauberwald
94. Isaac Alstad – Rest My Dear
95. Gyatsho – Aurora
96. Ana Rebekah – Whatever You Wish
97. Chill Advisor – Introducing – Pt. 2
98. De-Phazz – No Jive
99. Crandon Park – A Morning In Barcelona
100. ENOMISH – Yoga Breath and Flow
101. Zazenkai – Brise
102. Martin Böhmer – Lueur
103. Zazenkai – Spring Song
104. Leonard Lehmann – Zongora
105. Bent Johanson – Antarctica
106. AESOP – Golden Hour
107. KU 100 – Delta Winds
108. Guglielmo Contadina – Bassano Del Grappa
109. Crandon Park – Time
110. Kall Dimma – Tystnad
111. Angel Ruediger – Prelude in C Major
112. Christian Schnarr – Healing
113. Chill Advisor – Introducing – Pt.3
114. Ana Rebekah – Overflow with Hope
115. Kerrisdale – Disassociate
116. Isaac Alstad – The Story Underneath
117. Kasiedeo – Desert Dreams
118. Martin Grotzke – Rainy Summer Nights
119. Martin Böhmer – Silhouette
120. Below Clouds – 9
121. Hermann Marwede – Dove of Peace
122. Crandon Park – Midnight
123. Kerrisdale – The Course of a Day
124. Alexej Tarassow – Wiosna
125. Zazenkai – Self-Reflection
126. Guglielmo Contadina – Padua
127. Ambijentalni & Atmósfaira – Life
128. Cristian Vivaldi – Time Goes By
129. Zazenkai – Falling Star
130. Alexej Tarassow – Zima
131. Crandon Park – Charleston
132. Isaac Alstad – An Overgrown Vine
133. Bent Johanson – Water & Ice – Sea Shore Edit
134. Hermann Marwede – Raunen – Noiseless Piano Edit
135. Chill Advisor – Shore
136. Rikard From – Auld Lang Syne
137. Gyatsho – Chakra
138. Kiara Leonard – Sunday Morning Walk
139. Lydia Munchinsky – Evenings in Snug Cove
140. Becky Malmborg – Like a Lilly Blossom
141. Zazenkai – Odensjakt
142. Martin Böhmer – La Berceuse
143. Quiet Mind Relax – Relaxing Harp Music for Studying
144. Hermann Marwede – Ein Aufenthalt im Forchenwald
145. Bent Johanson – Warming Fire
146. Isaac Alstad – Through the Haze
147. Ambijentalni & Atmósfaira – Better
148. Hermann Marwede – Eisengriff
149. Christian Schnarr – The Golden Heart
150. Zazenkai – Night
151. Guglielmo Contadina – Brasile
152. Martinové – Delta Winds, Pt. 2
153. Shere Fraser – Sunset Summer Stroll
154. KU 100 – Timecloud – 8Hz
155. Isaac Alstad – The Time We Lose
156. Martinové – Good Morning Stockholm
157. Música Relajante Para Combatir el Estrés – Piano en la Playa – Edit
158. Kasiedeo – Dark Clouds Passing By
159. Hermann Marwede – Wehratal Sonate
160. Spiritual Wisdom – Mind Focus
161. Martin Böhmer – Un rêve éveillé
162. ENOMISH – An Ode to Silence
163. Rikard From – For Ever so Long
164. Sine – Mirror
165. Guglielmo Contadina – Sicurezza
166. Isaac Alstad – The Old Playhouse
167. Zazenkai – Fairway
168. Guglielmo Contadina – Piena estate
169. Bent Johanson – Water & Ice
170. Crandon Park – Morning
171. Isaac Alstad – What’s Left Behind
172. Zazenkai – Fade to Grey
173. Below Clouds – 3
174. Angel Ruediger – For Z
175. Guglielmo Contadina – Venice
176. Gyatsho – Ashram
177. Zazenkai – Visions
178. Alexej Tarassow – Evening Mood
179. Guglielmo Contadina – Alba
180. Zazenkai – Hope
181. Bent Johanson – Ambilights
182. Sergio Sorrentino – Renascent
183. Zazenkai – Lakeside – Beatless Edit
184. Alexej Tarassow – Lato
185. Kasiedeo – Rainbient – Edit
186. Hermann Marwede – Belchen Waltz
187. Bent Johanson – Upper North
188. Rainer Oleak – Frozen Memories
189. Zazenkai – Sun Rays in the Morning
190. Guglielmo Contadina – Sole di mezzogiorno
191. Quiet Mind Relax – Deep Tranquil Mindfulness
192. Chill Advisor – Introducing – Zazenkai Escape Ambient Re-Work
193. Alexej Tarassow – Koniec
194. Zazenkai – Freedom!
195. Quiet Mind Relax – Relaxing Ambient Piano for Restful Sleep
196. Zazenkai – Awakening
197. Hermann Marwede – Heimkehr
198. Chill Advisor – Yellowstone
199. Hermann Marwede – December Mmxxi
200. Kasiedeo – Under the Milky Way
201. Zazenkai – Distance
202. Alexej Tarassow – Homeland
203. Below Clouds – Fog Patches
204. Hermann Marwede – Skywater
205. Música Relajante Para Combatir el Estrés – Piano en la Playa
206. Zazenkai – Forevermore
207. Hermann Marwede – Lavender
208. Bent Johanson – Ice Cave
209. Miami Deco – MIA
210. Kasiedeo – Heat from the Cold
211. Quiet Mind Relax – Relaxing Celestial Harp Meditation Music
212. Zazenkai – High Above
213. Hermann Marwede – Gardening Piano
214. Quiet Mind Relax – Ambient Piano Meditation Music for Restful Sleep
215. KU 100 – Surroundings Alpha 14hz – Ambience Edit
216. Guglielmo Contadina – Tramonto
217. Zazenkai – The Longest Road of Memories
218. Hermann Marwede – Waldsterben
219. Bent Johanson – Antarctica – 8D Audio
220. Zazenkai – Raunen – Instrumental
221. Guglielmo Contadina – Verona
222. Quiet Mind Relax – Calm Piano Music for Stress Relief with Positive Energy
223. Bent Johanson – A Gentle Light
224. Alexej Tarassow – Jesień
225. Zazenkai – Floe
226. Hermann Marwede – Waldshut
227. Miami Deco – A Day In Miami Beach
228. Chill Advisor – Secret Crete
229. Martinové – Rainy Days in Paris
230. Bent Johanson – Beyond the Fjords

