“Table Talk” is a series of articles where we hit members of the TPE family to ask them various poker related questions. This weeks question…
What bands/artists (or podcasts) do you like to listen to while playing poker?
“ If Brad Willis recommends it, I’ve probably included it on a poker playlist. Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell, and Ha Ha Tonka are in heavy rotation.” – Nate Meyvis
” I listen to a wide variety of music while grinding and otherwise. Lots of 90’s hip-hop and punk and some more modern indie-rock. Some of my current favourites include Foals, The Devil Makes Three and Built to Spill. I usually steer towards comedy with podcasts. I’m a regular listener of Bill Burr’s Monday Morning Podcast, Comedy Bang-Bang and the Joe Rogan Experience. ” – Jase Regina
“My answer is pretty boring – I actually don’t listen to music or podcasts often when playing live, I find it too distracting, and there’s some evidence to suggest music can actually change the way you play, since it does change your emotional state. The only exception is when I’m feeling tired and need something to get my energy level up. When playing online I usually have some music on in the background, but I tend to pick something without any vocals, like a random trance mix I might find on YouTube somewhere, or something by Two Steps From Hell. Every now and again I’ll put on some DragonForce, but not for long, since I always end up playing too aggressively after a while!” – Matthew Hunt
“I like to listen to hip hop artists and pretend that they are taking about poker. It’s amazing how many of the lyrics in hip hop can be applied to this game. The songs I like most are about making something out of nothing in order to survive, so naturally there are some to a poker. I’ll share some examples.
‘The politicians ban us. They’d rather see us locked in chains. Please explain why they can’t stand us.’ – 2pac on Sheldon Adelson’s failed RAWA bill.
‘I’m worried bout the money, not yall. I be chasing presidents like Lee Harvey Oswald.’ – 3D Na’Tee on ignoring advice to stop playing poker.
‘Most times when we grind we just hit a wall. I’m on a mission yall. For deep pockets like I pants shop at Big & Tall.’ – Sha Stimuli on playing large field tournaments with big guarantees.” – Carlos Welch
” I used to listen to all types of music but i felt rap got me too fired up. All of a sudden i would be 4 and 5 betting like a maniac so i toned down what i listened to while playing. Counting Crows FTW! I usually listen to all 3 of the TPE podcasts and once i finish those I move to Joey Ingrams’ work. I think watching anything while grinding can be cancerous to our play so i highly recommend podcasts/music vs anything visual.” – Marc Alioto
“I listen to a pretty wide variety of stuff when I am grinding. In fact, I have actually created a playlist of stuff for my grind (some of it picked by me and some of it picked my viewers of my stream) that is available to check out on Spotify. It is called Killingbird’s Poker Grind Mix. Check it out and let me know what you think of it!” – Derek Tenbusch