In our search for the perfect sleepytime playlist, we knew Amy Dials would be the first person we asked. Amy is hands-down one of the coolest women we know—she helped start Portland independent radio station XRAY.FM and hosts their afternoon music mix show Ghost Chapel. She also works for music supervision company Beta Petrol and rocks a signature red lip like no one's business. She is a force.
WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO BEFORE BED?
I've been listening to The Pearl by Harold Budd and Brian Eno to help me go to sleep for years. By the time the first song is halfway over, my brain and body know it's shutdown time. I got into binary beats a while back too. I'd search for them on YouTube and play these weird, long pieces of music that include tones to enhance your delta brain waves or something. I don't know if they actually did that, but they were nice to sleep to!
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU AVOID LISTENING TO?
When I was younger I would listen to artists like Cat Power and beautiful/calm music like that, but now anything with upfront vocals really keeps me too plugged into what I'm hearing; my brain sings along, I think about the lyrics, and I just can't quite drift as naturally.