Yoga is not all about Om Shanti Shanti sitar ethereal mantra nonsense. Not everyone vibes with light and airy. One of the highest compliments I’ve been blessed to receive as a yoga teacher is when a student comes up to me after class and tell me they really enjoyed the music.  Some people enjoy funky, alternative sounds. There is a time and a place for everything, and there is a good chance that you’d hear this latest Spotify playlist in a serious yoga studio that does not take itself too seriously.

I am a huge fan of Angelique Kidjo. She’s on here, in full bloom with her soulful rendition of the classic “Summertime”.

Keeping things easy, groovy vibes like Poolside’s “Next to You” and “16 Megatons” by Funki Porcini should help lubricate your joints for when your practice starts to burn.

Strings pick things up with Alt-J’s “Breezeblocks” while Acid Pauli’s “Requiem for a Loop” sets a bouncy and playful strut.

From there, it’s all downhill with lighthearted depth with Ben Folds Five, Janelle Monae, David Bowie, and Cocorosie. Be sure to slide into savasana as “Rabbit Fur Coat” by Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins takes hold so you can fully drift away with “Guilty” by George Shearing.