For many people, Elon Musk is almost a cult figure. The founder of Tesla and SpaceX has made his fame on his willingness to take risks. Although his inclination towards innovation and business success might be more subtle, one important theme of his life is his enjoyment of music. What does Elon Musk listen to?
The truth is that Musk doesn’t have a clearly defined or structured taste in music. He famously stated to be a fan of classical music, but he’s open to all genres and media. From oldschool rock-and-roll to modern pop-art, Musk appreciates music for its ability to tell stories and stimulate conversations. He also likes to experiment with music by blending together different genres and elements into a unique and unrecognizable concoction.
Musk has revealed on social media some of the songs that he enjoys. Specifically, he has mentioned his love for Led Zeppelin’s song Stairway To Heaven. He has also expressed his appreciation for the metallic and raw sound of electronic music artist Grimes. He is also a fan of rap artists such as Drake and Eminem. His taste in music is certainly eclectic, as he likes to switch between various genres.
However, Elon Musk’s approach to music doesn’t end with just listening to it. He has previously launched ideas to incorporate music into the infrastructure of Tesla. Musk suggested that the company should feature two different streaming services in their cars: a traditional one with a library of music and a ‘Tesla Radio’, that would feature music that could be requeste made by passengers. Tesla Radio would work by analyzing a customer’s music tastes through their driving habits and then playing music that suits their tastes, similar to what Spotify does.
Musk has also unveiled a new audio feature for Tesla cars, which would allow drivers to choose from different soundscapes to create a personalized ambiance in the car. Usually composed of bird noises, forrest ambiances and other calming sounds, soundscapes have been designed to make long drives more enjoyable.
Records and Grooves
Elon Musk likes to go further in his exploration of music by occasionally releasing song records himself. On July the 14th, 2020, he shocked the world by releasing the complete soundtrack to Tesla’s ‘Cybertruck’, available as both a digital download and in a limited-edition physical format. This project revealed his interest in mixing genres, with techno, dubstep and classical music making an appearance in the various tracks.
Musk has also previously released a series of 12-inch vinyl records. The record, “Don’t Doubt Ur Vibe” was described as a “futuristic funk” collection. It was released in December 2019, and since them it has become a huge success. Some songs from the collection have been heard in Tesla’s showrooms, in TV ads and in a music video featuring Grimes.
It’s clear that Elon Musk enjoys the process of creating music as much as he loves listening to it. He has often stated that he’s more of a music creator than a consumer, and has taken up music production as a hobby. His process often involves blending together various elements and bringing out the best in them, just as he does with his projects.
Conclusion
To sum up, Elon Musk’s taste in music is a reflection of his approach to his projects and his philosophy of life. He likes to get creative and explore new sounds, genres and opportunities. His music selection ranges from oldschool rock-and-roll to modern pop-art and his signature sound is a blend of these inputs. He’s also open to experimenting with technology, such as incorporating soundscapes in the cars, or creating Tesla Radio. It’s no wonder that his fans often say that his music reflects his attitude towards life.
