The hidden side of sound: How music drives athlete motivation

An AI-generated athlete listening to music before the game

Every athlete knows how much power a song holds when played at the right time. That one song that gets your heart rate up, locks you in, and makes you feel unstoppable. As both a DJ and a club sport athlete, I’ve always been intrigued by how music affects performance. Whether I’m creating a game-day playlist for my team or DJing, I’ve seen firsthand how sound shapes energy and focus.

Fast-paced music, such as EDM or remixes, tends to elevate intensity, while hip-hop or rap builds confidence. Before a game, I’ve watched teammates go from quiet and reserved to fully dialed and energized when the bass hits. There’s science behind all of this; music releases dopamine and synchronizes movement, which helps athletes stay in rhythm. For me, crafting playlists isn’t just about entertainment but setting the mood for peak performance.

I’ve started to view every DJ set like a team performance. The audience is the team, and my job is to control the tempo, maintain a balanced energy, and ensure that everyone leaves better than they came. What’s your go-to hype song before a big game, workout, or event? Make sure to leave a comment below.