Development and assessment of a psychedelic-assisted therapy music playlist for clinical trials: Theory, intentionality, and metrics

A methodology for designing and evaluating a music playlist for a clinical psilocybin trial was developed, combining theory, therapeutic goals, and metrics. The playlist was structured across pre-peak, peak, and post-peak phases of the psilocybin experience. Spotify API metrics (Beats Per Minute, Danceability, Energy, Valence) and a novel human-rated Transcendence measure were used to assess tracks. Most musical features followed the expected emotional arc of the psilocybin experience, but nature-based tracks were sometimes misclassified as high-energy by the Spotify API, revealing algorithmic limitations. Transcendence ratings indicated continued emotional depth during post-peak phases. This proof-of-concept model shows the value of integrating intentional design with algorithmic and experiential metrics, though Spotify metrics may lack stability and generalizability.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Background and Purpose Music plays a central role in psychedelic-assisted therapy, yet few methodologies exist to create and assess therapeutic playlists. This study aimed to illustrate a methodology for developing and evaluating a music playlist for a clinical psilocybin trial using an integrative framework grounded in theory, intentionality, and metrics. Methods A playlist was designed based on clinical experience, phenomenological data, and therapeutic goals across pre-peak, peak, and post-peak phases of psilocybin administration. Each track was evaluated using Spotify's Application Programming Interface (API) metrics (Beats Per Minute, Danceability, Energy, and Valence). In addition, an exploratory human-rated measure of Transcendence was created and included to capture aspects of musical depth not represented by existing API metrics. Together, these tools provided a proof-of-concept model for how intentional playlist design may be supplemented with objective and experiential metrics in future psychedelic-assisted therapy research. Results Most musical features followed the hypothesized emotional arc of the psilocybin experience represented in prior literature. Some deviations occurred, including misclassification of nature-based tracks as high-energy by the Spotify API, highlighting the limitations of algorithmic classification. Transcendence ratings suggested continued emotional depth in the music during post-peak phases. Conclusions This proof-of-concept model demonstrates the value of combining intentional playlist design with exploratory use of algorithmic and experiential metrics. While Spotify metrics may lack stability and generalizability, the integrative approach offers a transparent example that future researchers may adapt and refine for their own clinical and cultural contexts.