diff --git a/.gitmessage b/.gitmessage
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..aee8819
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitmessage
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+
+
+Git issue references:
+
+Gamelan music currently playing:
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 651fcda..be94852 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,2 +1,8 @@
 # dockerlang
 a turing complete language based on docker containers
+
+
+## Development guide
+
+Dockerlang is written in Go.
+Proper Dockerlang development should always be done while listening to Gamelan; please specificy what piece you are listening to in each commit message (see commit template).