Sunday, January 13, 2013

Let's Talk About Music

I've always wished I knew more about music. I don't play any instruments. I can't sing. I honestly don't know the difference between pitch and tone. Many of my friends took band and choir when we were younger, so they all understand it and love it, but I, on the other hand, always stuck with art classes. I wish it had not had to be one or the other, because now look at me. I can sketch a tree, sure, but compose a piece of music? Ha.
So, up until recently, music didn't have much to do with my writing process. Sometimes I'd play a movie that I'd seen a thousand times and that gave me pretty images for my WIP (Pirates of the Caribbean, anyone?) but other than that I'd usually just sit in silence. I can still do that--write with only the soundtrack of my imagination. But, when I discovered the right kind of music, it became much more fun to write to a tangible collection of songs. (It's a bit like reading, you know? If a person doesn't like reading, it's probably because he or she hasn't found the right book yet.)
I started out with listening to classical music while I studied (it helps improve focus AND raise IQ, you know) and then switched over to movie soundtracks and etc. And so, with the help of some friends and some searching on my own, I've compiled this playlist for my novel. (Well, most of this playlist--I couldn't find a few of the songs on Youtube.) I'm pretty happy with it, but it could always use more. Let me know if you can think of any songs that would fit well with this selection! I'd love to hear your suggestions. (:






Do you listen to music while you write? What's your favorite writing song?

6 comments:

  1. I like to listen to music while I do homework, too. It helps me to concentrate. And with writing music, I just use my own music :P Although, with my new novel, I have to listen to dark music, so I've been spending a lot of time with dark, angry music. I'm almost depressed O.O

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    1. Yeah, classical music makes everything just so sharper and clearer in my mind.
      Uh oh! I know it's hard, but don't confuse the mood of the story with your own mood. Writing is almost dangerous--it takes you to dark places that are nearly impossible to come out of mentally and emotionally unscathed.

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  2. Music helps me so much while I'm writing or studying. When it's work or revision, it's usually classical music -- it feels inspiring, structured, sophisticated, which makes me more productive and attentive. When I'm writing, though, I tend to go for soundtracks (LOTR, Chronicles of Narnia and How To Train Your Dragon are my favourites), trailer music (Two Steps From Hell and Audiomachine = ear-heaven) or songs in different languages. Basically, music that reflects the mood of my novel and inspires me. I try not to listen to song that have lyrics (or understandable lyrics, anyway) since they distract me far too easily.

    Having looked through the songs on your playlist and seen some I know and love (David Arkenstone and HTTYD, to name but a few), I have a feeling I'll discover some new music, awesome VERY soon ;D

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    1. Yeah, I can't even listen to songs that have lyrics in languages I don't know. Instrumental music is so subtle and yet so influential on the mood of the writing...it's like the background music in a movie; you don't notice it when it's there, but you miss it terribly when it's gone, because then the scene just isn't as emotionally prominent.
      Actually, I think you were the person who directed me to David Arkenstone and Audiomachine, so thanks!;D Hope you do find some stuff!

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  3. I sing AND play instruments, but I don't know the difference between tone and pitch either... FAIL.

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I'd love to hear your thoughts!