I have read that putting music on your blog is a Cardinal Sin, but I use music every time I write. Music shapes my mood, my characters, and my dialogue. Music can set the scene and music can relieve you when you have written crap. Essentially, I'd be an entirely different writer without music. I am not sure if I'd be a better writer or not, but I can tell you that there's no going back.
Here's a song that has inspired more than one story. Without this song, I would have 14,000 fewer words under my belt.
What songs prompt your muse to give back?
AWESOME! And PLEASE always share your music!!
ReplyDeleteAt the moment, I can not write unless I am listening to Imogen Heap's Hide and Seek. The lyrics aren't right, but MAN the feel of the song makes me so emotional, and it is just what I need for this chapter!
I can totally relate to this, Jon. Lately, I've been listening to post-rock (Explosions in the Sky, Red Sparrowes, Mogwai, Hammock) because it's so moody and there aren't any lyrics to distract me. And yes, it definitely shapes my writing, too.
ReplyDeleteI've only been deaf for 5 1/2 years. So I do remember music fondly - miss it a lot actually. Music is a wondrous conduit to emotional expression and moods. Even though I can no longer hear, I'm still collection new musical taste and bands. Lyrics offer a profound outlet. Let's you into the musicians head.
ReplyDeleteSome of my new discoveries are:
Fauxiliage - Someday the Wind
Amy Steinberg - Exactly
Lauren Pritchard - When the Night Kills The Day
Shinedown - Second Chance
Old Favorites:
Whitsnake - Here I Go Again
verve Pipe - Colorful
Staind - It's Been Awhile
Jane Siberry - It Can't Rain All the Time
There are dozens more. Whenever I need a lift, inspiration or a trip down memory lane to find a certain mood or song...
Don't stop sharing your music dear friend. I found something new to hear (pats chest) in my heart today. Even if it's just reading lyrics. Thanks! (Hugs)Indigo
I can't listen to music while I'm writing or doing homework (it's too distracting), but it's inspirational none the less. I never tire of Elliott Smith and I'm a huge fan of Emily Jane White. Cool video, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreat song. You have great taste. I'm with you on writing with music. If a song hits me right, it will put me right there with the character or into it. I can feel, smell, see what they are seeing. It definately helps when I'm in a slump (writer's block.)
ReplyDeleteLately, Civil Twilight's Letters From the Sky still give me chills because as soon as I put it on, I'm taken to my MC's world in vivid detail.
Thanks for sharing this.
I of course enjoy when music is on blogs. You have introduced me to a few bands (like this one, Have you seen my ghost? - that will be in my mind all day!). Plus, if anyone doesn't want to listen, they don't have to click play.
ReplyDeleteSometimes songs inspire me to write poetry. I can't listen while I'm writing though because I sing along.
Love this song!
ReplyDeleteI have been listening to The National again. I know I am a broken record. But I have their new album now and I love it.
Drat. I already told you the song I'm obsessing over today. Grooving to your tune.
ReplyDeleteBut for me, today, it's Brandi Carlile's Before It Breaks. It's going on a new soundtrack to a new novel--I know I'm breaking my own rule of not starting something new until I'm finished my revision, but I go where the muse takes me...
Awesome song! For me, music & writing are linked. My main characters have iTunes playlists.
ReplyDelete(Heather... we've talked about Brandi Carlile, yes? Saw her perform a few months ago.)
Sometimes I'll just hear a really great song and I'll think, "Somebody wrote that and I CAN WRITE THIS," and then I'll put fingers to keyboard.
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