For writers, and creatives in general, I would like to assume there's always some kind of ritual or something they reach for that gives their creativity the push it needs. For me, it's music, can't live without the stuff. I can't truly get into any kind of headspace to write without music to influence me.
So I though it'd be a really cool idea if we had a thread of music that inspires you to write, or even just music that you're passionate about or are listening to right now. I think it'd be nice to experience what other people envision when they're in the process of creating something. As well as some great music recommendations!
What I listen to changes a lot, but here's what I'm currently listening to on repeat:
Roots, The Therapist - Snowpoet
Stay - Ghostly Kisses (acoustic)
Signals - zalagasper
Auriel's Ascension - Jeremy Soule, from The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Canvas - Imogen Heap
I love that you mentioned Ghibli music - it's out of this world. I love how tranquil, soothing, and happy it can be. Definitely worth trying out if you haven't already! :) 💙
Nightwish, Northward, Sabaton, and recordings from musicals is some of what I listen to.
Sometimes I listen to music when I write, other times I don't. At home it's almost always instrumental -
-Medwyn Goodall
-Tim Janis
-Ken Davis
-Studio Ghibli sound tracks (my son's influence)
Even when I am on my own I listen through headphones.
However when I go to a cafe for latte and some poetry writing time I really like their background music. Cafe music always has vocals but strangely in a cafe the vocals inspire rather than distract me. One day there was no music happening at my favourite cafe and I missed it, felt less inspired.
Currently, music that's been playing for anything is:
Annisokay: Bonfire of the Millenials, awesome lyrics to make me think about future
Kingdom Heart music, as gaming play a huge part in childhood,
One Ok Rock: The Beginning, creates belief in purpose
Anything extended instrumental music from YouTube calms me down.
What helps me to start is music.
And then write while song on repeat.
As all inspiration comes from song.
Although sometimes, writing what comes to mind and continuing from there helps as well.
My go to artist is Taylor Swift. Some of her lyrics just get me in the gut and while I never copy her because, you know, copyright, but I try to find a rhythm or flow that's like hers. (I hasten to add that I don't think I've ever achieved this).
While I'm actually writing, though, I like to listen to ASMR on youtube. Writing sounds and typing sounds just help me focus, I guess.
I have a lot of playlists on Spotify that 'sound' like what I'm writing, I listen to those when I'm not actively writing fiction, to keep me in the headspace and inspire. They are a pretty eclectic mix.
When actually writing, I veer towards instrumentals. It's not unheard of for me to start typing the lyrics of a song as dialogue in a scene! 🤣 Movie scores and Piano Guys are go tos.
I haven't had that problem with writing poetry though. If anything the vocals help deaden the sound around me (I have nowhere to write at home away from household bustle) and headphones. I listen to everything through headphones since lockdown.
Love this! I’ll definitely be taking a listen, as this has made me so curious.
For me, depending on my mood:
Bob Dylan
Tom Waites
Eminem
Instrumental Jazz
Shakespeare in Love Soundtrack.
Speaking of rituals though, I do have a Shakespeare statue on my desk, and if ever I get stuck, I rest my palm on in his head and ask for help 😂