I was so excited to discover today that one of my favorite artists, Lindsey Stirling (check her and her music out here if you haven’t heard of her), had released a new album. In the interest of full disclosure, I knew she had an album coming out this month–I had just forgotten exactly when this month. What kind of fan would I be if I weren’t keeping up with release dates, right?!
But I digress.
I’ve taken a bit of a break from working on writing Book 4 (don’t worry, it’s not for lack of inspiration) to work on some minor revisions I’ve been wanting to make to Book 1. I want to have the revised version ready before Book 4 releases, so I figured it doesn’t matter if I break now to revise or wait until Book 4 is done.
As I was working and listening to Brave Enough, it got me thinking about other music I listen to while writing. I’ve mentioned songs that inspire me in a previous post, but those are songs that remind me of specific characters. There are many others that inspire my writing in general–usually instrumental pieces without lyrics. Most of the albums are movie/video game soundtracks like Tengami OST (David Wise), Tron: Legacy (Daft Punk), The Last Samurai (Hans Zimmer). But a lot of the others are electronic/epic albums like Makara (E.S. Posthumus), A Hero Will Rise (Future World Music), or Trailerhead (Immediate).
Out of all the music I listen to, however, there is one album–one song, in particular–that stands out above them all. And since I’ve been working on revisions to Book 1, this one came immediately to mind. That song is Myotis from the Batman Begins soundtrack. Check the release date on that one, and you’ll see it came out back in 2005–very shortly after I started working on the series. It was actually that song which captured/inspired the mood and feeling behind Reflection: The Stranger in the Mirror chapters 6-8 (Masquerade, A Rose Among Roses, and The Phoenix Takes Flight).
Even though it’s part of a movie soundtrack, every time I hear it (including the very first time I heard it), the scenes that take place during the masquerade spring right to my mind. Listening to it is like being transported to that time and place in Renatus. If I ever start to feel “blocked,” this song is one of my go-tos to get back into the frame of mind.
I know I can’t be the only one who’s mind reacts to music this way. What are your favorite artists/albums that inspire your creativity? I’m always open to suggestions of new artists to check out!
Records of the Ohanzee 
Hmmm, interesting. I can’t say I have one, any good musical lyrics or just classical that sounds great in my ears is food to my soul. Today, I listened to Joe and I loved it. Lagbaja is another great artist, especially the track, wherever I go.😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome! I haven’t heard of Lagbaja, so now I have a new artist to check out. Thank you! ^_^
LikeLiked by 1 person
You welcome. Xoxo. Lagbaja is a Nigerian artiste. Super cool one at that. Google him out and let me know if you like his tracks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I see that his music is available through iTunes, so I’ll have to take some time and listen! ^_^
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so cool! It seems a lot of people use music as writing inspiration. I personally like to listen to classical music and imagine who the characters might be and what they might be doing if the piece were a “soundtrack” to a book! Sometimes I imagine my own stories to match the music, as well. It’s great for inspiration and creativity! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do enjoy classical music as well, along with modern versions (such as the rendition of Moonlight Sonata done by E.S. Posthumus). And, yes! More than a few times I’ve been listening to a song while thinking about a scene or character and something will come to me like “Oh! So *that’s* why they did that/behaved that way!” To call it a book soundtrack is a good way to describe it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Woah, just listened to that version of Moonlight Sonata and it’s fantastic! And that’s really cool! It’s good to know I’m not the only one who does this haha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know, right? That’s another song I can listen to for hours on repeat!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I get a lot of inspiration from music, but write in silence. Music has provided plot, setting, and even characters in the past.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s amazing! Music has inspired scenes and characteristics of characters, but never an entire character. I must admit, I’m a bit envious. ^_^
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh absolutely. I listen to some songs and I -see- scenes from my books. Right now I’ve been on Bring me to Life by Evanescence for my book about a Queen and Princess. Before that it was My Demons by Starset for Rise of the Chosen. You’re definitely not alone!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wonder if the musicians realize just how far reaching the impact of their music is? XD
LikeLiked by 1 person
I listen to a little of everything, but definitely find that music had an impact on what I’m doing. I’ve been playing essentially workout tracks at work to keep myself pumped up for what is lately a looong day. Classical if I need to focus, etc. Love Lindsey Sterling!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, somehow that reminds me. I discovered a few years ago that Sumo loves listening to Daft Punk. lol You always hear about music soothing the savage beast and think about classical music. But in Sumo’s case, it’s electronic music that calms him down. XD
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting post. I don’t use music as inspiration to write—I use my favourite books for that. However, I do fantasise of getting a soundtrack composed for an original novel one day. With unique themes for all the major characters.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! Having a soundtrack would be a dream! ^_^
LikeLike