Thread: The ancient music question.

Hey guys,

I wanted to ask why music has such a large influence on writing? I basically have to have it to write or I get absolutely nothing out, and it seems that only a certain type of music appeals to my writing muse. Consisting of mainly indie folk or alternative, while other music seems to block the process.

Is that normal?

It's perfectly normal to me.

I prefer music without words, and just barely there, in the background. It's a relaxing thing.

I had been to a point where I couldn't listen to music, then I suddenly started liking it again; Cold War Kids, It Hugs Back, Say Hi, etc. They are really inspire me for some reason, and even though I like many different genres, it seems only this type lets me write.

Many writers use background music to get the words flowing. It's not for everyone, of course, but it's not abnormal, either.

I have no problem with ancient music -- the Stones, for example, are a favorite.

Originally Posted by Hawke

It's perfectly normal to me.

I prefer music without words, and just barely there, in the background. It's a relaxing thing.

You mean. . . elevator music? I'm a fan of ambient music and when I used to talk about it that's what my buddy would say, heheh.

Not elevator music. Eesh.

I love movie soundtracks without vocals.

In my favorite movie script (a story about pilots), I set the tone by having the movie open with ABBA's Eagle playing while we see an Eagle flying (Roll Opening Credits).

In a series of sci fi stories written in the future, I make the protagonists big time hard rock fans who love to play the songs of Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Ozzy, and Rush while holographic projections of long dead musicians play along with them. I even have a little fun by putting Beethoven on keyboards ( wouldn't that be awesome ?).

I have Kerrang or MTV Rocks on in the background whenever I'm writing. I can write without any sound but I end up worsening my head problem for the rest of the day. (When things are quiet I tune into the buzzing, static noise inside my head)

I must be own my own here, but I write best with music pounding, but the music has to match the chapter that I am writing and reflect the mood ie. hate/lust/pain etc.

For angry scenes with violence I have to go with Eminem, especially his older stuff. For scenes of a sexual nature Ke$ha's music is perfect. For those tender moments that make or eyes weep and our hearts soar, acoustic tracks work best. I have many playlists set up which just play on a loop when I begin working on a chapter. It works really well for me.

As for the original question of why? Science has the answer.

They've done FMRI scans of people and played music for them, tracking what areas of the brain light up. They discovered that music activates normally dormant portion of the brain. So listening to music switches on more parts of your brain, which in turns gives you more creativity.

Personally, I write best at night, when the lower light-level forces your brain to fill in more of the gaps in what your eyes aren't seeing. I actually found as my vission started to go that my writing improved, I don't see as well so my brain has to fill in the gaps, and is thus always on over-drive. Unfortunately, it has apparently decided that all those gaps are filled with ninjas.

I use piano soundtracks for setting the mood, but when I'm looking for ideas I cycle through my songs library. I think that's the best way to get my ideas flowing.

YouTube - Saturn's rings - sounds from space

This is what I'm listening to right now, and what I usually listen to while working.

Edit for those who need something a bit more upbeat: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33Ldqkd0Fa4

I always listen to music whenever i write .I find it too hard to concenterate when i am not listening to music, its usually punk rock or the kind, now that i think about i do almost everything while listening to music. its definately common