A few posts ago I included a bit about listening to music while writing. I’m a lover of peace and quiet, but a few people came back to me with recommendations and since then I’ve experimented. Be it the grand classical music of Lord of the Rings, psychedelic jams or funky Latin rock, I’ve discovered a particular tune can really spur me on and help clock up all-important words.
So this week I thought I’d share a few of my favourite songs to listen to while writing, and hopefully you’ll have a few to share too! I’ve included mostly instrumental music. One of the points made in my previous post was that music with lyrics is more distracting. What do you think? What’s your experience of listening to music while writing? Do you have to have something on in the background? Or are you a bit like myself and find it a tad distracting?
The Dutch band Focus are one of my favourites. This is what I imagine classical music sounds like in the hands of a few rockers (they’re all classically trained musicians). Eruption will take you on one hell of a trip, with magnificent changes throughout.
Prepare to have your minds blown. A friend put me onto Rodrigo y Gabriela only a few days ago and I don’t want to stop listening. They started life as buskers, and deservedly made it to the big leagues. An inspirational story for all you creatives out there! Check out Diablo Rojo in particular. Phonomenal.
Santana, another one of my favourite bands. Throw this live album on in the background and your fingers will be dancing across the keyboard.
This one has lyrics—I know, I’m sorry!—but it’s mostly instrumental and man do I fuckin’ love this song. No one tops Neil Young for me.
Taken from one of my favourite films, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, Ecstasy of Gold never fails to give me goosebumps. Just wait for those drums to kick off.
Another song I’ll never tire of listening to. In fact, the whole Dark Side of the Moon album is a great one to throw on while you’re working away.
A sinister note to finish on. This music always provokes some form of emotion, particularly useful I’ve found when writing dramatic, intense scenes like battles.
Thank you as always for reading, and this week, listening! Please share your own favourite writing songs. I’m always on the hunt for new tunes!
Most nights you can find him up into the wee hours scribbling away or watching the NBA.
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