How music serves my writing (The Sequel) · 10:18pm Jul 24th, 2016
In which I link songs I enjoy listening to during the writing process and try to justify to myself why!
Nocturne in C Sharp Minor - Frederick Chopin
This song is often set on repeat, whenever I read a book or get cracking on a story. This song takes its time - how long depends upon the pianist - and squeezes the value out of every note played. There is nothing fanciful or fast about Chopin's Nocturne, and for that reason, it can be played in the background to any activity without making itself noticeable. The song is a quiet joy that never fails to make me think and invest myself in a project. Also, the movie this version is linked to is a masterpiece.
The Way Home - Magic Sword
Another addictive song from Hotline Miami. As fitting for the blog post, this song is from the sequel. In the context where it is played, "The Way Home" establishes a feeling of desperate finality or the final stretch to the ending of a long journey. The song even represents the stretch with this gradual build-up toward an explosive climax... only to fall back down right as you think closure is upon you. The song is all about achieving closure, no matter what comes in the way. That may just inspire you to finish that chapter you started.
Your Mother Loves You - James Newton Howard
This song just warms my heart. It has prepared me, whenever I felt it necessary to write a tender character scene. Just the right song to listen to in the darkest of times (or at the lowest point in a character arc). In a world half empty, it helps to have one moment of sincere affection, and what better way to write atmosphere than through inspiration.