For my writing projects, my answer is yes.
For BRIAR-BOUND, I've used Rachel Portman's score for Chocolat.
For DOG-BOY, about a boy in a sideshow, I used a few Cirque du Soleil tunes for their carnival atmosphere, and George Winston's Plains album to evoke the Depression-era setting (including the great "Merry Go Round", which does both).
For DAUGHTER OF THE DEAD, I used a mix that begins with "Guilty" (Amélie soundtrack), then adds Nickel Creek, Alison Krauss, and k.d. lang's amazing Hymns of the 49th Parallel cover album.
I try to match the music to a project by mood or time period. Once I've heard a particular soundtrack a few times, I almost stop hearing it; it retreats to the background and feeds my mind as I write. As such, a soundtrack can get me in the right mindframe to write immediately. I become attached to them, too. I'm dying to return to DAUGHTER because I love the soundtrack as much as the characters.
I've heard that some writers use the same music to write to, no matter the project -- driving music that gets them pumped up and keeps them productive. I've heard others say they can't listen to music with lyrics while writing, and others who say they need absolute silence.
I imagine folks use music (or avoid it) for any number of creative projects, from writing or sculpting to painting the guest bedroom.
Do you? Have different projects required very distinct soundtracks, or does one mix put you in the creative mood, no matter your project? Do lyrics distract you? Do they inspire you? Do you wear gigantor headphones (like mine, pictured above) or earbuds, or use speakers?
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Monday, October 5, 2009
Poll: Do Your Projects Have Soundtracks?
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2 ate pie:
I love talking about music and writing, and how they both inform and influence each other.
Yes I do have soundtracks to my projects. I have numerous short stories sparked and feed by songs - or have brought characters to me amidst the lyrics and melody.
My NaNoWriMo campaigns are probably the most noteable ones with soundtracks. In 07 it was a staunch mix of The Cat Empire, Missy Higgins and Mia Dyson - there were also moments in the manuscript heavily influence by Machine Gun Fellatio (in particular the song "Unsent Letter)
Last year with my sci-fi novel I went with Gabrielle Roth's CDs.
In the most part I use music to create the ambience to for the story.
Of late I have been hammering the Twilight Soundtrack as well as Purple by Stone Temple Pilots because it's "can do" music and I've been writing a lot of non fiction stuff I really wasn't that enthused about.
Years ago I wrote a horrific story about the execution of a woman during the Troubles in Nth Ireland while listening to the soundtrack from The Name of the Father because it evoked just the feeling I wanted.
Great post! Thanks for letting me have my rave.
I found your post via Iain's post on the "write write write" myth!
Glad you commented, Jodi! The range of music you've used is really interesting.
I know what you mean about using can-do music for bleh projects - I used to use a mix of Latin American tunes when I wrote assessment items. Dry work, so the upbeat music helped.
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