Okay, this is kind of a misnomer. I can’t whistle. The closest I get is blowing raspberries, but I can tell from how people studiously ignore me that that has the opposite of the intended effect.
But I do have music I listen to. I try to spice it up every now and then with new music or new-to-me artists, but the backbone remains the same.
I have a few criteria:
It must have vocals. I don’t know why I can’t listen to music without vocals but if I listen to instrumentals for too long I get antsy and unfocused.
Mostly slower tempo. If it’s too upbeat, I want to get up and do things! Slower music makes it easier to stay in one place.
But a good variety. If it’s all slow and sad, then the writing tends to get a bit navel-gazy. One time I was editing something I’d written while watching an Australian period piece and all of my characters started sounding like 1920’s aristocracy. I am prone to falling into the mood of the things I consume.
Must be “on message.” The sounds have to fit the piece I’m writing. So, for this series, most of the music is about mythology, the sense of the foreboding, taking journeys, and girl power.
What music inspires you?
Don’t forget that you can still get Feeding Frenzy for free until midnight! And that Sacrifice is also on sale!
Published on August 04, 2019 15:00
For Girl Power, if you haven't heard "Nightmare" by Halsey yet, you should check that out. Anne Marie is also pretty great. "Perfect" by her is delightful and very much about accepting yourself.
I am currently OBSESSED with Marianas Trench (I have them in my ears right now.) Not mythology, but they reference Poe a surprising amount. A few of my favorites to give you an idea of their spectrum: "The Killing Kind" (this one in particular is quite dramatic), "Pop 101", "Rhythm of Your Heart", "Acadia", "Who do You Love." (I could have listed a lot more. Taking it down to five was trickier than I thought)
I always listen to Andy Grammer for feel good music.
And a band that I think never gets enough attention is NEEDTOBREATHE (I'm not being dramatic. That's how their band title is spelled. lol) They are, technically speaking, Christian Rock. However, that really isn't all they do. (Trust me, as an atheist it would be difficult to get me to love them if it was.) "Forever on Your Side" is really good. "Brother" featuring Gavin DeGraw is wonderful as well. "Hard Love" is an excellent motivating track if you need a kick in the ass.