Music to Write by.
It’s very important to maintain a blissful state of peace and quiet in your writing space. But something that may enhance the creative process is what you might like to listen to as you write.
Music, I have found, is extremely helpful when you bring fingers to keyboard and pen to paper. Regardless of what you may be writing, I recommend that you pop on something to not only soothe your ears but sharpen your mind as well.
But before you go slapping together a playlist on Spotify, here’s some of my advice on what to include the next time you’re sitting down (or standing up) to write.
1- Avoid lyrics as best you can, or at least ones that aren’t too intrusive. Loud and chatty pop songs may achieve the opposite effect of wanting to sit calm and clear in your mind, and at your desk. Instrumental songs or ones without vocals will go a long way.
2- Listen to your genre. I’m writing fantasy, and on my playlist, you’ll find the soundtrack to the Lord of the Rings as well as the soundtracks of both Oblivion and Skyrim from Bethesda, to name the best examples. If you’re writing sci-fi, find some of the best music that genre has to offer, look to titans like Star Trek and Star Wars. If you’re writing a Crime Noir in the 1940’s, don’t hesitate to listen to the smooth and droll jazz of that time period. It’ll immerse you deeper into the story you’re telling better than you realize.
3- Certain genres outside of your theme can also help. Many writers (whether specializing in fiction or non-fiction) all agree unanimously that classical music is amazing to listen to while writing. If you’re not too familiar with classical… well… classics, allow me to steer you towards Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, Mozart, Bach, Beethoven and a good few more. They’ve stood the test of time for a reason. Personally, I’ve also embraced and loved lofi and aesthetic music as many have also come to enjoy. I myself listen emphatically to Jinsang, 2814, telepath, A L E X, Idealism and Prima.
4- Shake things up every now and then, if you feel your playlist needs updated, go for it. Out with the old, in with the new or just simply expand the catalogue further. The world is your oyster!
A short and sweet blog this is, but hopefully it should give you the inspirational push to aid you on your writing journey, and even find new music you never thought you’d enjoy.
Thank you for reading and have a beautiful day!
Daniel
