Best Music To Write To

I've been doing a lot of two things lately -- 1) thinking about how I should be writing, and 2) writing, but not as much as I should. Those things seem to go hand in hand with me. One doesn't really go without the other.

Anyway, there is some writing going on, and it's one big mess, and I just keep adding to that mess, and that's the plan for now.

During this period, I've been doing lots of sitting in front of the computer, and listening to lots of music. So much so that I actually went out and bought some new computer speakers to "enhance my music listening while writing experience." That is an actual catch phrase I used with myself: "I need to enhance my music listening while writing experience..."

All this listening to music while writing (now enhanced!) has got me thinking about the best music to listen to while writing. Clearly, it's a matter of personal taste, and work habits as well. For example, there's nothing I like better than some turned up John Denver, but I know the words too well, and I just feel that music too much, so instead of writing, I'd be up and moving around and doing my best to harmonize on masterful tunes like "Poems, Prayers and Promises."

And of course, things like your mood, the time of day, where your mind is at, it all comes into play when making a music selection. All that considered, I thought it would be fun to explore "The best music to write to," despite all the variables.

The first tune I'm going to throw out there is this: "Move" on Miles Davis' Birth of the Cool. The tune does just that -- makes you want to move your fingers and type... just type and type and keep on typing.

I'll be suggesting additonal music on the blog here, and I'm hoping people will comment in with their own "best music to write to" thoughts -- name of song/album, the artist, and a short sentence on why you noted that particular music. Or heck, just the name of the song. G., I'm particularly interested in what you have to say on this matter. Perhaps John Denver works for you...

Comments

[G]

Well this is pretty much what I have to say about that:

http://www.afterthemfa.com/archives/writing-about-music-for-writing.html

[m]

My favourite used to be the sound tracks to Derek Jarman films composed by Simon Fisher Turner - very atmospheric. Another friend wrote a novel to the sounds of 80's rock which took her back to happier times as a teenager.

[Syd]

I do really well with trance techno -- I'm more of a folk music girl but not when I'm writing. Their stories get in the way of my stories. So I like some trance that's pretty fast because my fingers like to dance. :D

[jc]

I usually go with some jazz. Coltrane. Miles. I have to keep it turned way down low though otherwise it'll take hold of me get me wanting cigarettes and whiskey.

[Barbara]

While not a writer, I find I'm the most creative when I'm listening to Joni Mitchell. When I want to hear just instrumental, Sting's The Living Sea fills the void!

[Kimberlee Morrison]

The right music is essential. Here's my response: http://www.vinylnotes.com/2008/03/music_for_writing.html

[Kristina]

I'm doing academic writing, but here's my list:
http://blog.infomuse.net/2008/03/29/music-for-writing/

[Dick Ward]

To echo what you and others have said, without the right music, writing can be very difficult. Though I'm not usually a fan of the genre, Progressive Hard Rock/Metal is perfect for me to write to. Recently Coheed & Cambria's "Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume One..." is the album of choice. Dream Theater's "Scenes From A Memory" is good too.

The important part for me is be complex, driving, and heavy.