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Drowning is easy, especially if you have ear-bud headphones. That way, you get to bypass all the white noise of your surroundings. The music goes straight into you and if you close your eyes you get a private show. Any kind your brain associates with what you’re listening to.
Is it any wonder then that most of my favorite singers are men? **shivers with pleasure** Ahem. Where was I? Ah yes, drowning. It’s good for the soul.
Depending on which music hits us and how it hits us, we can fuel just about any state of mind with the right playlist. Writers frequently use music to get into the mindset of our work. We want an action scene? Something fast and furious might help us focus better. Romance? Lord is there a wealth of music out there to help us out.
What’s even better? We can use music to frame our minds for the rest of our lives as well. We’ve all used music to set the mood in romantic situations, for working out, and even to help us wake up in the morning. Why shouldn’t we use it to amp us up or calm us down for other situations? It’s no accident that a lot of therapies involve beating the crap out of some sort of drum.
What music gets your motor running? Soothes the savage beast inside? I’ll show you mine if you show me yours!
Gigi Salem 
Amanda Rudd said
Ah, see I can’t stand earbuds. They HURT. I’m actually in the market for a good pair of over-the-ear headphones right now. I’m thinking about a pair of studio-quality Audio-Technica’s that are normally $150, and on sale for $55 at amazon right now. I’ve always loved music, but lately I’ve turned into a HUGE audiophile. It’s kinda hilarious, and my mom thinks I’ve gone off the deep-end because I’ve been finding 2-3 new bands almost every day, and I have a new favorite song ever week. I just can’t get enough!! lol.
Gigi Salem said
**rubs hands together with unholy glee**
I just might have the gift for you, next time I’m in Houston!
Amanda Rudd said
Lol, that sounds ominous. I can’t decide if I should be excited or terrified. Hah.
Gigi Salem said
both would be wise :}
Jillian Dodd - Glitter, Bliss and Perfect Chaos said
I love music. Lots of kinds. Rap, Rock. Pop, Retro, Alternative. I can even listen to country if it’s not sad.
When I write, I like it quiet, but any other time, there is always music playing through our sound system in our house.
When I pick the station it’s alternative. My husband picks rock or country, my daughter, rap, my son, rock. So I listen to it all!! I even like screamo and some techno!!
Gigi Salem said
See, because I drown so easily into music, there are some things that I just can’t listen to. If it’s too angry/violent I tend to get angrier the more I listen to it. That’s why most of my preferences tend toward happy, “pop” styles. Helps me stay happier, you know?
Angela Wallace said
I can’t say what makes a song hit me the right way; it’s just a combination of the tune and lyrics. I often like songs that crescendo and build to that powerful moment. I don’t actually turn to music to help me with a scene. I find it distracting because songs usually bring up other feelings and emotional responses.
Although, “Oceano” by Josh Groban did inspire the beginning of my novel Phoenix Feather. My MC is listening to the record of an opera singer from the 1930s and remembering her past life when they were in love.
Some of my other favorite songs are “Desert Song” by Hillsong, “I Will Always Return” by Bryan Adams, “My Side of the Story” by Hodges, and “Shine” by David Crowder Band. I have so many, but I’ll stop there. 😉
Gigi Salem said
A good crescendo is always appreciated. 😀
I get what you’re saying about emotional response. It’s a tricky line to walk sometimes.
Tiffany A White said
I love music, but sadly about the only time I listen to it is when I’m at the gym. At home when I write, I keep it silent so I can hear the voices. In the car, I listen to talk radio so I can catch up on current events. But at the gym, I listen to my loves: Aerosmith, Pearl Jam, and particularly Blue October.
Gigi Salem said
There’s just something I adore about Steve Tyler’s voice! Eddie Vedder doesn’t really flip my switches though…
Nigel Blackwell said
Despite the size of my ears, in-ear phones hurt and fall out. I have some Shure ones that sound excellent, but they sit in the drawer, unloved (or at least loved and hated in equal measure). Sennheiser PX100’s are good. They’re 40 bucks, sound great and fold up. I carry them in my bag all the time (which obviously makes me look strange when I wear them … get it?)
When I write I vary between music and quiet, but when I’m revising I have quiet. Upbeat stuff, rock music for the action scenes and female vocals for quieter times. As you’ll be quick to point out I must listen to too much rock music 🙂 Only thing I really hate is rap and disney stuff where some *&^%$ from a lame TV series has been made to sing like and angel by a million dollars of software and hardware.
You didn’t ask, but this weeks new music suggestion is Il Volo. They’re brilliant in every way that Justin Bieber isn’t. Look them up on you tube (even if opera’s not your thing).
Cheers.
Gigi Salem said
I’ve heard Il Volo. They are brilliant. Gives me chills every time I hear them sing.
Amber West said
I love all kinds of music.
LOVE.
It is constantly playing, including when I write.
When I want to drown in men’s voices, I queue up my Ben Folds station on Pandora. It gives me a pretty nice random set of singer/songwriters. (I’m dying to know who you listen to now.)
Gigi Salem said
Tony Lucca – Luccadoes on Twitter, has a fan FB page under Tony Lucca, and a website tonylucca.com
just did a post on him, actually