Noveling Music
Something I’ve learned over this past year of writing full time is that atmosphere is so important for my productivity.
A tidy desk, not spotless, surrounded by inspiring artwork. Maple, snoozing in my husband’s office chair, keeping me company indirectly. The willpower to stay off of the interwebs. And of course, music.
I love music, and am very picky about what I listen to when I’m writing. I prefer albums I can listen to from start to finish, lyrics (if there are any) that aren’t too loud or distracting, and a fun beat or epic sound that keeps my energy high. But more than anything else, the music has to be interesting.
Here are my top 10 favorite noveling albums of the moment:
- Tycho — Awake
- Porcelain Raft — Strange Weekend
- Lorde — Pure Heroine
- Ellie Goulding — Halcyon
- Jeremy Soule — The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: Original Game Soundtrack
- Badly Drawn Boy — The Hour of the Bewilderbeast
- Air — Talkie Walkie
- Lana Del Rey –Born to Die
- Pretty Lights — Taking Up Your Precious Time
- Beck — Morning Phase
What music do you listen to while you work? Are there any artists or songs that especially get your creative juices flowing?
What I’m reading: Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
What I’m listening to: Lana Del Rey — Million Dollar Man
We have very similar taste in music. I tend to listen to songs I know by heart – I tune it out, but it’s sort of an ear worm so the songs are in my brain.
That’s awesome, Brianna! Agreed, I tend to listen to music I already know pretty well since new music can be too distracting. I’m also a mood listener, and often tailor the music to the sort of scene I’m working on 🙂
Happy to see your list here–thanks for this! I’m always looking for new writing music. Usually listen to Vitamin String Quartet (they do awesome covers of all kinds of music, and no words to distract the writing brain).
Ooh, I’ll have to check them out, Cynthia! I’m always looking for new noveling music too and that sounds right up my alley 🙂 Thanks for the recommendation!