Do you listen to music to enhance your creativity?

[curedolly.livejournal.com]

I personally find that when I've found the right music for the moment it's easier to get into a good flow. I try to match the music I listen to with what I'm writing at the moment - fast paced music for action sequences etc. Instrumental music works best, but sometimes music with lyrics is the only thing that will do it.

Do you also take help from music in this way? What do you usually listen to?

Comments

[the-mome-wrath.livejournal.com]

I listen to music a lot when I write. I usually end up making playlists of songs that I think suit the characters or scenes. What I pick varies a lot, instrumental, lyrics, fast, slow. It depends a lot on the story. What I pick really depends on the mood I'm trying to convey.

[rogue.livejournal.com]

I download a lot of movie scores. I think they're really helpful for getting me "in the mood," or just getting my imagination going in general. (I think the most recent ones I downloaded were The Dark Knight and A Knight's Tale. Two very different styles, but for two very different stories).

[rosalinda-143.livejournal.com]

I usually don't listen to music when I write. But when I find a good song that goes with the characters, actions, sences, etc. I buy it and listen to it for insperation... a lot. I know like every verse of every song that goes with my story. heh, heh. The music I listen 2 usually depends on what the feel of the story is. sometimes i find loud, rock, 'i'm over you and have moved on' music and sometimes if finds soft, sweet, 'i still love you but i accept ur choice' music. so it veries.

[clovereyes.livejournal.com]

Great topic! I always listen to music when I'm writing [ or drawing for that matter! ] and it always helps. Once I find a song that fits the mood I am aiming for I set it on repeat and might listen to the same song for HOURS [ or at the very least when I'm writing ] so help the creative juices flow!

[nontu.livejournal.com]

Contrary to everyone else, I've found I work best in silence. If there's noise around me I will resort to headphones and music that can be easily ignored. I found on Pandora there's a 'Spa Radio' channel that does the trick.

[flamingruby.livejournal.com]

I usually have music on while I'm working--what this is can be anything from pop to Celtic.

[yuuou.livejournal.com]

music is just another distraction for me.

[magickeyboard.livejournal.com]

I like listening to music but rarely think to put it on when I'm writing. I tend to prefer either silence or oddly enough having the tv or a movie I've seen before on in the background. When I get stuck or just need to pull my brain away from what I'm writing for a while to get a fresh perspective watching something I've seen before or simple enough to get my attention without really using my brain tends to help.

[linhmy.livejournal.com]

You are absolutely right. Music is tonic. I get much inspiration from my music. Once I get depressed, upset or blank, music heals me.:)

I always choose instrumental music, ballad songs and surely, the songs with great lyrics count too. About lyrics, its good or not - which depends on our moods at that time and our situation:) . May be at this time i don't like this song but another time, i love it.

[linhmy.livejournal.com]

and surely, i listen to instrumental music when i write:D

[acharmedlife.livejournal.com]

I definitely do. I do the exact thing that you do. :) I usually listen to instrumental music from movie soundtracks. I like songs that seem to tell stories without words.

Oops, another thought -

[acharmedlife.livejournal.com]

...because then I can add words to the story that I am already hearing in the music. :) The one that forms in my mind when I listen.

[adalira.livejournal.com]

I'm keeping a notebook ... part of my notes for each chapter is a playlist of songs that I imagine playing during certain scenes. I find it helps bring more emotion to the story ... well, my story at least.

I can't concentrate in total silence. Even in high school, my parents would try to give me crap about having music playing while studying.

[rosetenshipper.livejournal.com]

I have to have music play while writing, reading ,studying, surfing the net, etc. I have specific playlists for specific characters based on their personalities and desires. I also have playlists for specific scenes that I'm trying to write. Music is essential to my existence haha. I hate silence.

[beautifvl-flaw.livejournal.com]

I love listening to music when I write. If I find the right music, it can really help me get into the right mood for the piece. I also associate different music with different characters and scenes. I associate Angtoria with my main character going to battle. Rob Dougan makes me think of another character I have recently been thinking up, and I listen to Rodrigo y Gabriela when I am writing festivals or similar.