How in the crap did people survive without music in their daily lives?!! Music is something I love beyond reason. It has kept me sane in moments where madness seemed the only possible result. In moments of madness it still gave me something to hang on to. I genuinely believe mp3 players should be developed as therapy devices, covered by health insurance, and allowed in the work place as an assistive device. Aside from music helping me to concentrate when I feel like my brain is trying to make a run for it, it also helps me fight stress, keep my mood on an even keel and helps me keep track of how long I’ve been at a task I might otherwise be at too long. In my writing and art, oh please, it is, forgive the pun, instrumental.
Sure some may need the quiet to write or make art, etc. Silence is more than a little horrific to me, and never really all that quiet. For me in particular it is an essential ingredient to the art and writing process. Even if only some days to keep me from spacing out or losing my train of thought.
There are moments where the music runs through me and I realize, ack I have been still for way too long. So I’ll get up and take a dance break. Instant exercise for those tasks which are too easy to allow to be incredibly sedentary activities.
I’ve never found anything that can get me into the mindframe of specific characters and worlds, whether in writing or drawing them, faster than certain songs, playlists or types of music.
So many feel that music is crucial to them, I can’t help but imagine times before music was so abundantly available as at best lost.
Writing poetry without some pounding pulsating rhythm echoing in my headphones, is not something I even care to think about. Some may have difficulties keeping the lyrics from invading their written word. This is not a problem I personally have had, and I’m sure there are plenty out there who can keep it more than separate. It helps my pen fly across the page and my fingers glide across the keyboard. You’d never guess I’d been listening to Buried Alive by OTEP as I wrote this paragraph. It helps build rhythm.
Granted I listen to some stuff that many artists & writers probably would never attempt to write and do art to, or even listen to. I think the last time I was into mainstream pop the Bangles had just been walking like an Egyptian, of course I was also digging stuff like Pink Floyd and Ted Nugent’s Stranglehold as a kid, then in the late ‘80’s Enter Sandman by Metallica was high on my list of adored music. My taste is fairly eclectic, I’ll listen to some visual kei, then switch to some aggrotech, then put on my favorite band- Tool. I also like: belly dancing music (examples – Hossam Ramzy, Azam Ali), Talvin Singh, Beethoven, Tricky and other random things. Was into hip-hop, r&b and rap for about five minutes in the 8th grade.
I also enjoy singing, dancing and making music too. I’ve been writing songs since high school. Never had much access to instruments or anything aside from a brief attempt at saxophone in the 5th grade, wanted to play bass but they told me I was too little. Every time I got my hands on one I’d end up making patterns on them especially if I could play with the instrument when no one was around. If someone were to give me a drum set…oops drooling now. Anyhow I digress.
There are times when writing story or for a series that if you listen to the same playlist it can instantly re-acclimate you to the whole thing. Especially if you made the playlist specifically for the series, character or whatever.
I’ve also found music to be great at helping to fully visualize an art piece during the layout stage.
Music is a great way to help dissolve the brute force of distractions.
Anyhoo that’s what was on my mind this early am. I find that music only awakens and edifies the muse. And it’s something I develop further in my own creative endeavors.
Here’s a few places online to check out the music I listen to:
You may be interested to check out this: Musically Enhanced Free-write
Do you listen music while you write? While you create art? What kind of music best helps you with your creative efforts? What works best for you?
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Artistical Exploration is about exploring art, life as an artist, art resources, and all kinds of related bits. Will include my artwork, tutorials, art in progress WIPs, and talk of supplies tools and so on. There is also a YouTube channel involved.
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3 comments:
You do listen to a variety!
I am with you all the way. I need music to inspire my writing. All of my books have theme songs that put me in the right frame of mind at the time of their writing. I think better with music and I write with more passion with music.
And kudos to the Pink Floyd mention!
I have always had an affinity for music, and like you it has saved my sanity on many an occassion. When creating, I don't have a consistant pattern; the early morning quiety (the music of the earth waking) can inspire me, the tones of flute and harp sooth my jangled nerves at the end of a difficult day and allow my creativity to surface, and rockin oldies move me to express my creativity in the form of dance. I agree, we need music to enhance our creativity.
L. Diane - lol, I have to listen a variety, my mind is too big a place not to. The music just really helps the flow, somehow makes the words slip out of the fingers more easily, doesn't it? And Pink Floyd, how could I not mention them, such a major influence from such an early age, some of my earliest music related memories include them.
Paula - Music is such a powerful sanity aide, yes! I love how different types of music bring out different aspects of creativity. Music certainly is one of the more soothing things in life. It can be fuel or time keeper, quick therapy session or creativity enhancement, and probably so much more than I can list or think of.
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