I love listening to music while I write. But the type of music depends on the scene I'm working on. Action scenes command fast paced tunes. Heart-felt scenes... something that might move me. Often, I found myself listening to music I never imagined I would. 


Some, I'm embarrassed to reveal. BUT I'M GOING TO DO IT ANYWAY! 
As I write, certain songs become pinned to certain characters. It doesn't happen all the time, or for every character, but if you ask me what song is pinned to say 'Death Touch', I can firmly tell you without flinching.

'Voices Carry' - 'Til Tuesday

This song captures the sort of sadness behind the tough exterior that is 'The Most Feared Creature in the Galaxy' . It's the song that plays in her cockpit (the song she deciphers) when Dean finds her messing with the transmissions. 

I wanted to acknowledge it in the book, but was told 'legally' I was better off leaving it out. But when I wrote the scene, it was the song that lulled Dean and echoed through the hull of the ship. 

It's the song I play whenever I need to get into her head, and meditate on how she ticks. 

Another thing I do is play songs in a loop. Over and over they go, as I think scenes out, or to simply go over ideas in my head. the songs help to put me in a creative state of mind. 

Often, the words themselves don't even matter, it's the music I'm after. It helps to set the mood and get the gears spinning.


Another song I wore out while writing 
'A SPACE STORY'
was this:

'All Along The Watchtower' - Battlestar Galactica

I am a Huge Fan of Battlestar Galactica. I binge watched it on Netflix, to the point that I missed days of work. 

I know it's not the best version of the song (props to Dylon and Hendrix) but it worked wonders for me. I would toss my headphones on and listen to it in a loop, mostly while writing action scenes. This song also helped to spark some great ideas for Vol. 2 . 

Confession: I once listened to this song driving home from Brooklyn NY. 

This song... continuously... for 1hr. and 30mins.

But, I came up with the entire storyline for Vol. 2 during that ride. So who's the crazy person now? 
(It's me. I'm the crazy person)

Now, if you asked me what song best fits Dean Kilmer - our little bald-headed, alien friend - it would be this:

'I Need a Hero' - Bonnie Tyler

 This song is Dean Kilmer's ego. Deans longing to be a Hero. Dean believes in everything the Earth transmissions have sold him. And when Dean is standing on the edge of a cliff, facing a horde of Terronka on Fen, THIS is the song going through his brain. 

As for music that I use for background noise, I have a few standbys:

 All India Radio (Band)


I accidentally stumbled upon this band while listening to Pandora. I haven't been the same since. Their music is amazing.

(It's also great music for sitting around the backyard on a hot summer evening.) 
Give them a listen... you won't be sorry. You might even thank me.

Another huge musical influence on my writing is M83:
Specifically the songs:
Outro
Midnight City
Steve McQueen
The Bright Flash
Echoes of Mine

No doubt you've heard M83's music in countless movies, shows, and commercials. Their music is, for lack of a better word, moving. 

The song 'Outro' is the song I hear when Dean... well, I don't want to spoil it. But, if you read the book, I bet you'll know what scene I speak of. 

BTW, this mix version of the M83 song 'Steve McQueen' is fantastic as well. Another great song to play in a loop and ponder your thoughts.
 
Creeeeeeepy....

Other artists and bands have trickled-in during the writing process as well. 

Such As:
-David Bowie
-Tom Petty
-The 'Lord of the Rings' Soundtrack
- Tom Waits
- Radiohead
- Pink Floyd
- Mogwai


As For Kilroy...
'Mr. Roboto' - Styx
It's so bad, it's good! 

Let me Know what songs you listen to while writing. I'm always looking for new tunes to inspire me!