Music, anyone?

[starrynight89]

I've heard a lot of mixed opinions about this but how many of you listen to music while you read and do you think it's a good idea?

Depending on the music you're listening to, I've heard that you tend to steer off track and write something that is parallel to emotion conveyed in the song. I guess that's why writers listen to different types of music while writing different scenes..Any thoughts?

I listen to a lot of linkin park, muse and sometimes classical music. What about you guys?

[Jaclyn]

I believe that music is the root of all art.

I usually don't listen to music while I read unless it's classical music and very quiet in the background. I don't ritualistically listen to music everytime I try to write something either, but often times when I'm stuck on conveying a particular emotion I will turn to music for inspiration.

Classical music is the best bet for me when I'm trying not to get distracted. The album Bridges by the band Jets Overhead has really helped me make some important decisions about a character and story I've been thinking about. The album ended up acting like the soundtrack to the story, which was super cool to experience.

[Banzai]

Hmmm. I don't tend to listen to music when I read, because music has its own moods and emotions, and I don't want them to conflict with those of whatever it is I'm reading.

However I do listen to music when I write, for precisely the same reason- I can control the music based on what it is I'm writing, so that the moods are complimentary.

[Kratos]

I find that music distracts me sometimes; while other times it helps me. But it does help me come up with ideas for the story, not necessarily while I'm actually writing them.

[ChimmyBear]

I write to music...every time. Usually Bruce Springsteen, it's his energy it keeps me focused.

Reading is different, I do read while listening to music, but the music is usually soft and turned down low. It's funny, I can remember when I first read The Notebook, I was reading an exceptionally touching line and this song I was playing hit me, that mixed with the emotion of the story and I had to put the book down, I was crying so hard...LOL
I guess it's a testament to the power of music and the written word.

[Rumpole40k]

Music is a must when I'm writing. I usually set the player for random and just let it flow over me.

[KP Williams]

I don't always listen to music while writing, but often. It gets the creative energies flowing more easily than just sitting there, waiting for something to happen. I don't listen to anything in particular, but Gackt (Japanese band) got me started on my current project, and Metallica is helping to keep it alive. I honestly have no idea why.

[tehuti88]

I can't listen to music when writing or reading. I'd LIKE to, but it simply distracts me too much. I absolutely can't focus on reading when music is on, and if I'm writing, I completely tune the music out, so there's no point to listening.

Music inspires my writing, just not when I'm actually writing it! I tend to rather imagine certain music as the "soundtracks" for my stories, and just THINK about the writing while listening to it.

The artists/groups that really inspire me are Adiemus, Era, Lesiem, Within Temptation, ES Postumus, and Globus...just gorgeous music. Lots of instrumentation and choirs. Nice and soundtracky.

[missupernatural]

I need to listen to music when I write. Right now I'm compiling a playlist so I can write without having to skip through a bunch of songs to find one that suits the mood.

[Gone Wishing]

It really depends on the mood I want to be in for what I write - at times I need complete silence, other times I listen to anything and everything from classical and opera to metal/idustrial music.