I go about musical inspiration a few ways. If I'm writing a planned out story, I make a playlist on playlist.com that reflects the scenes/emotions in chronological order. Or if I can't find a song for that scene, I use anime/videogame soundtracks. No words, full of emotion.
I find it best to listen to something up beat. For me it is usually Alter Bridge, Shinedown, Disturbed, stuff like that.
Classical Adventure: Pirates of the Caribbean soundtracks Modern Action: The Dark Knight soundtrack Varied Fantasy: World of Warcraft soundtracks, Guild Wars soundtracks Asian Adventure/Action: Inuyasha OST 1 Varied Fantasy II: The Lord of the Rings soundtracks Modern Fantasy: Harry Potter soundtracks Adventure Fantasy: The Legend of Zelda soundtracks
I'm writing an apocalytpic, horror, tragedy, so I'm usually sitting in my car (on lunch break, mind you) listening to Slipknot, Devildriver, Bullet for my Valentine and Korn. I need it, as do you. Although I am in no way assuming that you'd like any of those bands. I can hardly listen to instrumental music, I need the lyrics. Oh and if you're interested, for maybe a scene filled with anger and despair, listen to devildriver's 'horn of betrayel'. My god that song is just too epic, the bridge to the end of the song and the end itself... "Your selfless lies. Your selfless wave of sorrow washed over me. Like a sea of new memories." It gives me goosebumps.
To get focused, this probably sounds strange, but i listen to Gregorian Chanting. I can think so clearly with it on. .
I tend to listen to instrumental bands like Explosions in the Sky to get the creative blood pumping. I'm from Northern Ireland and there's a band around called And So I Watch You From Afar. They are definately worth listening to. It's really inspirational stuff
I usually listen to something rather mellow, yet thought provoking. I prefer Jimi Hendrix, Death Cab For Cutie, and the Killers when it comes to writing.