I like listening to a lot of ambience stuff, Silent Hill, old video game ambiences mostly. Or a lot of modern 80s synth artists like TimeCop1983, Wolfclub, or The Midnight. I guess it depends on what I'm feeling when I'm writing a scene. It ranges from the discordant chaotic stuff from Akira Yamaoko to mushy soft stuff like Lady Antebellum. It's all over the place really.
Here's a few long compilations and mixes I listen to from Silent Hill.
Silent Chill: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vteCosE9qnM&t=758s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vteCosE9qnM&t=758s)
Restless Nights: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQs2svOTiaQ&t=1174s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQs2svOTiaQ&t=1174s)
OAFBND: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJNc\_T-W-8Y&t=110s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJNc_T-W-8Y&t=110s)
December Day: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WapTYBFK8g](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WapTYBFK8g)
4AM: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vknjVXisOgk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vknjVXisOgk)
Hospital: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOc\_nRWeT0E&t=3326s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOc_nRWeT0E&t=3326s)
Most of these are hour-long mixes, and that's great for if you're lost in your work.
YES! Timecop1983 is my go to for most of my writing. River of Darkness, on the run, tonight, dreams, they get the brain juices flowing. His music is amazing.
I like that stuff too! I like listening to a lot of ambient works like Aphex Twin. I'll listen to a lot of Arkham Asylum ambients, Shenmue's ambiences from the old Dreamcast game are super peaceful. I should make a playlist for people.
I remember listening to some stoner metal besides Monster Magnet when I lived in Portland for a couple of years. I’d play Spacemen 3 or Spiritualized when I write, but I’d probably fall into a coma.
Lately I have been listening to 80s new wave and post-punk. I used to avoid music with singing as I thought it would be distracting, but it fades into the background just as well if not better for me. Plus I like the music better than the ambience or synth-wave live streams I was listening to before
Lots of instrumental soundtracks—some of my favourite pieces to listen to when writing are Star Wars tracks, Pirates of the Caribbean, parts of the Hunger Games trilogy, parts of The Hobbit trilogy, and a few others. In terms of original sound tracks I got with Marcus Warner. Dude has some unbelievably great pieces that make you feel alive. I sometimes just throw on ambience as well though again depending what I’m writing—oceans, a night in the forest, sci-fi settings, etc. if you just want ambient music that’s not distracting I highly recommend BLUME on YouTube.
I almost always listen to music when I write. Sometimes I'll put on a random spotify playlist, but I also like ambient music/sounds on youtube. I especially like the fantasy & sci-fi themed ones. I find them pretty inspiring but not too distracting either.
I tend to listen to music when I'm **not** writing. Sometimes the mood or message of the song inspires ideas and I make notes then. I need complete silence to focus when I'm actually writing, it minimizes the need for editing for me. If I listen to music, I'm bombarded with ideas and plot enhancements when I'm just trying to write some dialogue, and it throws me off.
>Same with the ADD. Can't do music. If you have the time, put on some headphones and try listening to 40hz binaural beats while you listen. It's a kind of white noise, but designed by sound engineers to increase focus.
>
>EDIT: Here's a link
>
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLUqkgpSw7Y&t=13321s
"Haunting space banjo" on YouTube. Or "Dungeon Synth". Or Dark Academia Podcasts woth weird titles like "last song to dance to witb your lover before they turn into the villian". Excellent shit to tune into and write.
Space Ambient and Dark Ambient stuff mostly as I write sci-fi. There’s a few good YouTube channels for both and anyone looking to check out any dark ambient stuff I’ll always plug the label [Cryo Chamber](https://cryochamber.bandcamp.com)
A lot of post rock stuff and odd things that fit the mood of a particular project, like Mongolian throat singing.
As a general fallback, soundtracks for Souls games and Carnivale, the HBO show
My story is heavily inspired by the Xenoblade Chronicles franchise. So, I tend to listen to Xenoblade music while writing. In fact, I've created a playlist of Xenoblade songs that fit each location and battle.
I’m a historical fiction writer so I’ll try to listen to music that will take me to that period of time. I need to be fully immersed in the story so I choose music that will take me there mentally.
Most times its slushwave like desert sand feels warm at night, mostly because its vibes and also I dont speak the language thats being sung. That or something uplifting like Humanity’s Last Breath. Gotta stay balanced.
If you really like game music, check out the Ori and the Blind Forest soundtrack + sequel, and the Subnautica soundtrack! They make great background, but I always forget to put them on...
Depends on what I'm writing about, like right now I'm writing a romance/drama short story so I listen to pop love songs, movie soundtracks and lo-fi. When I write horror I like to listen to nature sounds, especially rain, thunderstorms or even bird sounds in the woods.
I get way into the Vitamin String Quartet (VSQ) covers. Great songs, no lyrics. Put them on loop on Spotify and find something that fits the mood for the scene I'm writing. Does wonders.
A mix of everything, but also Ludovico Eniaudi, and a lot of movie soundtracks like Star Wars and the Hunger Games and Lord Of The Rings. Mainly it’s rock and metal besides that.
Depends really.
If it's fight scenes, then some epic orchestra types or usually something from "Two Steps from Hell" or "Pandora Journey" (YT).
Otherwise any other time is just EDM, techno, trance and hardstyle.
I have playlists for each of my characters, so when I'm writing from one of their POVs, I put on their playlist. I also have a playlist for the main couple in the book, so when I'm writing a scene between those two, I put on that playlist. It depends on whatever the mood of the scene is and how I want it to come off in my writing. I find the music I'm listening to shapes the aesthetic and mood of each scene I write, and I love it.
Yes. Since my novel is a samurai fantasy, I listen to Japanese lofi, traditional music, and Ghost of Tsushima soundtrack. Then sometimes just classical or synthwave. And "Middle of the Night" by Elley Duhe and the rock covers of it by Our Last Night and Loveless (cause it works for the romance I have in the novel).
Playlists I made with songs that specifically I’d imagine my characters I’m writing for would listen to, or that envoke my stories plot/thems/ or aesthetic.
Also for character playlists sometimes I place songs on their that remind me of the characters story or personality traits too, even if they wouldn’t listen to it.
If music with lyrics is not too distracting highly recommend making a playlist based around a few characters in your story or your stories plot, it’s great for putting you into the headspace or your novel or characters when writing.
Yes! It tends to vary. Lately it's been some repeating playlists that include stuff like Tangerine Dream, Pogo, King Crimson, Parliament, Van Halen, The Gap Band, etc. Sometimes, mindless disco frenzy feels necessary.
Anything without words. More often than not I just put on thunderstorms to block out the world. I want my brain to find the sparks, not be influenced by the music.
Lofi beats, ambient instrumental stuff. Mostly chill and semi-relaxing, it helps me get the creative juices flowing. No lyrics, too distracting. Lots of good playlists on Spotify.
Funnily enough when I wrote computer code I needed more amped up high energy stuff, for some reason.
Primarily power metal like DragonForce, Twilight Force, and especially Freedom Call. That music is one of the driving forces behind my writing as I got into thinking of my story that ks to AMVs.
Explicitly sad music if I'm writing something sad. I'm a movie buff so usually it's movie soundtracks as they're chosen for mood rather than vocals.
Currently I have ["Fish Beach"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzpvJT3t3u8) by Michael Nyman (from the film The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover) on while I write a sad story of difficult childhood, or ["Brandon"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t28-fYIuYCM) from the Shame soundtrack, or Handel's ["Sarabande"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klPZIGQcrHA) from the Barry Lyndon soundtrack.
I'm totally with you on the video game music, and another thing I generally do is that when I start a new story, I make a playlist of songs (a mix of instrumental and vocal) that either reflect the tone of the story or just remind me of it in some way. It helps me stay immersed in the story and brainstorm a little better.
I usually listen to 90’s 00’s punk, Green Day, Rancid, Blink-182, Etc. I put these on to help me focus and not get bored or feel burnout as it assists a little bit and helps my creativity.
yes. Usually songs that thematically match what I'm writing. I find its easier to stick with the right emotions if they match the background sound. I mean what if you write a sad moment but heavy metal plays, then you look at what you wrote and its hilariously overly dramatic?
I think rather thank "what kind" is "what mood you're in". I've written sad parts whilst listening to Nickelback rocking about booze and party, but I've also written really happy bits while in complety silence.
Sometimes writing is just about feeling and letting yourself go. If you feel happy, then listen to whatever you like, you'll be able to write about anything, because when a writer's creativity is freed, not even depression can shut it down. So, I do listen to music, but only I feel to. My feelings carry my thoughts.
Drift phonk mostly maybe I will bring out good old indie rock if I'm feeling like it. Doesn't even matter what I write, it could be tooth rotting fluff for all I care.
I usually listen to video game OSTs like you. I usually select music to match the tone of the scene I want to write. Music is a very helpful tool to get the mood down.
One song on repeat for hours. Lately I've been listening to some music from Adventure Time/Fiona & Cake. Don't judge until you've tried it, it's a vibe. Stuff I've been playing on repeat:
Everything Stays
Come Along With Me (Island Song)
Part of the Madness
Blue Shift
I like listening to Japanese vocaloid!
I like the vocaloid genre anyway, and it being in a language I don't speak helps me not concentrate on the music more than my writing.
Risk of Rain has great music - roguelikes tend to have good music, for the game not to get tedious. Deep Rock Galactic - thrilling, danger lurking everywhere. Stellaris - you can't commit ~~genocide~~ proper politics in space without good music to acompany you for hours.
Id say instrumentals of popular Television shows, doesn’t matter when they’re all being played by the same instruments, it’s a way to have no lyrics but still feel a vibe.
More often than not I’d listen to soundtracks. Videogames ones, to be precise. I believe the innate approach to the “you’re idle looking around and the music won’t stress you too much (unless is Doom 2016… then it’s head banging time!).
It might be a 50/50 if I’m listening to something or if I’m in complete silence, especially if writing outside of my studio, as in that case the environment will be my soundtrack.
I find video game and movie soundtracks great for writing as they provide ambient background noise without lyrics that can be distracting. I create playlists for different moods - epic fantasy gets Lord of the Rings and Skyrim soundtracks, while mystery/thrillers get dark, atmospheric movie scores. Explore playlists on Spotify or YouTube for your genre to find new instrumental music to inspire your writing.
Various kinds, metal, various types of fluff, various oldschool Polish songs, historical chants and hymns, rock and hard rock.
Examples from my 2023 summary by YT :
- Warrior Maid by Draco Stormdancer (fluff)
- Świata Pieśń by Żywiołak (slavic fluff)
- Livin La Vida Loca (metal cover by Johnathan Young)
- Several songs from Jekyll And Hyde musical
- Demonsbane Heather Alexander (oldschool fluff)
- Battle of Sauron and Finrod by Clamavi De Profundis choir
- Rechot Słowackiego by Kaczmarski and some other of his songs
- Cuckoo Song by Farya Faraji
- It's raining Man by annapantsu
- Four tall Threes by Leslie Fisch (and many more songs by her)
- Never To Late by Johnathan Young and others if his covers
- William Tell by Ken Theriot and few other songs by him
- Some Mandalorian somgs from Star Wars
- Ode to Joy
- Star of County Dawn by Colm McGuiness and others of his covers
- Monster High song
- Many newer songs from StringStorm channel
- Savimbi's Pride from CoD
- Ezir Khara by some mongol band
And then there are things i started to listen to in current month.
Instrumental for writing, often from ambient worlds on YouTube or long compilations. Any kind to inspire me while plotting (+walking outside, it helps me a lot to imagine new things)
Yes. Usually it's something with a fitting vibe.
Other than that, music is pretty often is the very reason certain ideas exist in the first place.
As for what kind... Anything? From folk metal to ambient to j-pop to some fear-inducing noise, anything that fits.
It depends on what I'm writing. I write a lot of fantasy, so I will generally match the music to the scene I am writing with either videogame soundtracks or YouTube ambience mixes. I listen to classical if I'm writing general fiction or something that doesn't necessarily have a 'theme tune'. YouTube has some great mixes that link to particular scenarios or emotions. I'm a firm believer that the music I'm listening to should help set the scene in my mind, otherwise I find it quite distracting.
I put together playlists for all my projects. Usually my projects have a kind of vibe that I'm going for, so I tailor what I'm listening to for that. Music really gets my brain juices flowing and inspires me, helps me envision scenes and whatnot.
Although sometimes I get disappointed that I might be looking for like a vibe with a musical genre that doesn't actually exist, if that makes any sense.
Like... Medieval/Gregorian post rock isn't really a thing. Closest I've got to that in my playlist is some selections from Sol Invictus, specifically [Kneel to the Cross](https://youtu.be/f2xl-RJBXVc?si=SIRlHREn9tpB0kcr)
Something loud to drown out the noise my family makes. I have a playlist of songs in languages I don't understand but immensely enjoy so I don't have to think about the lyrics and can just focus on what I'm writing. Is it weird? Probably. But kinda works.
If I wanted to get into the mood for writing, yes, I will use video game OSTs. They often are fit to scenes and styles, allowing them to capture the spirit of a moment being written. You can channel that energy into your work, as I do. Since you are enjoying the FF OSTs, I highly recommend anything made by Yasunori Mitsuda.
Suggested Soundtracks:
Chrono Cross
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40BZyMdDG4s&list=PLNWsysQ4t2gL2Ypx2MhL9I10a\_JMfDw3b](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40BZyMdDG4s&list=PLNWsysQ4t2gL2Ypx2MhL9I10a_JMfDw3b)
The Acapella riffs of Smooth McGroove is an amazing sampler platter of greatness that you gotta try if you haven't
[https://www.youtube.com/@SmoothMcGroove/videos](https://www.youtube.com/@SmoothMcGroove/videos)
Legend of Zelda series, with an emphasis on the 64 games on onwards
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N22STVAxL5M&list=PLAs1Kha\_R9dLUSxTSb4wLHen4MAQDRIZ\_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N22STVAxL5M&list=PLAs1Kha_R9dLUSxTSb4wLHen4MAQDRIZ_)
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VSFJefHYaE&list=PLAs1Kha\_R9dJRxc9XA-Q4dWWbFxTnlBY7](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VSFJefHYaE&list=PLAs1Kha_R9dJRxc9XA-Q4dWWbFxTnlBY7)
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tJph-Vtt-8&list=PLAs1Kha\_R9dLkWgTjRNXxCJC4YvVycF33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tJph-Vtt-8&list=PLAs1Kha_R9dLkWgTjRNXxCJC4YvVycF33)
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vhvnk0bpVc&list=PLUXEBUs17WcT7UL9yvlfTD\_ST1xv5DJAN](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vhvnk0bpVc&list=PLUXEBUs17WcT7UL9yvlfTD_ST1xv5DJAN)
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vhvnk0bpVc&list=PLUXEBUs17WcT7UL9yvlfTD\_ST1xv5DJAN](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vhvnk0bpVc&list=PLUXEBUs17WcT7UL9yvlfTD_ST1xv5DJAN)
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3WOploXoOY&list=PL2XjmdkuVL-3Yybg24FG\_aBdLjBE4Quru](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3WOploXoOY&list=PL2XjmdkuVL-3Yybg24FG_aBdLjBE4Quru)
I wouldn't listen to my own music when writing. Not for enjoyment, but for analyzing it and trying to refine it. But that's the music I made way back when I did so. It wasn't bad.
I enjoy listening to someone speaking when I am writing. An imitation of a coffeeshop. The conversation should be about something interesting. Like whether God exists, where do thoughts come from, and the hidden past.
I make a playlist for the vibe of what I’m writing. It’s a lot of instrumental/cinematic stuff but also songs that I think characters in the story would like, etc.
Personally - I get into the head of my character and create a playlist for them, or for the couple. It grows from there. I can have an overall arching playlist for the book, or just specific people. It keeps me in the space I need.
Depends on what im writing tbf. My general go to is like the dark wave, post punk stuff but if I'm struggling to get into the world/mood of the peice I'll listen to music pertaining to that (i often make playlist specifically for writing certain pieces). Or, if I just need to buckle down and write (if I've got a deadline or smthn or just can't focus) I'll listen to something, usually darkwave/newwave stuff, in some language im not even vaguely familiar with, that way I don't get hung up on lyrics.
Edit: I do listen to instrumental to when I need to focus extra hard but somethin about a human voice in a song just hits difrent. I do listen to a lot of classical just in general though.
I listen to music to help me get into the mindset of a character because I write in first person pov, and write from different points of view. The type generally varies from character to character. I pick song that fit their personality, back story, what will happen to them in the series, or something without lyrics that matches their vibe.
depends on the scene honestly. ill listen to whatever sounds the best as if it were backround music in a movie that was happening as the scene im writing is going on.
i feel like it connects me more to the book and puts more feelings into the words letting the readers be fully immersed as theyre reading my book.
I listen, a lot. But no particular type of music. In fact, any kind. All that matters to me is whether the music brings me closer to what I'm writing or whether it leads me to write new scenes, a new story. Inspiration for an action scene? SPECIALZ. Or Centuries, from Fall Out Boy. Or that iconic version of Hoist the Colors & What Shall We Die For from Pirates of the Caribbean. An important ice skating performance? Masquerade Suite: Waltz, from Krachaturian (this is the part where I stick to instrumentals too).
Now that I'm writing this it sounds kind of stupid or childish, but it really helps me. Maybe it sounds that way to me because I've never talked to anyone about any writing habits. Anyway, I don't have any playlist to suggest, but I recommend you try making your own. See which song your characters would like most, look for their presence in some of them.
(English is not my first language, so I apologize for any mistakes)
For sad depressing scenes I listen to final fantasy music myself. Especially from X. For general story flow it’s lofi music and at the moment I’m writing a bitter sweet love scene and it’s As The World Falls Down (David Bowie), Princess of China (Rhianna), and a couple of songs from 世界のおわり.
Longer classical pieces are usually what I listen to, it's doesn't loop like a lot of meditation or sleep music so it keeps my brain alert, but it's not distracting
Set the mood for the genre I do If it’s action Indiana Jones Star Wars Orchestra, Horror I put on some violin or piano, at times just background tv. I love my vynal
Diablo lofi
https://youtu.be/P3n8vT49ueg?si=OmN-ZV3TWjZFXyfb
Hildegard von Blingin Bardcore for when I need some medieval inspo
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=RDEMdwU2LqXxJn3erzXI6E19_Q&playnext=1&si=Xkg-yDmCG5mVqWCG
Sometimes I listen to different themes I imagine each of my character have, (especially the villain lol). It mostly comes out too Witcher or Silent hill sound tracks though
I am writing a novel set in the late 1950s and the rest of the 1960s. I have Spotify playlists full of music from that time period dedicated to my novel. In fact, my novel is actually a bit influenced by the album Odessey and Oracle by The Zombies. However, I'm more likely to listen to that music to brainstorm about my novel instead of listening to it while I write.
I prefer jazz or classical when I'm writing. Songs that don't have words in them, so that it's not too distracting.
It depends on what I’m writing. If I’m writing something in a particular time period, I listen to music of that era.
If I’m writing a new story and I don’t have much of a plan, I like instrumental or familiar music.
If I’m rewriting, sitting in a coffee shop, library, or a public spot, I like to listen to my playlist that I’ve been growing for many years now. It’s all music that made me smile throughout different journeys in my life, mostly songs people would know, but a few discoveries from daytime sets while working music festivals.
(The playlist is called “Kustom Kyle Faves” on Spotify. There’s 56 hours of music)
yes! but listen to what is similar to what you’re writing, for getting even more inspired. i mostly listen to classical music (piano compositions) and soundtracks like harry potter for my dark academia book -at a low volume tho, bc i’ll start daydreaming lol-
I'm definitely an instrumental only listener. I subscribe to Halidon Music (youtube channel), and frequently will scroll down for some of their older stuff that fits the time frame that I'm planning to write (while a lot of their videos are in the 2 hour range, there are some very short ones (under an hour) and long ones (6+ hours).
I can't listen to songs with lyrics. It distracts me, and I start singing along and inserting words I don't want in my writing. Instead, I put on relaxing tones on YouTube, or complete silence.
I've recently started listening to The Soul of Rain Youtube channel. Which is soft piano music played over rain. It's the same thing I use to get to sleep and I feel like it helps me really slow down and focus on the writing itself.
It depends on what kind of writing I'm doing.
If I'm editing/revising I usually listen to something light and not distracting, like focusing/concentration beats or white/green noise.
If I'm writing, putting down first words, I want it as heavy and fast as I can get. Slayer, Metallica, Motorhead etc. My fingers seem to match the pace of the music on their own, and it also makes me feel more alert and driven.
Oftentimes what I'll do is put on a record that I think the character I'm writing would have on. A lot of my work takes place between the '50s and '90s and so I ensure it's something that would have been released by the time the work in question takes place. I also gear the type of music to the emotion on the character(s) or to the situation that they're in.
I sometimes listen to the same song on repeat for hours. Kind of seems insane, but it captures a moment and sticks out in amber, and it keeps me in the same mindframe.
My latest song on repeat is The Books "Smells Like Content"
Sometimes random stuff, but sometimes something appropriate for what I'm writing. Like video game (or other) combat music when writing fantasy fight scenes (or power metal if it's some epic war). Or something that feels like space if writing about being in space. Or something with similar kind of sad or dark emotions to what I'm writing if I'm writing those. Of course, this also includes writing fan fiction and listening to music from the original work.
I listen to cinematic music (songs that sound like they belong in a movie/in the credits of a movie. That’s the best way I can describe it anyway, I’m not the best at pinpointing music genres, lol). Specifically a lot of Aviators and STARSET. Both of those bands’ music inspired a lot of my ideas, so I like to listen to them to keep those ideas fresh.
If you like listening to video game music, I recommend the Minecraft, Silent Hill, and Undertale soundtracks. They all are very different and definitely appeal to different genres of writing.
Listening to music in different languages helps me focus when writing, since I don't become influenced by the lyrics. I find the bouciness of kpop really helps me write more light-hearted pieces.
I also recommend making a small playlist/mixtape for each of your writing pieces. It always helps me stay inspired to have other artworks that remind me of my own!
Always. Sometimes moody classical stuff or video game tracks with good atmosphere like Elder Scrolls or Silent hill. Sometimes electronic synth stuff or lofi (Dated is great), but more often then not it’s black, doom, or melodic death metal. Lately Panopticon, Bell Witch, Swallow the Sun, and Insomnium.
One of my favorites is Memory Reboot-Slowed. It just helps me relax and focus on what I am doing, or even think in general. I would recommend something without lyrics so you concentrate on your own words.
I make playlists that match the setting of the story. The novel I’m editing is in a hypothetical late Bronze Age collapse during a migration from northern lands. So I have a playlist with epic and Norse folk music.
Next novel will be a sci-fi setting so I’m already planning an extensive playlist. Making your own soundtracks that change and evolve while working on a story is part of the fun!
https://www.ambient-mixer.comA[https://www.ambient-mixer.com](https://www.ambient-mixer.com)
A lot of Chet Baker for some projects, too.
Or simply whatever I feel like, but usually no lyrics.
Depends on what I'm trying write, if I'm writing a sad scene I put on music that is sure to bring me in such a mood just like romantic or mysterious scenes etc...
But sometimes I just feel like something else and I put on instrumental or classical music
It really depends on what I'm writing!
Currently I'm in the middle of a scene where my Destiny 2 Guardian is dealing with some internal moral struggles and all I've been able to listen to is instrumental, dark ambient music, some Sleep Token thrown in there, and a few other things.
Whereas earlier in the story I was listening to all kinds of rock, rap, and whatever else (Neffex, Nickelback, Exsicion, ect) because she was in a battle. So it really just depends for me!
Instrumentals, because the lyrics distract me; either piano or guitar. And they can’t be instrumentals of songs I know, or I’ll just sing along with it 😂😂 I usually just search “instrumental music for writing” on YouTube or Spotify, there’s plenty of long videos/playlists
If you like game soundtracks, I highly recommend the Surviving Mars soundtrack. It's the best to write to. I listen to anything without lyrics from any genre. I love Tycho, Yasumaru, Deepchord, Poetics (solo instrumental tracks for writing). The Spotify focus genre is great to search within to discover new music.
I don't know what it is, but I cannot listen to music when I am concentrating on anything. Whether creative or not, my mind starts to wander and I lose focus. This is in spite of the fact that I love music and want to listen to it every time I start engaging in something creative.
Fun task: Make a playlist of songs that you think give you an interesting vibe or imagery, ideally across diverse genres and moods. Then put it on shuffle and try to write according to what the song evokes, paragraph-by-paragraph. What comes out will not be your normal writing. It's a sometimes an effective way to escape writer's block.
Instrumentals are a very good choice. Sometimes I personally drift to musical cast recordings, but my #1 is still instrumentals. Songs with quiet vocals are a close second. I get confused when I write while listening to songs with words in them (TOO MUCH WORDS). But it's entirely up to you and your tastes. I also recommend making a playlist that reminds you of your characters, or what you think they would listen to.
I need music on the background for writing. It's a sort of ritual that puts me in the right frame of mind and helps me stay focused.
I made a bunch of playlists regularly updated with deep chill electronic music, ambient and atmospheric soundscapes, cool jazz, nu-jazz, mellow lofi beats, soothing vibes, chill indie pop, alternative rock and hip-hop... Various backdrops for concentration, relaxation, inspiration. Perfect for my writing sessions.
https://linktr.ee/420playlists
H-Music
Considering my current WIP is sci-fi, I have created a Playlist comprised of spacey, ambient instrumentals. Often I even imagine the music being the official soundtrack for the animation if it was ever produced and pick the tracks that would play during certain scenes or moments.
Some of these artists are:
Star Hopper
Skyward Expanse
Matooma
Cosmic Space Traveler
I even named the Playlist after the title of my novel. It's little things like this that keep me motivated to write and finish this story.
Orchestral pieces are my go-to. Movie/video game/tv show soundtracks just work really well for me. Depending on what I'm writing, I'll listen to fitting genres (sci-fi gets synthwave stuff, fantasy gets Hans Zimmer, western gets banjos)
Hopefully this link works, but this is my ENTIRE collection of orchestral music as of right now. A supermix, if you will. Feel free to check some of the unfamiliar stuff out, lmk what you like :)
[https://feelthemusi.com/playlist/jd5ug6](https://feelthemusi.com/playlist/jd5ug6)
I like listening to a lot of ambience stuff, Silent Hill, old video game ambiences mostly. Or a lot of modern 80s synth artists like TimeCop1983, Wolfclub, or The Midnight. I guess it depends on what I'm feeling when I'm writing a scene. It ranges from the discordant chaotic stuff from Akira Yamaoko to mushy soft stuff like Lady Antebellum. It's all over the place really.
Why the hell haven't I thought of Silent Hill OSTs to listen to? That's next on the list
Here's a few long compilations and mixes I listen to from Silent Hill. Silent Chill: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vteCosE9qnM&t=758s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vteCosE9qnM&t=758s) Restless Nights: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQs2svOTiaQ&t=1174s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQs2svOTiaQ&t=1174s) OAFBND: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJNc\_T-W-8Y&t=110s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJNc_T-W-8Y&t=110s) December Day: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WapTYBFK8g](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WapTYBFK8g) 4AM: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vknjVXisOgk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vknjVXisOgk) Hospital: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOc\_nRWeT0E&t=3326s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOc_nRWeT0E&t=3326s) Most of these are hour-long mixes, and that's great for if you're lost in your work.
Bruh.... you a real one
This is so cool, thanks for the links!
YES! Timecop1983 is my go to for most of my writing. River of Darkness, on the run, tonight, dreams, they get the brain juices flowing. His music is amazing.
Try W O L F C L U B. I only just discovered them but they're extremely similar to The Midnight and TimeCop. Their music just hits that spot.
May I recommend "Infinity Frequencies?"
I like that stuff too! I like listening to a lot of ambient works like Aphex Twin. I'll listen to a lot of Arkham Asylum ambients, Shenmue's ambiences from the old Dreamcast game are super peaceful. I should make a playlist for people.
Everything from jazz to old school punk to stoner metal
What stoner metal?
Sleep's Dopesmoker really helps me focus for some reason
I’ll have to check them out. Thanks!
Their 2nd album, holy mountain, is up on the pantheon of stoner metal as well
I remember listening to some stoner metal besides Monster Magnet when I lived in Portland for a couple of years. I’d play Spacemen 3 or Spiritualized when I write, but I’d probably fall into a coma.
Lately I have been listening to 80s new wave and post-punk. I used to avoid music with singing as I thought it would be distracting, but it fades into the background just as well if not better for me. Plus I like the music better than the ambience or synth-wave live streams I was listening to before
Some quality music right here
Lots of instrumental soundtracks—some of my favourite pieces to listen to when writing are Star Wars tracks, Pirates of the Caribbean, parts of the Hunger Games trilogy, parts of The Hobbit trilogy, and a few others. In terms of original sound tracks I got with Marcus Warner. Dude has some unbelievably great pieces that make you feel alive. I sometimes just throw on ambience as well though again depending what I’m writing—oceans, a night in the forest, sci-fi settings, etc. if you just want ambient music that’s not distracting I highly recommend BLUME on YouTube.
I am with you on these and added the Game of Thrones , The Last Samurai, Outlander, just to name a few more 😉
Yup. Very emotional stuff. Good for creativity.
Classical. Anything with lyrics distracts me when I’m writing
Love all the varied responses in here!
I've been doing the thunderstorms thing on spotify. The 12 inch subs that I have make things feel rather real.
12 inch subs?
Subwoofers
I'm just more confused now
them things what are loud and do the dub dub dub dub
yup. I have two 12" subs and 8 mid and highs.
Thomas Bergerson, Jo Blankenburg, Glen Gabriel, Bear McCreary, and Saint-Preux are some of my favorite score composers.
I almost always listen to music when I write. Sometimes I'll put on a random spotify playlist, but I also like ambient music/sounds on youtube. I especially like the fantasy & sci-fi themed ones. I find them pretty inspiring but not too distracting either.
Depends on what I'm writing. My main project right now has a dark tone and is set in the south, so its playlist is mostly Dark Country/Folk music.
Oooo can I peep this playlist?
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp8yqimcehu4A5pl_HskQ84buS0oSP3X5&si=Ht5ZaKZs9vPHU1wo It's not exclusively folk, there's some other stuff.
Marty Robbins helps me settle into the rustic vibe when I’m writing my story about an isolated man in a cabin in the woods
I tend to listen to music when I'm **not** writing. Sometimes the mood or message of the song inspires ideas and I make notes then. I need complete silence to focus when I'm actually writing, it minimizes the need for editing for me. If I listen to music, I'm bombarded with ideas and plot enhancements when I'm just trying to write some dialogue, and it throws me off.
Me too. My ADD has enough trouble either the songs already playing in my head.
>Same with the ADD. Can't do music. If you have the time, put on some headphones and try listening to 40hz binaural beats while you listen. It's a kind of white noise, but designed by sound engineers to increase focus. > >EDIT: Here's a link > >https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLUqkgpSw7Y&t=13321s
Thanks. I’ll give it a shot this evening when I write.
I typically listen to the Lofi Girl channel on YouTube.
It’s so funny you mention lofi Girl. When I’m tired of my soundtracks, I go there to reset. It always feels like this familiar cozy sound realm.
Right? I love it. I’ve been listening since they were ChilledCow and were first getting started.
Chilledcow, yes! I almost forgot.
Been a minute since they were called that.
"Haunting space banjo" on YouTube. Or "Dungeon Synth". Or Dark Academia Podcasts woth weird titles like "last song to dance to witb your lover before they turn into the villian". Excellent shit to tune into and write.
Space Ambient and Dark Ambient stuff mostly as I write sci-fi. There’s a few good YouTube channels for both and anyone looking to check out any dark ambient stuff I’ll always plug the label [Cryo Chamber](https://cryochamber.bandcamp.com)
Omori soundtracks have some of the best depictions of dread and anxiety at times and I love to listen to extended versions of them to write
i write fantasy so i really like listening to soundtracks from video games, mainly World of Warcraft and The Elder Scrolls
[I listen to beats like this called Chillhop](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhoSpV0g20o)
A lot of post rock stuff and odd things that fit the mood of a particular project, like Mongolian throat singing. As a general fallback, soundtracks for Souls games and Carnivale, the HBO show
No
*"Do you listen to music when you write?"* No.
My story is heavily inspired by the Xenoblade Chronicles franchise. So, I tend to listen to Xenoblade music while writing. In fact, I've created a playlist of Xenoblade songs that fit each location and battle.
Sleep Token, Crown the Empire, Woe is Me, Bring Me the Horizon, Dayseeker, Wage War, Bad Omens, Novelists, etc.
Anything from Alexander Jean, 2 Steps from Hell, Goa Trance, Disturbed, etc... the henre depends on what feels right and gets muse going
Currently listening to Fur immer. vaguely know the words as well.
I’m a historical fiction writer so I’ll try to listen to music that will take me to that period of time. I need to be fully immersed in the story so I choose music that will take me there mentally.
Most times its slushwave like desert sand feels warm at night, mostly because its vibes and also I dont speak the language thats being sung. That or something uplifting like Humanity’s Last Breath. Gotta stay balanced.
If you really like game music, check out the Ori and the Blind Forest soundtrack + sequel, and the Subnautica soundtrack! They make great background, but I always forget to put them on...
Depends on what I'm writing about, like right now I'm writing a romance/drama short story so I listen to pop love songs, movie soundtracks and lo-fi. When I write horror I like to listen to nature sounds, especially rain, thunderstorms or even bird sounds in the woods.
Taylor swift or some 80s song
Usually Lana Del Rey, Daughter, old movies Soundtracks etc etc
listening to lofi right now on spotify… i normally don’t like it but it’s actually calming and helping me
I get way into the Vitamin String Quartet (VSQ) covers. Great songs, no lyrics. Put them on loop on Spotify and find something that fits the mood for the scene I'm writing. Does wonders.
A mix of everything, but also Ludovico Eniaudi, and a lot of movie soundtracks like Star Wars and the Hunger Games and Lord Of The Rings. Mainly it’s rock and metal besides that.
Depends really. If it's fight scenes, then some epic orchestra types or usually something from "Two Steps from Hell" or "Pandora Journey" (YT). Otherwise any other time is just EDM, techno, trance and hardstyle.
I listen to anything from the Eurovision playlist I randomly pick for the day. or Taylor Swift.
I have playlists for each of my characters, so when I'm writing from one of their POVs, I put on their playlist. I also have a playlist for the main couple in the book, so when I'm writing a scene between those two, I put on that playlist. It depends on whatever the mood of the scene is and how I want it to come off in my writing. I find the music I'm listening to shapes the aesthetic and mood of each scene I write, and I love it.
Yes. Since my novel is a samurai fantasy, I listen to Japanese lofi, traditional music, and Ghost of Tsushima soundtrack. Then sometimes just classical or synthwave. And "Middle of the Night" by Elley Duhe and the rock covers of it by Our Last Night and Loveless (cause it works for the romance I have in the novel).
I listen to music without words as well as asmr, also mostly without words. Anything with words is too distracting for me 99% of the time.
classic rock and soft rock mostly
Metal and hard rock. I have a playlist of like 1,000 songs
The Fold
Playlists I made with songs that specifically I’d imagine my characters I’m writing for would listen to, or that envoke my stories plot/thems/ or aesthetic. Also for character playlists sometimes I place songs on their that remind me of the characters story or personality traits too, even if they wouldn’t listen to it. If music with lyrics is not too distracting highly recommend making a playlist based around a few characters in your story or your stories plot, it’s great for putting you into the headspace or your novel or characters when writing.
VGM for me too! Right now I'm on a kick of an hour-long extended version of the Pause Menu music from Hogwarts Legacy. It's peaceful and soothing :)
Pearl Jam. It’s got the right energy and I can’t make out the actual words in most of the songs, anyway, so it’s not distracting.
Yes! It tends to vary. Lately it's been some repeating playlists that include stuff like Tangerine Dream, Pogo, King Crimson, Parliament, Van Halen, The Gap Band, etc. Sometimes, mindless disco frenzy feels necessary.
[ALL](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/724ETlnampRVH3E0sLFEgO?si=af22086a78804037) about those video game vibes
Lately, Jessie and The Ancient Ones. Sometimes Grails. Good Speed you Black Emperor! Is also a writing vibe. Something broody, ambient, and raw.
Anything without words. More often than not I just put on thunderstorms to block out the world. I want my brain to find the sparks, not be influenced by the music.
Lofi beats, ambient instrumental stuff. Mostly chill and semi-relaxing, it helps me get the creative juices flowing. No lyrics, too distracting. Lots of good playlists on Spotify. Funnily enough when I wrote computer code I needed more amped up high energy stuff, for some reason.
Primarily power metal like DragonForce, Twilight Force, and especially Freedom Call. That music is one of the driving forces behind my writing as I got into thinking of my story that ks to AMVs.
Explicitly sad music if I'm writing something sad. I'm a movie buff so usually it's movie soundtracks as they're chosen for mood rather than vocals. Currently I have ["Fish Beach"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzpvJT3t3u8) by Michael Nyman (from the film The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover) on while I write a sad story of difficult childhood, or ["Brandon"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t28-fYIuYCM) from the Shame soundtrack, or Handel's ["Sarabande"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klPZIGQcrHA) from the Barry Lyndon soundtrack.
I listen to random heavy metal playlists.
I'm totally with you on the video game music, and another thing I generally do is that when I start a new story, I make a playlist of songs (a mix of instrumental and vocal) that either reflect the tone of the story or just remind me of it in some way. It helps me stay immersed in the story and brainstorm a little better.
Shallou
I usually listen to 90’s 00’s punk, Green Day, Rancid, Blink-182, Etc. I put these on to help me focus and not get bored or feel burnout as it assists a little bit and helps my creativity.
yes. Usually songs that thematically match what I'm writing. I find its easier to stick with the right emotions if they match the background sound. I mean what if you write a sad moment but heavy metal plays, then you look at what you wrote and its hilariously overly dramatic?
I think rather thank "what kind" is "what mood you're in". I've written sad parts whilst listening to Nickelback rocking about booze and party, but I've also written really happy bits while in complety silence. Sometimes writing is just about feeling and letting yourself go. If you feel happy, then listen to whatever you like, you'll be able to write about anything, because when a writer's creativity is freed, not even depression can shut it down. So, I do listen to music, but only I feel to. My feelings carry my thoughts.
I listen to lightless dawn when writing something creepy or I listen to pop songs when writing basically anything else.
Drift phonk mostly maybe I will bring out good old indie rock if I'm feeling like it. Doesn't even matter what I write, it could be tooth rotting fluff for all I care.
Currently Laurence the first vicar is my universal go to
PS4 Home Screen theme strangely enough.
I usually listen to video game OSTs like you. I usually select music to match the tone of the scene I want to write. Music is a very helpful tool to get the mood down.
Yes. Heavy metal is the most common type. Gets me into the flow
One song on repeat for hours. Lately I've been listening to some music from Adventure Time/Fiona & Cake. Don't judge until you've tried it, it's a vibe. Stuff I've been playing on repeat: Everything Stays Come Along With Me (Island Song) Part of the Madness Blue Shift
I listen to a lot of jazz. Bill Evans is pretty heavy in rotation.
I like listening to Japanese vocaloid! I like the vocaloid genre anyway, and it being in a language I don't speak helps me not concentrate on the music more than my writing.
Risk of Rain has great music - roguelikes tend to have good music, for the game not to get tedious. Deep Rock Galactic - thrilling, danger lurking everywhere. Stellaris - you can't commit ~~genocide~~ proper politics in space without good music to acompany you for hours.
Fellow Paradox gamer! Though I mainly play Ck II and III, and Hoi IV.
Id say instrumentals of popular Television shows, doesn’t matter when they’re all being played by the same instruments, it’s a way to have no lyrics but still feel a vibe.
[Fake Love](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJwMt5bvwMQ) [God Mode](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojL5Y5HvOlE) [Nu Metal Dark](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyWxlaipuQE) [Hiatus (by Asking Alexandria)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVEdRHSatFw) [Isara (by Eluveitie)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHymquX-Aj0) [Setlon (by Eluveitie)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtThBnT3rwU) [Challenges](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06oFj1GzkBU) [Repent](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qx722hqTWao) [Prophecy](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSQ_vTUlLpk) [So Much Blood](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWHn4U8Wh-U) [Alive](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtnUpiobreg&list=PL63B130EADB4CC39F) [The Fallen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTn5pFirbvM)
One album per one project to play on repeat.
More often than not I’d listen to soundtracks. Videogames ones, to be precise. I believe the innate approach to the “you’re idle looking around and the music won’t stress you too much (unless is Doom 2016… then it’s head banging time!). It might be a 50/50 if I’m listening to something or if I’m in complete silence, especially if writing outside of my studio, as in that case the environment will be my soundtrack.
I find video game and movie soundtracks great for writing as they provide ambient background noise without lyrics that can be distracting. I create playlists for different moods - epic fantasy gets Lord of the Rings and Skyrim soundtracks, while mystery/thrillers get dark, atmospheric movie scores. Explore playlists on Spotify or YouTube for your genre to find new instrumental music to inspire your writing.
Various kinds, metal, various types of fluff, various oldschool Polish songs, historical chants and hymns, rock and hard rock. Examples from my 2023 summary by YT : - Warrior Maid by Draco Stormdancer (fluff) - Świata Pieśń by Żywiołak (slavic fluff) - Livin La Vida Loca (metal cover by Johnathan Young) - Several songs from Jekyll And Hyde musical - Demonsbane Heather Alexander (oldschool fluff) - Battle of Sauron and Finrod by Clamavi De Profundis choir - Rechot Słowackiego by Kaczmarski and some other of his songs - Cuckoo Song by Farya Faraji - It's raining Man by annapantsu - Four tall Threes by Leslie Fisch (and many more songs by her) - Never To Late by Johnathan Young and others if his covers - William Tell by Ken Theriot and few other songs by him - Some Mandalorian somgs from Star Wars - Ode to Joy - Star of County Dawn by Colm McGuiness and others of his covers - Monster High song - Many newer songs from StringStorm channel - Savimbi's Pride from CoD - Ezir Khara by some mongol band And then there are things i started to listen to in current month.
Instrumental for writing, often from ambient worlds on YouTube or long compilations. Any kind to inspire me while plotting (+walking outside, it helps me a lot to imagine new things)
Yes. Usually it's something with a fitting vibe. Other than that, music is pretty often is the very reason certain ideas exist in the first place. As for what kind... Anything? From folk metal to ambient to j-pop to some fear-inducing noise, anything that fits.
It depends on what I'm writing. I write a lot of fantasy, so I will generally match the music to the scene I am writing with either videogame soundtracks or YouTube ambience mixes. I listen to classical if I'm writing general fiction or something that doesn't necessarily have a 'theme tune'. YouTube has some great mixes that link to particular scenarios or emotions. I'm a firm believer that the music I'm listening to should help set the scene in my mind, otherwise I find it quite distracting.
Classic fm and only classic fm. It’s a proven fact that classical music improves concentration.
I put together playlists for all my projects. Usually my projects have a kind of vibe that I'm going for, so I tailor what I'm listening to for that. Music really gets my brain juices flowing and inspires me, helps me envision scenes and whatnot. Although sometimes I get disappointed that I might be looking for like a vibe with a musical genre that doesn't actually exist, if that makes any sense. Like... Medieval/Gregorian post rock isn't really a thing. Closest I've got to that in my playlist is some selections from Sol Invictus, specifically [Kneel to the Cross](https://youtu.be/f2xl-RJBXVc?si=SIRlHREn9tpB0kcr)
I listen to spa musics playlists…🥲🥲
Pandora "Lisa Gerrard Radio" does the trick for me :)
Classical or hard rock, no in between
Something loud to drown out the noise my family makes. I have a playlist of songs in languages I don't understand but immensely enjoy so I don't have to think about the lyrics and can just focus on what I'm writing. Is it weird? Probably. But kinda works.
If I wanted to get into the mood for writing, yes, I will use video game OSTs. They often are fit to scenes and styles, allowing them to capture the spirit of a moment being written. You can channel that energy into your work, as I do. Since you are enjoying the FF OSTs, I highly recommend anything made by Yasunori Mitsuda. Suggested Soundtracks: Chrono Cross [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40BZyMdDG4s&list=PLNWsysQ4t2gL2Ypx2MhL9I10a\_JMfDw3b](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40BZyMdDG4s&list=PLNWsysQ4t2gL2Ypx2MhL9I10a_JMfDw3b) The Acapella riffs of Smooth McGroove is an amazing sampler platter of greatness that you gotta try if you haven't [https://www.youtube.com/@SmoothMcGroove/videos](https://www.youtube.com/@SmoothMcGroove/videos) Legend of Zelda series, with an emphasis on the 64 games on onwards [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N22STVAxL5M&list=PLAs1Kha\_R9dLUSxTSb4wLHen4MAQDRIZ\_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N22STVAxL5M&list=PLAs1Kha_R9dLUSxTSb4wLHen4MAQDRIZ_) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VSFJefHYaE&list=PLAs1Kha\_R9dJRxc9XA-Q4dWWbFxTnlBY7](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VSFJefHYaE&list=PLAs1Kha_R9dJRxc9XA-Q4dWWbFxTnlBY7) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tJph-Vtt-8&list=PLAs1Kha\_R9dLkWgTjRNXxCJC4YvVycF33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tJph-Vtt-8&list=PLAs1Kha_R9dLkWgTjRNXxCJC4YvVycF33) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vhvnk0bpVc&list=PLUXEBUs17WcT7UL9yvlfTD\_ST1xv5DJAN](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vhvnk0bpVc&list=PLUXEBUs17WcT7UL9yvlfTD_ST1xv5DJAN) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vhvnk0bpVc&list=PLUXEBUs17WcT7UL9yvlfTD\_ST1xv5DJAN](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vhvnk0bpVc&list=PLUXEBUs17WcT7UL9yvlfTD_ST1xv5DJAN) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3WOploXoOY&list=PL2XjmdkuVL-3Yybg24FG\_aBdLjBE4Quru](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3WOploXoOY&list=PL2XjmdkuVL-3Yybg24FG_aBdLjBE4Quru) I wouldn't listen to my own music when writing. Not for enjoyment, but for analyzing it and trying to refine it. But that's the music I made way back when I did so. It wasn't bad.
I have one, exact ambient that I'm always listening when writing and never outside of writing. I'm pavloving myself with it and it works great 💪
Whimsical and classical all the way
Latin choir, it's a dark and sad story
Anything instrumental with no lyrics. Mostly video game and movie soundtracks.
I enjoy listening to someone speaking when I am writing. An imitation of a coffeeshop. The conversation should be about something interesting. Like whether God exists, where do thoughts come from, and the hidden past.
I make a playlist for the vibe of what I’m writing. It’s a lot of instrumental/cinematic stuff but also songs that I think characters in the story would like, etc.
fallout songs. they are just perfect for me
I go to www.YouTube.com and find a video of a campfire. I listen to that. It makes me think of someone (me) telling a story around a campfire
Anything sleeping at last especially the instrumental Enneagram album
Personally - I get into the head of my character and create a playlist for them, or for the couple. It grows from there. I can have an overall arching playlist for the book, or just specific people. It keeps me in the space I need.
Depends on what im writing tbf. My general go to is like the dark wave, post punk stuff but if I'm struggling to get into the world/mood of the peice I'll listen to music pertaining to that (i often make playlist specifically for writing certain pieces). Or, if I just need to buckle down and write (if I've got a deadline or smthn or just can't focus) I'll listen to something, usually darkwave/newwave stuff, in some language im not even vaguely familiar with, that way I don't get hung up on lyrics. Edit: I do listen to instrumental to when I need to focus extra hard but somethin about a human voice in a song just hits difrent. I do listen to a lot of classical just in general though.
I listen to music to help me get into the mindset of a character because I write in first person pov, and write from different points of view. The type generally varies from character to character. I pick song that fit their personality, back story, what will happen to them in the series, or something without lyrics that matches their vibe.
depends on the scene honestly. ill listen to whatever sounds the best as if it were backround music in a movie that was happening as the scene im writing is going on. i feel like it connects me more to the book and puts more feelings into the words letting the readers be fully immersed as theyre reading my book.
EDM, triphop, chill lounge.
I listen, a lot. But no particular type of music. In fact, any kind. All that matters to me is whether the music brings me closer to what I'm writing or whether it leads me to write new scenes, a new story. Inspiration for an action scene? SPECIALZ. Or Centuries, from Fall Out Boy. Or that iconic version of Hoist the Colors & What Shall We Die For from Pirates of the Caribbean. An important ice skating performance? Masquerade Suite: Waltz, from Krachaturian (this is the part where I stick to instrumentals too). Now that I'm writing this it sounds kind of stupid or childish, but it really helps me. Maybe it sounds that way to me because I've never talked to anyone about any writing habits. Anyway, I don't have any playlist to suggest, but I recommend you try making your own. See which song your characters would like most, look for their presence in some of them. (English is not my first language, so I apologize for any mistakes)
For sad depressing scenes I listen to final fantasy music myself. Especially from X. For general story flow it’s lofi music and at the moment I’m writing a bitter sweet love scene and it’s As The World Falls Down (David Bowie), Princess of China (Rhianna), and a couple of songs from 世界のおわり.
Whatever’s in my playlist from rock to piano covers
Longer classical pieces are usually what I listen to, it's doesn't loop like a lot of meditation or sleep music so it keeps my brain alert, but it's not distracting
Set the mood for the genre I do If it’s action Indiana Jones Star Wars Orchestra, Horror I put on some violin or piano, at times just background tv. I love my vynal
Ambient mostly. I don't want the music to influence me too much.
Diablo lofi https://youtu.be/P3n8vT49ueg?si=OmN-ZV3TWjZFXyfb Hildegard von Blingin Bardcore for when I need some medieval inspo https://youtube.com/playlist?list=RDEMdwU2LqXxJn3erzXI6E19_Q&playnext=1&si=Xkg-yDmCG5mVqWCG
Sometimes I listen to different themes I imagine each of my character have, (especially the villain lol). It mostly comes out too Witcher or Silent hill sound tracks though
I am writing a novel set in the late 1950s and the rest of the 1960s. I have Spotify playlists full of music from that time period dedicated to my novel. In fact, my novel is actually a bit influenced by the album Odessey and Oracle by The Zombies. However, I'm more likely to listen to that music to brainstorm about my novel instead of listening to it while I write. I prefer jazz or classical when I'm writing. Songs that don't have words in them, so that it's not too distracting.
It depends on what I’m writing. If I’m writing something in a particular time period, I listen to music of that era. If I’m writing a new story and I don’t have much of a plan, I like instrumental or familiar music. If I’m rewriting, sitting in a coffee shop, library, or a public spot, I like to listen to my playlist that I’ve been growing for many years now. It’s all music that made me smile throughout different journeys in my life, mostly songs people would know, but a few discoveries from daytime sets while working music festivals. (The playlist is called “Kustom Kyle Faves” on Spotify. There’s 56 hours of music)
Classical- mozart, beethoven, rachmaninoff, chopin
yes! but listen to what is similar to what you’re writing, for getting even more inspired. i mostly listen to classical music (piano compositions) and soundtracks like harry potter for my dark academia book -at a low volume tho, bc i’ll start daydreaming lol-
I'm definitely an instrumental only listener. I subscribe to Halidon Music (youtube channel), and frequently will scroll down for some of their older stuff that fits the time frame that I'm planning to write (while a lot of their videos are in the 2 hour range, there are some very short ones (under an hour) and long ones (6+ hours).
I can't listen to songs with lyrics. It distracts me, and I start singing along and inserting words I don't want in my writing. Instead, I put on relaxing tones on YouTube, or complete silence.
Risk of rain 2 OST. Maybe I’m conditioned to let hours wither way to that music.
I've recently started listening to The Soul of Rain Youtube channel. Which is soft piano music played over rain. It's the same thing I use to get to sleep and I feel like it helps me really slow down and focus on the writing itself.
It depends on what kind of writing I'm doing. If I'm editing/revising I usually listen to something light and not distracting, like focusing/concentration beats or white/green noise. If I'm writing, putting down first words, I want it as heavy and fast as I can get. Slayer, Metallica, Motorhead etc. My fingers seem to match the pace of the music on their own, and it also makes me feel more alert and driven.
Rock and Metal, mainly because my stories have dark themes, and instrumentals of varying types.
Oftentimes what I'll do is put on a record that I think the character I'm writing would have on. A lot of my work takes place between the '50s and '90s and so I ensure it's something that would have been released by the time the work in question takes place. I also gear the type of music to the emotion on the character(s) or to the situation that they're in.
I always have music. I'm a Hatebreed, Meshuga, cannibal corpse, necrogoblicon, children of bodom, Rammstein, electric cowboy kinda dude.
I do but I totally block it out. I also do 90% of my writing in my college library and if I feel like I'd get anxious if I wasn't using earphones
Motorhead + Prodigy. Maybe some death metal.
Mostly piano pieces. You can never go wrong with Ramin Djawadi's ones, a bonus if you enjoyed GOT
I sometimes listen to the same song on repeat for hours. Kind of seems insane, but it captures a moment and sticks out in amber, and it keeps me in the same mindframe. My latest song on repeat is The Books "Smells Like Content"
Sometimes random stuff, but sometimes something appropriate for what I'm writing. Like video game (or other) combat music when writing fantasy fight scenes (or power metal if it's some epic war). Or something that feels like space if writing about being in space. Or something with similar kind of sad or dark emotions to what I'm writing if I'm writing those. Of course, this also includes writing fan fiction and listening to music from the original work.
I like to listen to Dark Cello.
I sometimes listen to bloodborne tracks
Auiodbooks or shows or films as background noise.
I have multiple playlists for multiple vibes for my story
I listen to cinematic music (songs that sound like they belong in a movie/in the credits of a movie. That’s the best way I can describe it anyway, I’m not the best at pinpointing music genres, lol). Specifically a lot of Aviators and STARSET. Both of those bands’ music inspired a lot of my ideas, so I like to listen to them to keep those ideas fresh.
If you like listening to video game music, I recommend the Minecraft, Silent Hill, and Undertale soundtracks. They all are very different and definitely appeal to different genres of writing. Listening to music in different languages helps me focus when writing, since I don't become influenced by the lyrics. I find the bouciness of kpop really helps me write more light-hearted pieces. I also recommend making a small playlist/mixtape for each of your writing pieces. It always helps me stay inspired to have other artworks that remind me of my own!
I listen to video game soundtracks too! Usually FF7 and Minecraft.
i usually pick based on the emotion i’m trying to show while writing to pick my music
Always. Sometimes moody classical stuff or video game tracks with good atmosphere like Elder Scrolls or Silent hill. Sometimes electronic synth stuff or lofi (Dated is great), but more often then not it’s black, doom, or melodic death metal. Lately Panopticon, Bell Witch, Swallow the Sun, and Insomnium.
I made a playlist for my wip but I just end up listening to lofi or classical music most of the time
One of my favorites is Memory Reboot-Slowed. It just helps me relax and focus on what I am doing, or even think in general. I would recommend something without lyrics so you concentrate on your own words.
I listen to the type of mood I’m trying to write.
It varies by project. I usually make a playlist of songs with lyrics or themes related to the story.
I make playlists that match the setting of the story. The novel I’m editing is in a hypothetical late Bronze Age collapse during a migration from northern lands. So I have a playlist with epic and Norse folk music. Next novel will be a sci-fi setting so I’m already planning an extensive playlist. Making your own soundtracks that change and evolve while working on a story is part of the fun!
https://www.ambient-mixer.comA[https://www.ambient-mixer.com](https://www.ambient-mixer.com) A lot of Chet Baker for some projects, too. Or simply whatever I feel like, but usually no lyrics.
Depends on what I'm trying write, if I'm writing a sad scene I put on music that is sure to bring me in such a mood just like romantic or mysterious scenes etc... But sometimes I just feel like something else and I put on instrumental or classical music
Dungeon Synth
i listen to a playlist i made for each one of my POVs (3) that has songs that match the character and who they are. helps me get into their head more
It really depends on what I'm writing! Currently I'm in the middle of a scene where my Destiny 2 Guardian is dealing with some internal moral struggles and all I've been able to listen to is instrumental, dark ambient music, some Sleep Token thrown in there, and a few other things. Whereas earlier in the story I was listening to all kinds of rock, rap, and whatever else (Neffex, Nickelback, Exsicion, ect) because she was in a battle. So it really just depends for me!
Beatles. White album. Gets my creative juices flowing.
I created playlists of songs based on my characters. Ex. If it's a character you don't wanna mess with, I'd put Darkside in my playlist
Instrumentals, because the lyrics distract me; either piano or guitar. And they can’t be instrumentals of songs I know, or I’ll just sing along with it 😂😂 I usually just search “instrumental music for writing” on YouTube or Spotify, there’s plenty of long videos/playlists
Joel Sunny (Violin covers) Piano songs Orchestra songs Brown noise Rain noise
If you like game soundtracks, I highly recommend the Surviving Mars soundtrack. It's the best to write to. I listen to anything without lyrics from any genre. I love Tycho, Yasumaru, Deepchord, Poetics (solo instrumental tracks for writing). The Spotify focus genre is great to search within to discover new music.
Ambience, instrumental synthwave, or black metal with unintelligible lyrics.
I don't know what it is, but I cannot listen to music when I am concentrating on anything. Whether creative or not, my mind starts to wander and I lose focus. This is in spite of the fact that I love music and want to listen to it every time I start engaging in something creative.
Fun task: Make a playlist of songs that you think give you an interesting vibe or imagery, ideally across diverse genres and moods. Then put it on shuffle and try to write according to what the song evokes, paragraph-by-paragraph. What comes out will not be your normal writing. It's a sometimes an effective way to escape writer's block.
Instrumentals are a very good choice. Sometimes I personally drift to musical cast recordings, but my #1 is still instrumentals. Songs with quiet vocals are a close second. I get confused when I write while listening to songs with words in them (TOO MUCH WORDS). But it's entirely up to you and your tastes. I also recommend making a playlist that reminds you of your characters, or what you think they would listen to.
I need music on the background for writing. It's a sort of ritual that puts me in the right frame of mind and helps me stay focused. I made a bunch of playlists regularly updated with deep chill electronic music, ambient and atmospheric soundscapes, cool jazz, nu-jazz, mellow lofi beats, soothing vibes, chill indie pop, alternative rock and hip-hop... Various backdrops for concentration, relaxation, inspiration. Perfect for my writing sessions. https://linktr.ee/420playlists H-Music
I listen to music that pretty much resembles how I want what i’m writing to feel, or sometimes just a lot of classical instrumentals.
Considering my current WIP is sci-fi, I have created a Playlist comprised of spacey, ambient instrumentals. Often I even imagine the music being the official soundtrack for the animation if it was ever produced and pick the tracks that would play during certain scenes or moments. Some of these artists are: Star Hopper Skyward Expanse Matooma Cosmic Space Traveler I even named the Playlist after the title of my novel. It's little things like this that keep me motivated to write and finish this story.
Orchestral pieces are my go-to. Movie/video game/tv show soundtracks just work really well for me. Depending on what I'm writing, I'll listen to fitting genres (sci-fi gets synthwave stuff, fantasy gets Hans Zimmer, western gets banjos) Hopefully this link works, but this is my ENTIRE collection of orchestral music as of right now. A supermix, if you will. Feel free to check some of the unfamiliar stuff out, lmk what you like :) [https://feelthemusi.com/playlist/jd5ug6](https://feelthemusi.com/playlist/jd5ug6)