A Soundtrack for Writing

Remember when I actually did those Sunday Soundtracks post? So do I. Good times.

Yeah, I kind of fell of the bandwagon with those. But I do want to talk about writing music today. Specifically, making a soundtrack for your writing.

I have so many playlists on youtube for my various projects. There are similar songs that seem to make it on the list, but each playlist has its own feel to get me in the mood for writing specific books. I have playlists with fight scene music and playlists for softer scenes. Playlists with instrumental music and playlists with words. Some playlists are for full books and some just for specific characters. But why do I love making them so much, and why should you?

Simply put, music is an important part of my life and of many people's lives. It’s a universal language. It can represent so many different things. And I actually think that some music is the closest we get as a human race to perfection.

But dramatics aside, music doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone. In fact, that’s what’s so great about it. But if you like music it can be a wonderful tool for your writing. Say you’re stuck on a project and you don’t know where to turn? You can pull up the playlist you made for the project and give you a listen. It might inspire you and give you the motivation to keep going.

Music can also help you to visualize a scene so you can better describe it. That’s why I love my fight scene music. It gets my blood pumping and my fingers flying during the scene. Whatever the music does for you, its always fun to make a playlist!

Some bands that make frequent appearances on my playlists include- Skillet, Florence and the Machine, Two Steps from Hell, Les Friction, Icon for Hire, Disney music, and a variety of soundtracks for movies and anime. What are some of your favorite writing tunes?

Sunday Soundtracks: Skillet Part 2

Its time for part 2 of looking at Skillet on Sunday Soundtracks!

Last week I talked a lot about how I love Skillet for their passion and emotion, but I have another reason for liking them so much. Being a Christian, I always appreciate a good Christian band that takes an interesting approach to my religion. In the case of Skillet, I love how they examine the anguish of a relationship with God. Its not all butterflies and rainbows like many a song on Christian radio stations would lead you believe. Because having faith doesn't take pain away, its a daily struggle.

Skillet acknowledges that full on. It acknowledges how much it sucks to be human and how hard it can be to believe sometimes. I like how they grapple with such concepts in their lyrics because its a hundred times more relatable. And the wording also allows their songs to be seen in a non-christian light, which means everyone can enjoy it. Its inclusive but its also brutally honest. A good combination.

So this week, we're talking about my favorite skillet album and my favorites. The most recent Skillet Album to come out is Rise so I've had it for less than a year. But I adore this album.

Isn't that cover awesome? Well the album is too, taking a lot of my favorite elements of Skillet and upping the epic. Many of the songs overlap into the next so the album really flows in addition to the music. So lets take a look at my favorite songs from this album (Though they are all awesome so listen to the whole thing):

1. Rise- The first track on the album and a great way to start things out. Its a call to revolution, a lot like some of the songs from their previous albums like 'Awake and Alive'. But this song has a really powerful use of base that really drums up your heart beat. Excellent for writing fight scenes and it especially fits a dystopian environment. In fact, much of this album does so if you write dystopia, these songs should be on your writing playlist.

2. Not Gonna Die- This might one of my favorite songs from skillet period. But you have to listen to it correctly. The song actually starts on the previous track with an intro that is one of my favorite pieces of orchestration and vocals ever done by a rock band. It utilizes the singing of a child and a really awesome choir to make it a serving of epic. And remember how I was talking about how Skillet loves to show the struggle of religion rather than the happiness? This song personifies this, combining hope and despair to deliver a really awesome song. A personal favorite of mine and great for any fight scenes or revolutions.

3. American Noise- Time for a happier and more inspirational song. This song goes much more on the inspirational side of the spectrum and it has a great feel to it. One of those songs I want to hum cheerfully while skipping through a field. Since any journey is likely to have its lighter moments, this is a good song for that. It also works for contemporary better than other songs on this album so if you're writing a good old story about life, give this one a listen.

4. Madness in Me- Time for a TORTURED SOUL SONG! We all know Skillet is fond of these and I am quite fond of their song 'Monster'. This song is in the same vein as that, as the person singing is at war with themselves. This song has a much more brutal sound to it than 'Monster'. Its a lot less polished and a lot more desperate. Definitely good music for any character constantly fighting with themselves over what's right and what's necessary.

5. Salvation- This is a good old Skillet love song and it uses their female vocalist a lot (which I appreciate because I love her voice). Its another song that is meant to be about a relationship with God but it works for any other desperate relationship. Its desperate but also softer in parts so the song has very nice levels. The main reason I love this song is for the female vocalist. This album uses a lot of her. Woo hoo!

6. Fire and Fury- This song has a nice build to it and is also a love song featuring both the female and male vocalist. It seems to personify a relationship in which the people in it will do anything for each other. Writing about star crossed love? This would be a good song for that. Because, of course, it has a desperate feel to it. (I sure do love me some desperate love). Check it out if this sounds like the kind of relationship you're writing and add it to your play list.

These are just my favorites, but seriously, listen to the whole album. Its all wonderful. One of my favorite albums I own. It works best for dystopian or action fantasy. Anything that involves big wars and revolutions. But it has a few songs for contemporary pieces and romances as well. Give it a listen and see what works for you.

Happy Sunday everyone and good luck with your week!

Sunday Soundtracks: Skillet (Part I)

Happy Easter Sunday everyone! Its time for yet another Sunday Soundtracks! So how about we do something appropriate to the day with a christian band (which happens to be amazing for writing music).

Today we are going to talk about a band that is very close to my heart. They are one of those bands that can put out any song and I will listen to it... at least ten times. Their music is infectious and so often fits my characters and I'm going to talk about them today. They are:

SKILLET! I love skillet. I love them so much. I started listening to them back and middle school and low and behold their music still sticks with me. I haven't thrown their CDs into the 'never to be opened again' time capsule of my awkward years. I still play them loud and proud.

There's a lot of reasons I love this band. I love the sound of the music first of all. The passionate guitar, the hard hitting drum beats, the bass that punches you in the pit of your stomach and stirs up your soul. It might seem over dramatic, but the very sound of Skillet is emotional and full of life.

I love the lyrics too. This is a Christian band but the words are vague enough that it can be applied to relationships and other situations as well, which make it great fodder for story brainstorming.

The thing is, I can't do just one post on their music and my personal favorite songs because I adore so many of them. So I'm going to do a two parter on this, with another Sunday Soundtracks on them next week. But for this week lets focus on two of their albums: 'Awake' and 'Comatose' and my favorite tracks from those.

I should note that I love most of the songs on these albums and that I recommend buying both of them, but held at gun point, these are the best tracks for writing inspiration.

Awake- My very first Skillet album and my second favorite of theirs that I own. Its got some real winners so lets take a look.

Monster- This is a great song for a conflicted character. I loved this song enough in high school to make a music video to it, which meant listening to the song no less than one million times. But, years later, I still like it. I've always been one for tortured and conflicted characters so a song expressing the anguish of guilt is always great for a writing soundtrack.

Awake and Alive- This is one of the most passionate of the Skillet songs. Its a roaring anthem for taking back your life and living to the fullest. And it is excellent for an action scene. It really jazzes you up for ass kicking, particularly if its an inspirational ass kicking. This is a personal favorite and another song I once made a music video to. (ALL the music videos)

One Day too Late- This is a softer song compared to the last two but still a very powerful song. Its one of those that makes you want to take back your life but in a more peaceful way. It just makes life sound nice and its one of those that makes me want to walk briskly across an open field, arms swinging by my sides and a smile on my face. It also makes you want to do something nice for someone else. I've always found it to be a good writing track for inspirational scenes and I've PICTURED several music videos to this song. (Noticing a trend here? Skillet is good for music videos)

Forgiven- Yay relationship songs! Though this is technically a song about God, it works for a normal relationship as well and it really captures the relieving nature of forgiveness. Its a desperate song but its desperately grateful and very powerful. One of the more emotional songs on the list.

Lucy- This song tells a specific story so it might not be good for just any writing soundtrack. I mostly put it here because I really like the story it tells. It would be a great track for a contemporary novel (unlike most of the stuff on this list, which is better for action adventure, fantasy or sci-fi. Anything with fight scenes really). I just couldn't in good conscious leave this off a list of my favorite skillet songs.

Comatose- This is my least favorite of the albums I own, but that's kind of like saying that dark chocolate is my least favorite kind of chocolate. I like ALL chocolate (except the kind with fruit filling) so this album still has some winners.

Rebirthing- Another one of those rousing, take-back-your-life anthems in the same vein as Awake and Alive. Its just as powerful and passionate and great for an action scene. It also has some good lyrics for relationships so using it for a scene in which two lovers are hopelessly outnumbered in a fight to the death would be a great idea. Or for any fight scene. Its just a good song in general.

The Last Night- Yay, more desperate relationships between broken people. Because those are my favorite to write and read about. This works for relationships in any genre and the addition of the female vocalist is welcome (I'm a huge fan of her voice). I've applied this song to a lot of characters and maybe you'll find some love birds who fit in with the lyrics.

Better than Drugs- ANOTHER desperate relationship song (there are a lot of those on this album). This is about people who desperately need each other and was the perfect match two of my characters (the ones from Giving Plot to the Plotless. You know, the little stinkers who revolted and had an affair with each other). I love the instrumentation and build of this song. Another personal favorite of mine.

Comatose- Here we have a, you guessed it, DESPERATE RELATIONSHIP SONG! (soo many of these on this album) I love how many of these are on here, partially because it actually encapsulates the ups and downs of a relationship with god, and partially because it means lost of fodder for my writing. Basically, you should be listening to this band if any of your characters have romantic entanglements like the ones I have described.

Falling Inside the Black- So this song is more in the vein of MONSTER as its about losing yourself to... well it could be anything really. Sin, addiction, self loathing. Its good for the conflicted soul and it has some really great instrumentation.

There are actually a lot of softer songs on the Skillet albums and songs about sweeter relationships. I just tend to like the harder stuff more. But there songs are diverse and good for writing anything with action. And there's even something for contemporary with no action. Any emotional story could benefit from a writing soundtrack of Skillet songs.

Next week we'll be talking about my favorite Skillet album and also why I appreciate them as a Christian band. Until then, happy Easter and have a good week!

Sunday Soundtracks: Game of Thrones

Hello all!

So, I've been away from the blog a little while... actually a long while. I got very bogged down with rehearsals for our school musical which resulted in me having... no time to sleep. But, I am back now, well rested and ready to go!

I was thinking to myself the other day "Self, what should you do for Sunday Soundtracks this weekend?" And then it hit me. This Sunday is April 6th. And do you know what that means:

GAME OF THRONES SEASON 4!!!!!

Praying for much Joffery harm in the future :) But of course, this makes it an appropriate time to look at the music for Game of Thrones which, in my opinion, is pretty underrated. Its absolutely perfect for the show in both its softer and more intense moments. It might not stand on its own quite as strong as music from, say, Lord of the Rings, but it has a very different flavor to it.

The music isn't particularly obtrusive so it makes a good writing soundtrack. The music is there, putting you in the mood, but it doesn't distract you from your work. I always put on Game of Thrones music when I need to write papers for school as well.

Its hard to point to any stand out tracks but there are two songs which I think have successfully intruded upon the public consciousness. They both stick in your head and heart. I'd be surprised if you hadn't already heard them.

The first of these is the opening theme of course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7L2PVdrb_8

Like I even need to say that. This show has one of the catchiest and most appropriate openings. It really gears you up for action and fills you with anticipation. The use of strings is wonderful and you can bet I'll be jumping up and down in my seat tonight when the episode airs. Listen to it if you haven't already.

The second song I think we should talk about is one that sticks in your heart. In that it stabs you in the heart. With fear. You know what I'm talking about.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECewrAld3zw

The Lannisters send their regards :)

This song is really eerie even without the context. It has a lot of weight and the instrumental version is hauntingly beautiful. If you can listen to it without breaking into tears, I recommend it for your writing sound track.

The rest of the soundtrack is strong as well, and you can find six hours of Game of Thrones music on youtube if you're in for a long writing day. This music especially suits fantasy (obviously). Its best for anything with a particularly epic setting. I don't think it matches tonally with any contemporary work or small stories. But anyone writing in a vast, complex world? Add this soundtrack to your writing play list.

Now we just have to wait for the episode tonight. And you know what Game of Thrones?

Happy season 4 everyone!!

Sunday Soundtracks: Lana Del Ray

Happy Sunday everyone. Hope the weekend has been lovely for you and that the looming Monday will be filled with as much sunshine and happiness as Mondays can be. Personally, my Mondays are Tuesdays because of my exceptionally busy class schedule on that day, but for most people, I think Mondays hold the crowing achievement for most dreaded day of the week.

But, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday or any other day of the week, we all need to write and we all need some good music to act as our soundtrack and/or muse. So what shall we look at this week?

Its always a good day for Loki gifs

Well, last time we looked at the largely instrumental music of Wolf's Rain so i think its time for lyrical music again. But instead of a band, lets look at a singer and instead of rock lets go for something a little softer. Sounds look a good day for Lana Del Ray to me!

Chances are, most of you know her name. She really spiked in popularity after one of her songs 'Young and Beautiful' was featured in The Great Gatsby last spring and she even got a lot of airplay on her song 'Summer Time Sadness' (Usually the not-as-good version with the electronic beat in the background but who's asking my opinion?) Personally I like both of those songs though, they're not my personal favorite by her. I am really glad she's gotten more popular.

I first found out about Lana Del Ray at the beginning of my Senior year at high school when my friend sent me a song that she described as 'my character's thoughts if her love interest died'. You know, the cheerful facebook messages all friends send. (Yes, this is the same friend I was writing the gigantic book series with in the 'Giving Plot to the Plotless' series). I listened to the song and I fell in love with it and Lana.

It doesn't necessarily lie in the complexity of the lyrics. She has some good ones now and again but its nothing like the stunning lyricism of Florence and the Machine (which I will talk about another time, because I love them and they are perfect). The real kicker with Lana's music is the haunting quality to her voice and the way it drifts through the song like a dream. There's a reason they got her to do the new cover for 'Once Upon a Dream' for the new Maleficent move. Her voice sounds like its right out of the realm of sleep, like she's trying to hypnotize you.

Also, my level of excitement for this movie cannot be contained.

Most of her songs deal with relationships or the pain of being young. Or both. Most of the songs she writes are pretty depressing. Nothing about true love but usually about addicted love or stupid love or love that won't last. There's a hint of suicidal tendencies and depression to a lot of her songs and the tunes don't help. There's a lot of songs in the minor key and they all have this slow tone that seems to mimic a feeling of hopelessness.

So clearly this is a GREAT person to listen to when you need to be uplifted.

In all seriousness though, she does provide some awesome word fodder with a lot of her tunes so lets talk about some of my favorites from her.

Young and Beautiful- Getting this one out of the way, I do really like it. I like how the drums emphasize the beat and it sounds like a great song for a lamenting dance. And of course it asks the question often wondered in young love: Will it last? Will it matter when I don't have my looks anymore? Not exactly a new question but its the execution that works. I'd tell you to listen to it but you probably already have.

Dark Paradise- This was the song my friend sent me and the song that made me fall in love with Lana. Its a hell of a first song to hear but I really liked it. Its one of her more depressing songs because it sounds like she's mourning someone who has died rather than someone who has left her. She's clearly trapped and grief and can't escape it. This fits more than one of my characters in the past. That being said, this kind of depression can be hard to pull off writing wise but that's a post for another time.

Born to Die- This is another song that doesn't just seem to sing about a relationship but also an addiction. An addiction to living the high life. The singer now seems to regret such decisions but is resigned to the situation she is now in. This song has similar themes as a lot of songs, talking about living on the 'wild side' but here it isn't lauded as the right life but regretted. I like the subtly of it, and Lana's voice is a big part of making the song work.

This is what makes us Girls- Another song about living wild when you're young. There's a since of nostalgia and regret in the song. Its matter of fact, not necessarily condemning the behavior but not celebrating it. I really like the tone of the song and some of the subtle throw away lines that hint at something darker. I always love finding little, dark lines in songs.

Serial Killer- This is probably the lightest song on the list. Its about a girl who 'murders love' by jumping from guy to guy for the rush, but she's pretty unashamed of it. Its a good villain song actually, and she sings it in a sweeter voice that contrasts nicely with the subject matter. This is a fun song, unlike most of her other ones, but still good for inspiration

Once Upon a Dream- All the same lyrics of the original song from Sleeping Beauty but with a tone that gives it a completely different meaning. Listen to it and watch the trailer while you're at it because its amazing. It perfectly suits Maleficent. Lana Del Ray actually has the voice I picture if Maleficent were to sing. (Which would be awesome.

Look at her. You know she has an awesome villain song bottled up inside

So those are my personal favorite songs by Lana, but there's a lot to find. If you like her voice, you'll like most of her stuff because it all has a similar tone and cadence to it. I think this kind of music is especially good for contemporary and romance pieces. It also always puts me in the mind of the 50s and 60s if you're doing a piece set in that time. But it can work for just about anything with some kind of relationship or addiction in it.

That's it for today's Sunday Soundtracks. If you have suggestions for good writing music, let me know. Otherwise have a good day. Go forth and get some writing done before Monday's hellish call finds you.

Sunday Soundtracks: Wolf's Rain

Well, since last week we talked about music with lyrics, lets drift back into the world of instrumental music this Sunday and talk about a woman named Yoko Kanno.

This wonderful woman right here

Yoko Kanno is a Japanese composer and one of the biggest names in Anime scores. She has yet to turn out a bad score for a show. Whenever her name is attached, the music is gold. And often times the shows are as well, but that's a topic for another time.

Yoko Kanno is a woman of many genres, composing blues, jazz, techno, J-pop and classical, to name a few. And all of them fit fantastically with the images on the screen.

The soundtrack I want to talk about today is the Wolf's Rain soundtrack. This show is comprised mostly of classical music, unlike one of her other well known projects, Cowboy Bebop (We'll talk about that one another Sunday) which uses largely jazz and blues pieces. 

And the music is gorgeous. Some of the most stunning orchestral pieces I've heard. There's just such emotion in each song and it really fits a fantasy setting. I'd say it would be good background music for sci-fi, dystopian and post-apocalyptic settings too. Anything with really grand visuals and locations, or with a lot of emotional scenes.

Here are a few of my favorite tracks.

Strangers- Good music for a journey. Its thoroughly pleasant and though it has lyrics they kind of fade into the rest of the orchestration. Really pretty and good for writing calmer scenes or transitional scenes.

Gravity- This is the ending song of the show and there's a sense of calm and perseverance in this song. Like someone who has been working toward something for awhile and still has a long way to go. I really like how calm and pretty this track is.

Heaven's not Enough- Another song with lyrics (I promise there's orchestral music in here somewhere). This one is rather depressing fare. Which you probably picked up from the title. But its really good theme music for a character going through a rough time, especially after a recent loss.

Shiro Long Tail's- This is the music for a triumphant comeback. When a hero gathers all their strength and makes a final stand. Its emotional and powerful, definetily one of those tracks that just fills you up as you listen to it. A personal favorite of mine.

Tsume no Suna- This is the song for a character's dramatic entrance. You know who I'm talking about. The first meeting of the really badass character no one messes with. This makes a perfect opening theme to that character, or the build up to a fight scene.

Friends- This is the kind of music that plays behind emotional dialogue while two characters are having a moment in their relationship, romantic or otherwise. Obviously, there's a reason its called Friends. This is a softer piece but none the less powerful.

Go to Rakuen- If you listen to NO OTHER song on this list, listen to this one. Its absolutely beautiful and one of my favorite classical pieces in general. The emotion of it is hard to duplicate. I know I'm using 'emotion' a lot but that's the best way to describe this. An absolute surge of emotions and the conclusion to a long journey. Its a peace full of hope and beauty. Listen to it. NOW. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwvQ6Hs7tJE )

Emotional is really he best word to describe all of the Wolf's rain soundtrack and I highly recommend every last song from the show. I recommend the show as well but only if you're prepared to let your feels take a pounding. Because they will.

That's all for this weeks Sunday Soundtracks! Enjoy the Oscars and keep a look out for the nominees for best music. You could find some gems for your writing!

Sunday Soundtracks: Icon for Hire

Okay so... its not Sunday. But the alliteration is kind of ruined if I say 'Monday Soundtracks' don't you think? So lets just pretend I put this out yesterday and no one will no the difference.

Be quiet Buddy

I tried to get the post out yesterday, but in all honesty, my computer restarted to do updates and I lost the changes. The save button is your friend.

But anyway, SUNDAY SOUNDTRACKS! (Sort of)

Last week we talked about the varied and moving soundtrack of one of the most depressing little animes out there: Attack on Titan.

The titans just want to be friends O.O

The show is often times terrifying and makes you question why you ever thought zombies were scary, but the music really does its job and makes for a heart wrenching, action packed experience. So of course, its great writing music.

But this time, lets deviate from instrumental tunes and take a look at music with lyrics. Music with lyrics is trickier for some people to write to, because the words coming from the songs interrupt their train of thought. I personally don't have a problem with it, but some writers do. Regardless of whether or not you can write to music with lyrics, lots of tunes can still be great sources of inspiration. Especially when it comes to characters. And if there's any band who LOVES writing music that fits my characters, its Icon for Hire.

I love this album cover too

I love a good female rocker, and Ariel, the lead singer, is one of my favorites. She has an exceptional passion in her voice, during both the intense songs and the softer ones. Passionate is just the way to describe their music. It makes for some great inspiration for the tough characters in your books (women especially, since the singer is female). But its not just about being a badass with no flaws. These songs are about people who are broken. Characters who struggle with themselves everyday but keep on fighting as hard as they can. Characters who sometimes can't fight anymore. 

It hits a lot of different issues in a very honest way. Here's a shortlist of issues touched upon in their songs: Rebellion, anxiety, depression, addiction, insecurity, weakness, vulnerability, drugs, music. And all of these issues seem to come from a very honest place. As someone who deals with anxiety, some of these songs hit home and hit hard on how it feels like in the middle of a panic attack, at least for me personally.

I think what makes the music work is that the singer seems to be singing from personal experience. She sympathizes with others who are going through what they are but also acknowledges the need to reach out for help. Its powerful music when you really start listening to the lyrics and many of the songs have acted as anthems for my characters in my book.

I own their most recent two albums. My personal favorite is Scripted, which is one of the few albums I enjoy every single song on. The CD has been in my car for over a year now, playing on repeat whenever I go anywhere, either because I'm too lazy to switch it out or I genuinely love the music. I think both are probable. Cynics and Critics is their most recent album and it took a few listens to really grow on me. I enjoy most of the songs on it, but its a different style from their music on Scripted. I personally prefer the Scripted style more but I like both of them.

Here's a list of some personal Favorite Songs of mine and why they hit home-

From Scripted:

- Theater- This was the first song I heard from Icon for Hire. My friend, the same one I'm writing the mega series of books with, sent me a link to this song because she said it made her think of one of my characters. And she was completely right. Its a powerful, intense song about overcoming social anxieties and trying to return to living life, despite continuing fears. She's not singing about being a badass, she's singing about how much she needs courage to face the world. It also has one of my favorite lyrics of any song: 'I'm gonna live like I've lost the script, and scream every line like this is it.' I appreciate the actor imagery, being a theater geek myself. One of my all time favorite songs from them.

- Make a Move- This is a good old, going against the grain, rebellion song. It sings about stepping out of the prescribed social customs and actually living. Its not exactly a new concept in a song but I love how much it sounds like a plea for motion. The singer is begging people to step out. I love the passion in this song. I think this is one of their more popular songs and its not surprising. And hey, if you got a dystopian novel, this should go great with that.

AAALLLL the Dystopian!

- Get Well- This song dips into the music discussing addiction. A desire to get well but an addiction to the life already being lead. Its not just about being addicted to harmful substances or adrenaline (she doesn't specify the object of the addiction), its about being addicted to the attention she receives from others. Another great lyric is in here: "Being lonely's only fun in a group. It sort of loses its charm when its true." Its a song about returning to the same things over and over again but also a plea to get out. There's a desperate tone to this song that I really like. Definitely check it out, especially if you have any characters dealing with addiction.

- The Grey- This is a great relationship song. And by that I of course mean its a struggling relationship. The singer is afraid to open herself up to the friend or romantic interest. She feels she has become too cold and she's afraid of becoming vulnerable again. Its a slower song on the list and I think it fits a lot of good character relationships. A personal favorite of mine.

- Off with her Head- Another good old song about struggling with identity and hating what you've become, this is one of the most passionate songs on the album. So many of Icon for Hire's song sound like desperate cries for help and this is one of them. In this case, however, she doesn't want to be herself anymore. Similar to some of their other songs, but one of the more desperate. Again, I love this song. Seeing a trend here? Its no surprise that I listen to this album over and over again.

- Iodine- Similar to 'Get Well' this is the struggle between living life as it was and trying to get better. Except in this one, the singer seems to much prefer staying where she is. This song seems more specific than others too so it hits pretty hard. Its a shorter song but I've listened to it over and over again. Its just so intense.

From Cynics and Critics:

- Cynics and Critics- I have a few less favorites on this album. But it still has some real winners. This song especially is a rebellion anthem and a really hard hitting one at that. I think this might be Icon for Hire's most intense song. It makes me want to dance around the room, head banging. Good old rebellion can be some good inspiration for books though, am I right?

Hello again, Dystopian. Anyone seeing a trend?

- Hope of Morning- This is one of those songs that really accurately captures the speed of a mind racing. While the last album dealt a lot with depression and addiction, this one plunges more into anxiety and there's a few songs like this in the mix. The singer feels like she has a million things on her mind. Everything is moving to fast and she can't hide anywhere. Even her mind and emotions seem to be betraying her. That's an accurate feeling of anxiety. The song slows down for the chorus and becomes very pretty and moving. I connect a lot with this song, and if you characters dealing with anxiety, it might connect for them too.

- Rock and Roll Thugs- I love this song because its about music. Its about the singer's passion for music and how she's had to fight for it. This is one of the most honest songs just because you can tell how much she loves what she does. I love music so I love this song. Have any musical characters? Listen to this song. Its my favorite on the album, actually, and one of my favorites from Icon for Hire altogether.

- Think I'm Sick- So musically, this is actually my least favorite song I've heard from Icon for Hire. Its kind of off-beat and doesn't have much of a flow to it. Lyrically, I have to put it on here because it is so dead on for anxiety attacks. Its exactly the kind of things that go through my head during a panic attack and its almost scary. And the disjointed music actually fits the lyrics when I think about it. The brutal honesty of it all, requires me to put it on this list. Definitely listen to it.

- Fix Me- This is a song that, in contrast to 'The Grey' is completely about vulnerability and needing someone else to help you with your problems. Which of course makes it a good relationship song. Its a slower song too, and very pretty. Though its a plea for help, there's a hopeful tone to it as well. Another great song.

So obviously there are a lot of songs from Icon for Hire I love. But there's several other winners I didn't put on this list. So you'll just have to take a listen to all of them and buy their CDs. So what are you waiting for?

Go forth

Thanks for joining me for this (late) Sunday Soundtracks post. See you next week!

Sunday Soundtrack: Attack on Titan

Well, Valentines weekend is over, effectively reminding all the single people in the world how lonely they are.

Or I guess that's how some single's felt. But its hard to feel alone when you hole yourself up in a room with your fellow single friends, a cookie cake and Sherlock.

This is our special Valentines Day Cake :)

Yes, we spent the whole evening marathoning Sherlock, as well as various different animes. Why have real men when the ones on screen are just so delicious?

Of course, I have other reasons for liking shows besides the incredibly attractive men and interesting plot lines (Though don't get me wrong, those are GREAT reasons to like a show). I'm also a sucker for good music. I'm a musical person, for those who don't know. I like making music videos for movies and TV shows in my spare time and I've played the piano since I was five. I just have a really good sense of rhythm and melody. So its not surprising that music has a huge impact on how I view media and the world. Its a source of inspiration for me.

In any movie or show, the music is an often under appreciated ingredient. It compliments the images but its not always the first thing people look at. Never the less its a vital part of setting the tone for the images on screen.

Sherlock, for instance, has a very eclectic soundtrack that fits well with the tone on the show. Sometimes its tense and suspenseful, sometimes its fast paced and action packed, and sometimes it utilizes silence to its advantage. It also has some great stand alone pieces. Particularly in the final episode of season 2.

Music is also probably the most terrifying element of horror movies, heightening the sense of anxiety in the audience on a psychological level that makes the images much more terrifying. Ever try watching a horror movie without the sound? It suddenly loses many of its scares.

Why do I bring this up? Because music can also be a source of inspiration and motivation for writing and whenever my fingers start flying, they are never without musical accompaniment. So, since music is so important to me, I've decided to start this new segment: Sunday Soundtracks. Every Sunday I'll talk about a new piece of music or band or singer or film score which inspires me to write. Some will be suited to specific genres or characters and some won't. Either way, you might find something to listen to and enjoy.

So what's the subject of today's Sunday Soundtracks? A little anime called Attack on Titan.

This little piece of awesome

I'll probably do another post on the anime as a whole, because it really is a triumph in a lot of areas, especially in its animation, action, fast paced plot, and likable characters. But today, let's focus on the music.

The opening theme alone took the anime community by storm with the show first aired. Its a fast paced combination of heart stopping instrumentation and exuberant, dramatic choirs, backing a passionate singer with wonderful vocals. Everyone was talking about the opening theme. And one would think it would be hard to top such a masterpiece. You can watch it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OkpRK2_gVs

But the entire show has a consistently amazing soundtrack. It has a lot of wonderful music for action scenes, as one would expect from the opening, but it also has some heart wrenchingly beautiful piano music and softer vocals that really hit you right in the feels. The soundtrack has music for everything. The high points, the low points, the moments when all is lost and the spirited comebacks that make you want to cheer. Nearly every track hits it out of the park and the variety makes it perfect music to to type too. 

For those who are easily distracted by music with lyrics, most of the singing is done in Japanese, so unless you know Japanese, the vocals become just another instrument with the ensemble. I recommend it for anyone who's writing an epic fantasy or sci-fi action novel. Dystopians and post-apocolyptic books can find inspiration here too. There's just a grandness to the music that suits an epic setting, both bleak and hopeful.

There's a mix of the music on youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PCgJGxz-FU

You can get a since of whether or not you like the music pretty quickly. And if you do, I definitely recommend buying it. My personal favorite music is in the first five minutes. Its just so beautiful.

For those who want to watch the show, you can find it on Crunchyroll.com. I highly recommend it, but be warned it does get a little (okay, a lot) bloody and its not for the faint of heart. Basically if you get scared by zombie movies... this might not be your thing.

The titans make scary faces like this... So tread lightly

Think this music is good for your writing? Have your own writing tunes you want to share? Leave a comment and let me know!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and get some good writing done before the daily grind starts up again!