Music that inspires

Music is, and has always been, interpreted individually. It is not necessary to follow someone else’s recommendation as to the music that fits the mood. It is, in fact a pointless endeavor. The way I view a mood is not dictated by the advice of someone else. It held true of our musical tastes vs. our parents tastes, and it holds true of our tastes vs. our peers. We just all feel the music differently.
I could blithely sit here in my megalomania and suggest that the best way for you to write a piece set in Barcelona that you should take the time to go and buy several CD’s by Andres Segovia or get a copy of Vinnie Moore’s “Never been to Barcelona.”

While I heartily recommend both pieces of music, the question I have to ask is this:
Are they going to help you write what you want to write?

The answer, most likely, is no.
So I present to you, gentle reader, the advice that I would use myself. Perhaps it isn’t rocket science and I doubt it will change the way you write. It is, however, the best way I know to set a mood with music.

Step One, Know your story:

What? I already know what I want to write.

OK, we’ll assume you do. You’ve researched your period, you know who held the important offices of the time, you know the social climate. You’ve immersed yourself in the time you’ve chosen.
So what does this have to with music? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. But you really should start there.

Step Two, Know your characters:

I already know them!

Wonderful! You could sit with them and ask them any question at all about their world and they would have an opinion, right? Shoe size, political affiliation, religious beliefs, social issues. You have all of this down, right? GREAT!
So what does this have to do with music? Nothing, but we’re getting to the point in step three.

Step Three, Write it!

I was already writing it! What does this have to do with music?

Again, this has nothing to do with music. But now that you’re writing, I can give you a few tips.

1. Determine the mood of the scene: That’s not hard, is it? You already know the mood you’re trying to set. Now, go find a song or a series of songs that evoke that mood in you. Do they have to be period? No. thy just have to make you feel the same way you’ve got your characters feeling at the moment. It’s that simple. You can be writing a piece set in 18th century London and listening to Korn. It doesn’t matter. As long as it stirs your emotions.
2. Refer to Step 1.

Really, that’s the best advice I can give. Music is as individual as tastes in chocolate or choices in movies. I cannot dictate what song will provide you with “The Mood”, and neither can anyone else. If you’re a stickler for period music when writing period pieces, by all means go and get some. If not, listen to what makes you feel the mood you are trying to portray. It’s that simple.

Now that I’ve given my two cents, I’ll chime out with this note.
Currently I’m listening to “Foo Foo” by Carlos Santana, from the Shaman CD. It makes me happy, and fills me with a sense of hope and just a little bit of mirth. The tune makes me want to both dance and play a joke on my neighbor.

How would it make you feel? I don’t know. But please feel free to tell me.

Originally published in Enchanted Ramblings…

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