The Soundtrack to My Writing

I’ve always loved music. I have been singing from pretty much the moment I could talk, so it is only natural that music inspires me. Here are a few of my go-to songs that help to set the mood for my writing sessions:

“Robots” – Dan Mangan
If you’ve never seen Dan Mangan in concert, I highly recommend him. The atmosphere, the intimacy, everything is absolute perfection. This was the last song of the first concert I ever attended of his and I immediately fell in love with the song. It is a great reflection on how humans, much like robots, find themselves stuck in routines and patterns and conforming to societal norms without questioning them (you might notice I play into this in my novel that you can read here: Darkest Depths). Every time I hear this song I am transported back to that dark amphitheater, swaying to the music. And I think of the shivers that were sent down my spine, or how I looked at my, then boyfriend now husband, with tears in my eyes.

“Big Black Car” – Gregory Alan Isakov
Throughout my life, I’ve experienced many moments of longing to escape, and this song resonates deeply with those emotions. There have been times when the idea of changing my name and moving to Europe has seemed incredibly tempting—a fresh start in a new place. But deep down, I know that running away isn’t the answer. Instead, “Big Black Car” reminds me to find peace in introspection and to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come.

“Fall Into You” – Houses on the Hill
Honesty? This is a pretty random one. I stumbled across this song on YouTube while watching cow hoof trimmings (anyone else a fan of the Hoof GP?) He uses this song as the intro to his videos and I really loved it. The song captures the intensity and vulnerability in relationships and is just beautiful overall. It reminds me of the messiness and beauty, and reminds me to add emotional depth to my work.

“Emmylou” – First Aid Kit
“Emmylou” by First Aid Kit is a tribute to musical inspiration and the bonds formed through creative collaboration. Its harmonious vocals and nostalgic lyrics remind me of the power of music to connect us with others and inspires me to make that same connection through my writing.

“All Too Well” – Taylor Swift
Anyone else experience a breakup and can relate to Taylor Swift’s music? Even though I am happily married, I still love to belt out “All Too Well’ at the top of my lungs. Sometimes I think it scares my husband. This song resonates with me because it helps me to reconnect with those feelings of hurt and loss, which in turn helps me to create emotionally resonating pieces.

“Little Wonders” – Rob Thomas
The first time I heard this song, I was probably around ten years old and had just finished watching “Meet the Robinson’s” and was basically bawling my eyes out because it was such a good movie (and I will still stand by that statement). And ever since then, the song kind of just stuck with me. I really love how it challenges you to think of things from a different perspective, that the small and insignificant moments are what make up our lives and are what make life beautiful.

Got any song recommendations you’d love to share? Have your own songs that inspire you? Share your favorites in the comments below!