This is such a contrast to something else I discovered last week – a study suggesting that teens who listen to too much music are at a higher risk for developing depression than teens who do not. The same study found that teens who read books, on the other hand, decreased their risks for developing depression. This is great news for readers! But what about young music-lovers? Growing up, I loved to read and listen to music for long hours. Music was a great escape for me and I usually walked away from a listening session feeling invigorated. Or relaxed, just like the cows.
While writing my YA novel set in a music school, I’ve been listening to a lot of Bach, Chopin, Ravel, and Debussy. My protagonist also loves jazz so my office has been filled with the beautiful voices of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. It really sets the mood while writing relevant scenes.
Do you listen to music while you write? Does it inspire the process?
Since I write a lot about World War II, I have a playlist on my IPOD with songs from that period I listen to for inspiration and ambiance. I have American, English and even Germany popular music on it. When I don't listen to that, I prefer classic rock.
ReplyDeleteI always have found that I get the blues when I don't listen to music and have been listening to the radio since I was about 12.
Oh, I'd be so interested to hear what's on your playlist from that period! My dad served in WW II and both of my parents sing songs from around that time and afterward.
ReplyDeleteFunny - I also get the blues when I don't listen to music! I enjoy life with a soundtrack.
Yes, I absolutely love listening to music when I write. I like listening to piano instrumentals, movie soundtracks, as well as punk rock, hip-hop, alternative rock, you name it. Since I do a lot of my writing at night, I go for mellower tunes around that time.
ReplyDeleteThat statistic about teens and music surprises me. I wonder if it changes based on the type of music they listen to?
ReplyDeleteWhen I'm writing, I need it super quiet. But I love music, and it definitely inspires story ideas.
Cynthia - love the eclectic mix you describe!
ReplyDeleteJulie - I wondered the same thing. It would be interesting to see what type of music the teens in the study were listening to. I find it shocking because music always uplifts me.
Oh I think that's such an interesting fact about cows. I wonder if other farm animals like music too ;) I've found that I can't write while listening to music and have wondered if it has anything to do with the way I listen. It's an emotional experience for me so I wonder if it and the creative work in my writing might be tapping into the same part of my brain and at cross-purposes with each other?
ReplyDeleteJudy - It sounds like the way you listen to music is very similar to the way I listen. It is all emotion for me too - but for some reason I am able to write and listen at the same time.
ReplyDeleteYes, almost always writing with music. Also, I love the fact that you're setting a YA novel in a music school with a protagonist educated in those wonderful oldies.
ReplyDeleteI loved music AND books. I wrote lots of music, actually. And I was depressed. But I wouldn't have given up either :)
ReplyDeleteI'm from the campaign. Glad to meet you!
I don't usually listen to music when I write. I like silence so I can concentrate. If I did listen, it would need to be something without words to distract me. Classical would work.
ReplyDeleteI love all sorts of music, don't get me wrong, but when I'm working I need the quite.
I'm a fellow Campaigner!
The Write Soil
That is fascinating, I used to listen to music all the time in my room and I suffered mild depression. Wow! if only I'd known. My mum did buy me a book to help me though. Interesting!
ReplyDeleteFellow campaigner calling by, pleased to meet you.
I love music but the more I read or right the less I listen. I just can't do both My attention span is such that I compete with a goldfidh for first place.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't say that music inspires me but it definitely keeps me focused. When I write I listen to Prodigy, Firestarter. When I cook I listen to Sarah Mclachlan.
ReplyDeleteYah....I'm weird.
Fellow Canadian Platform building Campaigner here, stopping by to say hi.
Stobby
Oh yes, music does. For me anyway. I love listening to movie soundtracks when I write!
ReplyDeleteI'm from your MG/YA campaign group, it's good to meet you!
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