I can't listen to music while I write. I don't know, I just can't focus.

Music scores, depending on what I'm writing.  Recently it's been this orchestral score to Phantasy Star and some older Jerry Goldsmith.

I always listen to music while I write. Mostly EBM, Industrial, Synthpop, Dark Wave, Aggrotech, etc, etc.

To name a bunch of bands: Tactical Sekt, Dawn of Ashes, Hocico, Covenant, Seabound, Clan of Xymox, Feindflug, Emergence, Imperative Reaction, Icon of Coil, and some Tiger Army when the mood strikes me.

Usually, I don't really DO country music, but I got to listen to Rascal Flatt's "Take Me There..." It's a great 4:26 minute lesson on developing depth behind your characters...Not a bad song, either.

I don't usually write with music... But, when I've written something that has evoked within me some kind of strong emotional response, then I will sometimes use music as I rewrite something.

There seems to be different layers within the craft of writing.  When I'm working at some levels, I feel that music is an intrusion; however, at other levels, it feels to me as a catalyst and contributory to the experience within myself and the work.

Do what you feel is right for yourself.  Some people feel they absolutely need music in the background... gosh, it must have been tough in the days before radio.  

Sandra

Depends on what I'm writing. If it's a sort of aggressive action sequence then I put on Bionic Jive or Smile Empty Soul. Other than that I can pretty much listen to anything.

I'm all up for music. I listen to anything from country, to pop, to Broadway. I've been listening to the Sweeney Todd revival a lot lately.

I know a guy who listens to soundtracks while he works. If he's writing a horror, he'll put on the Halloween soundtrack. If he's writing a comedy, he'll put on a comedy soundtrack.

I'm almost always listen to music or talk radio while I'm on my computer, writing on my computer is no exception.

Besides that though, I find listening to music while writing a great tool, if not (for me) necessary. It sets a mood, an atmosphere, I think it helps breath life into the page. It can help create a sense or rather feel of the scene, it helps create a pace.

Also, when the music and the content of what you're writing really connects I feel like everything begins to flow, or groove, it's difficult to explain. Maybe I can liken it to playing a musical instrument, where the keyboard produces words instead of notes yet still sings with the music (I almost mean this in a literal sense), its magical.

I'm curious if any of you have similar experiences? I've talked with a friend of mine about it, he thinks I'm crazy, but he like some of you can't listen to music while he writes, so I guess he wouldn't get it.

Anyway, I wrote about 90% of GBS listening to these four songs:



  





sheepwalker

When I'm writing my type of Horror (Lovecraft kind of stuff), Tool is an awesome band to build up an atmosphere for it in you head. They're one the few Rock bands today that can actually be taken seriously. Kick-ass riffs combined with awesome vocals, multi-meaningful lyrics and a great atmosphere make for the best Rock band there is today.

Their music videos are just as creative as their music and also great to look at and they are sure to inspire you one way or another when writing weird fiction. (Youtube "Stinkfist" "Aenima" or  "Schism" to catch my meaning).

Outside of Horror, I rarely listen to music when I write.


--Julio

When I write horror/violent stuff I always listen to 80's pop ballads and 70's rock.

I like music that works against the images on screen, instead of being obvious (sad songs for sad moments, happy songs for happy moments, Pantera for action scenes).

It creates tension in itself, so I like to listen to music that mirrors that.

Straight up Silence, anything else throws me off.

Usually a film score, Goldsmith most likely. Or some Tangerine Dream. But no rock, pop, nothing with lyrics.

I'm a fan of chilled out music when I write. I pretty much have to write with music but if the music is busy, I will get distracted. So my preferred music is stuff like Portishead, Erykah Badu & Yesterday's New Quintet.

There has been a few times when I writing horror or something angry and I 'll feel the need to toss in Slayer's 'reign in blood'

I mostly listen to Joe Purdy when I write but for some reason or another I've been listening to the Prison Break score a lot lately.