How music serves my writing. · 1:52am Feb 12th, 2015
Good day to anyone who may read this!
Today's topic will be about music-- how it impacts writing for me and serves as a catalyst for new ideas. These songs, keep in mind, are not my particular favorites but rather pieces that have influenced the way my story, Beneath the Canon You Settle For, is written.
Byzantine Power Game - Max Payne
In order to write a story that mirrored Sam Lake's writing, I looked to the game introduced me to him. The gameplay and story made for a thrill, and the music, subtly inserted between his lines and gunshots, maintained that thrill. "Byzantine Power Game" emphasizes the urgency and intrigue that surrounds Max Payne's dark world. When the key points in the plot need to unfold, this song is what I look to for their implementation. In the shadows, in the margins. Not to mention, it stimulates me to action whenever I start getting distracted by these other tabs on my web browser!
Daisuke - El Huervo
Once the action dies down and the plot slows for a breather, it becomes time to reflect deeply on all that had transpired up to this point. No matter how safe and comfortable we feel now, we are reminded by "Daisuke" that we will have to live with our actions, whether they were right or wrong, and confront the consequences later. I listen to this piece during decrescendos in stories, when worries can be forgotten for a moment's time and characters can be allowed to think unhindered. Most importantly, however, the song reminds me of the atmosphere I want to portray in these moments: wistful, winded, slightly doubtful.
The Director - Lone Survivor
Jasper Byrne's music is a treat. If the previous piece creates the scene for a breather, this one creates the scene for a shining light in complete dark. While subdued and simple, this small tune is just the break one needs from a mad world. I listen to "The Director" for scenes in which I might decide to show kindness to my characters. After hurting them for a long duration, I usually muster enough guilt to warrant writing a hope spot (just before throwing them back into misery and pain). A proper conflict is supposed to test characters and force them to put in the effort, yet I doubt characters need to fight the whole length of the story. Once more, the song emphatically urges one to slow the pacing and show consideration or empathy.
Music is meant to be evocative. It carries the spirit of its composer and transfers that person's motifs and inspirations over to the listener. There is a suitable song for any situation, and it does not hurt to, once in a while, look to songs for reference.
