I've got a plan, now I need the soundtrack.
I'm revamping a couple of novels I've written and also [theoretically] working on a new novel. Or finishing something I've started writing. Yes, I'm a NaNoWriMo sucker, and I'm getting ramped and ready to get working.
I've got my plans, I've got the determination [for right now], what I need is music to write by. Music that will kick my ass when I am sitting at my computer thinking, SERIOUSLY? JUST ONE FUCKING WORD WOULD BE NICE.
What do you listen to you when you write? Classical? The classics [anything from The Beatles to Duran Duran would qualify. Jesus, I'm fucking old.]? Techno? Silence? I do all of the above, but I feel the need to have a really kick ass play list that will keep me motivated when the haters start hating. And by haters, I generally mean that stupid, evil voice that makes me feel like I can't do anything right.
Here's what I've got so far [Links are to YouTube & the like]:
Stronger by Kanye West
Lose Yourself by Eminem
Can't Hold Us Down by Christina Aguilera
In One Ear by Cage the Elephant
I need a few more songs that will make me want to kick someone's ass. That the ass will be my recalcitrant brain is a metaphysical jumble I don't want to get into right now.
What are your suggestions? What anthem gets your blood pumping when you need to do something RIGHT NOW?
I'm all ears. And a crazy brain.
Jane's Addiction is guaranteed to get me going. A bit of NIN. Throw in some Social D, some STP, and a bit of Flogging Molly. I suppose those are all freaking "classics" now.
ReplyDeleteLove the Cage the Elephant and Killers for newer tunes.
But when actually writing (like I am supposed to be doing now instead of THIS) I need silence. Music distracts me and I totally lose focus.
Good luck to you.
I don't listen when I write but recently realized a good playlist is essential when I run...for most of the reasons you've mentioned above. Here's what I am loving so far:
ReplyDeleteTreat Me Like Your Mother by The Dead Weather
Chicken Bones by John Grant
NYC Cops by the Strokes
and almost anything by Vampire Weekend
Happy Writing!!!
I can't listen to music while writing, either, but songs that get me going are:
ReplyDeleteBob by NOFX
Hash pipe by Weezer
Devil with a Blue Dress by Mitch Ryder
Lucky Streak by The Aggrolites
The Longest Time by Me First and the Gimme Gimmes
I like:
ReplyDeleteI'm The Best by Nikki Minaj
You Don't Know by 50 Cent and Eminem
Off That by Jay Z
All She Wrote by T.I. with Eminem
Roman's Revenge by Nikki Minaj with Eminem
There's a slight theme here :)
I hope I can take part in NaNoWriMo this year.
You are such an inspiration!!!
I can't listen to music.
ReplyDeleteIt has to be graveyard quiet.
That's why I write in the cematary.
(I kid I kid.)
xo
I just want to say that I LOVE your blog. You are AWESOME.
ReplyDeleteCurrently (as in today) the song that gets me motivated would have to be Carry Out by Justin Timberlake and Timbaland.
-Jennifer
High on a hill was a lonely goatherd ...
ReplyDeleteOr "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen. Also, an awesome song to run to. But that's just silly. I would never run. Unless the ice cream shop is closing.
Good Vibrations by Mark Mark and the Funky Bunch. and Cumbersome by 7Mary3. And anything by the Gap band.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!!!!
I've said this on my blog lately and I know it's not heartpounding and "GO GO GO!!!" But Because I normally write about romance, and quirky girls and boys who fall in love, lust etc...Adele19 and 21 have become albums that I put on repeat and just go...I also love the song "Amazing by George Michael and if it's going too long I break out Phil Collins "Face Value" and "Simply Red" GH...I know I am lame....but this is music that motivates my writing.
ReplyDeleteSee u on the "dark side" in Nov. ;)
"Sea of Cowards" by The Dead Weather is some ass-kickin' music. And "a couple" of novels? Does NaNoWriMO really help?
ReplyDeleteLose Yourself gets me going EVERY. DAMN. TIME.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE all these suggestions. This playlist will KICK ASS!
ReplyDeletejayz 99 problems
ReplyDeleteTry Awolnation "Sail" - I LOVE the groove.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPtSKimbjOU
Also, "Up All Night" by Blink 182 is one of my new favorites but during NaNoWriMo the irony may be too rich.
Or annoying.
If I'm looking for "pumped up angry," I go with Break Stuff by Limp Bizkit.
ReplyDeleteIf I just need to get my ass in gear, Lose Yourself is, possibly, the perfect song, but I'll add Silent Lucidity, or Me & Bobby McGee, or Brandy by Looking Glass . . . I need a bit slower, but with a groove.
Where Is My Mind? by the Pixies? Always gets me going.
omg..this post is just what i needed. thank you for reminding me of nanowrimo....my big august blog proclamation has resulted in...one character sketch...
ReplyDeleteAdd Raveonettes "Raven in the Grave" for writing those dark, complicated passages.
ReplyDeleteSocial Distortion, Bob Marley, Billy Idol, Janet Jackson, Joan Jett, Rolling Stones
ReplyDeleteI can't listen while writing, but to otherwise pump me up BEFORE writing? Angry black men cursing! M.O.P. every time. I think if I were to work out to their music I'd likely hurl barbells through mirrors and go into a freakishly skinny muscle flex position.
ReplyDelete