Writing Songs

[cubb]

Alright so we all know there are songs specifically in existence for certain activities. The best example of which would be "Life is a Highway" by Rascall Flatts, - the ultimate driving song. ;D

So now I ask, out of pure curiosity, which are your writing songs? (songs that you listen to while writing or while getting ready to start writing, if any)

Mine are:

"100 Years" - Five for Fighting
"Riddle" - Five for Fighting
"New Shoes" - Paolo Nutini
"Her Eyes" - Pat Monahan
"Chariot" - Gavin DeGraw
"He Was Just Like Me" - Madison Cross
"You'll Be In My Heart" - Phil Collins
"Two Worlds" - Phil Collins
"Son of Man" - Phil Collins
"Strangers Like Me" - Phil Collins
"What Hurts the Most" - Rascall Flatts
"Live Like You Were Dying" - Tim McGraw

These are in their own play list and they just repeat while I write. May sound weird but for some reason they really do, for lack of a less cheesy phrase, "get the creative juices flowing".

So, how about anyone else? Thought this might be an interesting topic of conversation.

[Jonathan]

Second time posting this in two days:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMZZp1L-MH4

[trellicktower]

Feb 24, 2010 2:09:42 GMT -5 cubb said:

Alright so we all know there are songs specifically in existence for certain activities. The best example of which would be "Life is a Highway" by Rascall Flatts, - the ultimate driving song.

That's actually a Tom Cochrane song, originally from 1991. It was huge here in Canada when it came out. I mean HUGE. Bigger than Jesus.

[cubb]

Ya I have heard the original. Have to say though that I like the Rascall Flatts version more. The Tom Cochrane version doesn't quite sound like a driving song to me. A little softer or something? I guess it isn't actually Rascall Flatts' song then.

[darrenm]

I normally listen to punk rock, but when writing I listen to softer stuff as punk is too fast/aggressive/loud. My favourite writing album is probably Bruce Springsteen's "Nebraska."

[brianhaas]

I find most songs with lyrics and driving beats to be distracting. Lately, I've been looking at more downtempo-type electronic music, mostly instrumentals. Some of it is moody, some of it lighthearted, some of it downright bizarre.

It's strange, because I'm typically not into this type of music. I'd much prefer soul, motown and rock.

A few of my faves:
"Dead Already" by Thomas Newman, from American Beauty
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sWll2mqPD0

"End Theme" by Zero 7 (I find they have some AWESOME writing music)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqBeEqGC-W4&feature=related
"Give it Away" by Zero 7
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFd4xQ5-T8I&feature=related

"Lazy Moon" by Groove Armada
www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0OeoXKg5zg

"Sweet Tides" by Thievery Corporation
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRbKzumSPVw

"Le Voyage de Penelope" by Air
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ompApz4IJMA&feature=PlayList&p=D083F354E5592F2E&index=17

"Pick up Sticks" by Jon Kennedy
www.youtube.com/watch?v=41EdO6_EYvw

I just seem to write best with a chill soundtrack in the background.

[trellicktower]

As I've mentioned before, I don't know if I have ADD or what but I can't write with any music on in the background. It's too much of a distraction and doesn't allow me to see the visuals and hear the dialogue. Wish I could cause I'm also a big music geek.

[Deleted]

I think brianhaas and I share a brain.

I enjoy writing to that type of music as well. Lyrics in songs throw me off when I am trying to write words.

Thanks for the tip on Zero 7. Very cool vibe.

This website is also a favorite of mine. www.bassdrive.com/v2/

It all depends what type of vibe I need for the script. I have one script I am working on that deals with the LAPD. I find Police Scanners online that I listen to as I write. It definitely puts me in their world.

[brianhaas]

Nice find on BassDrive, I'm bookmarking it. And very cool idea on the police scanner, though I'm pretty steeped in most things cops/crime having covered that beat for about 9 years as a journalist.

[outofcontext]

I'm in the no lyric camp--or if there are lyrics, they have to be in a foreign language. Even if it's a language of which I have some knowledge, I can zone it out.
But I need soundtrack when I write--white noise I guess.
I like the band Tortoise for writing: www.youtube.com/watch?v=I48cHpcYHaY . I also like avant garde composers like Morton Feldman: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxSt_w2ODaQ .