Writing to music

If this sounds a bit like a 1978 album title to you, you’re right and you're my age or older. It’s the title to Brian Eno’s seventh album, a ‘conceptual work intended as a soundtrack for imaginary films.’ I must find it and listen to it again. Maybe he could compose a new album, Music for books?

I thought I’d explore the realm of writing to music and share what music I write to.

Firstly though, some people don’t write to music and sometimes I don’t. For some people they need quiet to let their brain ‘think’. For others they can’t think unless ACDC or Led Zepplin is on at full volume. I am somewhere inbetween depending on how I feel, what I have to write and how close I am to the deadline.

The Mozart effect

The benefits or otherwise of writing to music have been studied for a long time. There’s even a theory called the Mozart Effect, that music is powerful enough to not only influence emotions, but actions as well.

One of the reasons why music has been studied so broadly is because it has been used for a multitude of different reasons and has always been a part of our culture. As a result of the long history of music, it’s been traditionally incorporated into our culture and permeates all of our lives in very deep and significant ways. 

Just think about it. Most places you visit on a daily basis have music, even if it’s your own. The bus, your car, supermarket, lobby areas, bars, restaurants, take-aways, the gym, your home . . . it’s everywhere. Mostly, where you are not in control, it’s the Brian Eno ‘ambient’ type music.

It is commonly stated (it doesn’t mean it’s right or wrong though) that the primary purpose of music has shifted to influence the emotions of the individual. Supporting this claim, the writer and theologian C.S. Lewis (he of The Chronicles of Narnia among other terrific books) defined the true art of music as letting sound stimulate personal thoughts and ideas within us, rather than merely listening to a tune and reacting to it. 

But what music?

Evidence apparently shows that classical music tends to have a relaxing effect on people of all demographics, it creates an artificial environment that can stimulate creative expression. For me, it depends. Sometimes I just sit down and write and forget to put some music on. Other times I put a soundtrack on and then forget about it...much to the annoyance of others if its on repeat. Once I’m in the flow of writing, the music is relegated to the background and I don't even notice it anymore, no matter how many times it’s repeated.

Other commentary and research throws up four common themes. Listening to music (mostly classical):

1. enhances creative and critical thinking and visual literacy
2. helps you focus
3. makes your mood better
4. inspires you

This said, songs with lyrics means you often sing along rather than write (the desk version of singing in the shower or when you are driving in the car on your own). Music, especially fast paced songs, cause some people to get antsy (agitated).

But fast-paced music can also stimulate your energy levels, when coffee and a pastry won’t cut it.

What business writers actually do.

Rather than make this post all about what music I listen to I decided to ask some business writers I know (it’s called research) what they listen to and if they have a musical wish. Here are their responses:

David Coe: I write in silence or more often than not with the news channel on low volume.I would have loved to play piano. The only thing I learnt was the intro to Spicks and Specks. 

Edna Carew: I nearly always have written to music and depending on mood and what writing something energising like Lord of the Dance or mellow (Leonard Cohen, classical).

Play piano badly but once played well - learned as kid for 8 years. Would like be to have pursued guitar practice & playing guitar still in my sights. 

Tony Holmwood (about to be published author): Always write in silence!

For me: Mostly write to classical music. Favourites include Glenn Gould, Bach, Goldberg Variations; Music of Faith, compilation; Egmont, Beethoven (when I am in need of a bit of energy); Eirk Satie, Gymnopedies, Piano works; then the soundtrack to Blade Runner and Leonard Cohen and anything by Cesaria Evora.

I had piano lessons as a child then moved on to the flute. Stopped playing anything until two years ago when I acquired a saxophone, and now I am learning to play this.

For me, music makes me feel better, so I’m more in the groove to write. But I write several hours a day when I am writing, and sometimes for weeks on end. Music keeps me company and, it reminds me of my mum. After she passed away I collected her CD (yes CD) collection, so when I play her CDs I know she’s with me.

In researching this post I came across a quote from Brian Eno that I thought was interesting. 

Set up a situation that presents you with something slightly beyond your reach.

A pretty good message to leave with anyone thinking about getting started on their own book.

PS. Am listening to Blade Runner theme song by Vangelis as I write this post.

Reference: The Effect of Music on Creative Writing