The MC in my new book Unspoken Rules is a troubled young woman. Her mind does not work in a mainstream fashion. I needed music that reflected a soothing chaos. Seems a little contradictory, doesn’t it. I found two artists that fill the bill – Nils Hahn and Chris Snelling.
My favorite is Hahn’s Winter Light. It’s haunting with a strong piano bass and a techno filler that makes me think of a tornado in space. That describes my character so well. She is a void in many ways, with only pinpricks of memory to light her way but they swirl chaotically in her brain because of the trauma she has endured.
I also like Smoke and Mirrors by Snelling. Besides the name, which describes my characters life, it has a bit of an uneven rhythm at times that reflects her emotional turmoil. You’ll probably recognize Snelling from his most notable work, the theme from Forrest Gump.
There’s something about the music that can make my thoughts flow in a path more natural to my character. If I change point of view, I’ll sometimes change music. The same is true for high action scenes or even love scenes.
Find the music that not only fuels your soul, but fuels your creative spirit!