Question: What music do I listen to when I write? 

Answer: My musical preferences revolve around atmospheric, electronic, and emotionally evocative tracks. I favor ethereal female vocalists, synth-driven beats, and moody, cinematic soundscapes — perfect for writing and setting emotional tones. At the back of each of my books, I post an epigraph listing vocalists who routinely help my thoughts flow. 

As you’ll see, I have a strong affinity for vocalists like: Geike Arnaert, Lotti Benardout, Colleen D’Agostino, Skye Edwards, Helen Marnie, Elizabeth Morphew, Roisin Murphy, Jennifer Paige, Susanne Sundfør, Becky Jean Williams, and Noémie Wolfs. And I’ll likely add Michelle Branch to the next book! I invite you to give each a solid listen. 

Also, while finishing Never for Ever, I’ve been buying more Haelos (Lotti Benardout), an album from Michelle Branch (Hopeless Romantic), and several albums from Morcheeba (Sky Edwards). “Monument” (Röyksopp, featuring Robyn, The Inevitable End) is a great way to kick off a morning’s work. As is “Breathe” by the Deadbeats (Made in the Shade) and “La Esperanza” (by Claptone, Fantast, featuring Katie Stelmanis). And don’t forget to try “Enjoy the Ride” by Morcheeba (Deep Dive).

I also listen to specific tracks to establish a scene or character’s brief but certain disposition. Here’s a sample:

Character themes:

…For Hipshot (Lissaya Anning) in my Sapphire Sky series, I try: “Wolves” (Helen Marnie), and “The Hunter” (Marnie, Stephen Morris remix). And for her second-in-command, Waylay, I use “Neon” (Cocoon, Queen of Hearts). 

…For Daryle Chantree & Time Wing Six: “Time Traveler” (Conversing with Oceans, Wild/Dreams).

…For Janek Larrivay in my River of Light series: “Perfectly Broken” (Haelos, I’m There).

Emotional triggers:

…Amusement: “Feel it Still” (Eden Mary), “Badaboum” (Hooverphonic)

…Anticipation: “In the Air Tonight” (Alex Midi), “Collide” (Colleen D’Agostino)

…Anxiety: “Running to the Sea” (Röyksopp, featuring Susanne Sundfør)

…Awe: “Echoes in Rain” (Dark Sky Island, Enya), “Pray” (Full Circle, or anything from Hælos), “Oblivion” (featuring Susanne Sundfør)

…Betrayal: “Not This Time” (Jennifer Paige, Flowers - The Hits Collection)

…Confidence: “Tuesday” (Burak Yetter, featuring Danelle Sandoval)

…Contemplative: “Nights in White Satin” (Collide, These Eyes Before), “Slimcea Girl” (Mono, Formica Blues)

…Curiosity: “Still Loving” (Andrea Roma)

…Defiance: “Seeya” (Colleen D’Agostino, while (1<2), deadmau5), “Kiss the Sky” (Voices and Choices, Shawn Lee)

…Despair: “Friendly Fire” (Antilles, Something New), “Running Away” (Acoustic, Colleen D’Agostino, The Material)

…Desire: “Heavenly Eyes” (AM, Precious Life)

…Determination: “Monument” (Röyksopp, The Inevitable End), “Sunshine” (Adagio in D Minor, John Murphy)

…Elation: “Blue Water” (Black Rock & Debra Andrew), “Lights” (Ellie Goulding), “Just Dance” (The Fame, Lady Gaga), “You Never Know” (Marly) 

…Euphoria: “In My Arms” (Kylie Minogue, Step Back in Time), “Lose Yourself” (Armin van Buuren … by Genix & Sue McLaren), “Miss Mood” (Satin Jackets Remix, Novika), “Ice Machine” (Röyksopp, Late Night Tales)

…Excitement: “DARE” (featuring Shaun Ryder, Gorillaz) 

…Grief: “Without You” (Colleen D’Agostino)

…Happy: “More Than Just a Dream” (Fitz & The Tantrums), “Pocketful of Sunshine” (Natasha Bedingfield)

…Hope: “Bones” (Alex G), “Synthesis” (Evanescence), “Afterlife” (Ingrid Michaelson, Lights Out)

…Insanity: “Fun For Me” by Moloko (Roisin Murphy), Do You Like My Tight Sweater?

…Joy: “100 Stories” (Andrea Burns), “Distraction” (Slaptop)

…Loneliness: “Time Rider” (Chromatics), “Making Mirrors” (Gotye), “Empty Streets” (Late Night Alumni)

…Love: “Crush” (Jennifer Paige, Flowers - the Hits Collection), “Another Word For Love” (Eclipse, Late Night Alumni)

…Mysterious: “Roads” (Portishead, Dummy)

…Nervous: “Terra Firma” (Lara’s mix, Delerium, The Best of Delerium)

…Nostalgia: “Far Away” (Quiet Things, Colleen D’Agostino), “Off Shore” (Lost in Time, Geike)

…Paranoia: “Puppet Theater” (Claptone, Charmer)

…Peacefulness: “Gran Turismo” (The Cardigans)

…Pride: “Superhuman” (BlackGummy & Colleen D’Agostino)

…Remorse: “Bloodline” (Sleepwalk, Colleen D’Agostino), “Breathe” (EMBRZ), “Stars All Seem to Weep” (Beth Orton, Central Reservation)

…Sadness: “Silence” (featuring Sarah McLachlan, Karma, Delerium), “Me and You” (Colleen D’Agostino, With Beating Hearts)

…Unease: “Good Luck” (Broken Bells), “Destroy Everything You Touch” (Ladytron)

Anyway, I try to keep my playlists versatile, emotional, and highly curated for storytelling and world-building. 

Now, if you want to listen to an EPIC, grand and emotionally charged composition, go listen to “The Ecstacy of Gold” (Ennio Morricone from The Good the Bad and the Ugly — my favorite movie!), “2 Wicky” by Hooverphonic, “Off Shore” by Geike, Lost in Time, “Speakerphone” by Kylie Minogue, X, and “When I’m Small” by Phantogram (Eyelid Movies).

And yet, Boston’s 1976 debut studio album is still my all-time favorite! Anyway, please share some of your favorite tunes that someone might use as a “mood starter.” I’d love to hear from you!

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