Music is Inspiration

I have a very varied taste in music.  It's part of my creative process for sure.  I recently started cleaning up my MP3s and riping some of the albums I own in to MP3s to play in my car.  I'm gonna list a few things just to share with PD folks.  Who knows maybe you'll find something truly inspiring!

• Oriental 1001 Nights 4 Disc set - Import -  It features the sounds of the Orient.  To include the Middle East, Eastern Europe [Turkey, Bulgaria, India, Pakistan  and even some Far East influences.  It features traditional music, ambient and pop.  Instramental and vocal tracks.  [Some in English] It's a real treat just waiting till the next track.  It's like a surprise. 

I love it because it's a big help while writing my 'Shrivastava' story which is heavily influenced by Indian mythos.

I frequently watch Nicktoon channel.  And a resent music video had finally got to me.

• The Naked Brother's Band - 'If That's not Love'  The song is sooo cute and up-beat.  So I broke down and got it.

For those of you with a little Goth in you or simply a taste for music with a Dark twist.  I truly reccomend

• Type O Negative - Album: October Rust.  My favorite songs are 'Haunted' and 'Wolf Moon' . Peter Steel's rediculously deep baritone is hard to miss.  Despite the morbid feel of the albums theme I have nothing but fond memories associated with this album.  This is great inspiration for those moody poets out there.

And lastly something for the soundtrack lovers out there.  I've used soundtracks for many years to help while I draw and write.  Here are some of my favorites.  I would reccomend them to anyone!

• Bram Stoker's Dracula - Wojciech Kilar A very haunting and romantic soundtrack with viseral feel and earthy strings.
• Conan the Barbarian - Basil Poledouris - Basil is the King of thunderous brass and drum sections!  In my mind he definetly captured the essance of the Cimmerian warrior Conan.  I've used this soundtrack over the years for varios battle scenes, love scenes and character building moments.  I just set it on loop and create! Favorite track: 6 Theology/Civilization
• Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love -  Various Artists As the name implies it is a very sensuous soundtrack and great for the exotic romance.  I use it ALL THE TIME for 'Shrivastava'
• 1492 - Vangelis  I actually stopped in my tracks when I heard this being played by a friend of mine.  I immediatley got myself a copy.  Be prepared to be swept away!  The soundtrack is MUCH better than the movie. The music is just magical and the final track is very nifty for those long heated love scenes that take everything out of you when you're writing.  Favorite Track: In to Eternity (It's a 10 min track!)
• Hellraiser 2: Hellbound - I can't seem to find my CD so I'll have to post the composer later.  This one is just as twisted as the movie.  Soft eerie strings, then some bizarre sound effects and even a very creepy 'carnival' melody straight from Hell.  I love playing this for Halloween - as well as when I'm trying to draw something scary!  Favorite track 'Something to think About'

Well, that's my two cents.  Music is a big part of my life.  I'm always looking for kindred spirits.  Nonetheless I hope I can offer some inspiration for other artists/authors out there.

I reccomend Nightwish and Mindless Self Indulgence. Nightwish is a heavy metal band with classical mixed in. The former lead singer was classically trained in singing, the writer is a pianist, and they always have an orchestral backing. MSI on the other hand is a combination of hip hop, house, and elecronica. They have a funky sound thats very much high energy, makes you want to get up and move everytime.

My tastes are heavily varied, too. Hmm...what would I recommend...?

James Ingram - Just Once Very sappy, but nice.

Simple Plan - I'd Do Anything Really popular when I was a kid, it's alt-rock, I think. Very high-energy. It's one of those "I have to tell you I love you or I'll ESPLODE!!!" kind of songs.

Hrm...I dunno. xD I'll have to get back to you.

 Good suggestions you guys!

I'm into soundtracks too. I think I'm going to try that Oriental 1001 nights. I might be able to find it on iTunes.

Here are a few of my favorites:

• Hurcules: The Legendary Journeys
• Xena: Warrior Princess (especially the Bitter Suite)
• Princess Monoke
• The Mists of Avalon
• Stargate
• in addition to all the final fantasy, chrono trigger, and zelda stuff i have.

if you are into new ageish melow stuff, these are worth checking out:

• Kelly Sweet
• Paul Schwartz Aria 1, 2, and 3
• Sasha Lazard

There's also a lot of free video game arrangements at ocremix.org