background music for creative writing

Writing Music: 100 Best Songs to Spark Your Creativity

I always listen to something when I write — music, podcasts, or YouTube videos.

I’ve explored various soundscapes, from the ambient noise of coffee shops to curated playlists, and I even created a rain sounds video on my YouTube channel, specifically designed to envelop writers in the comforting embrace of nature’s melodies.

From all of this research and testing, here is the best writing music for your every artistic mood.

The Power of Writing Music

Table of Contents

Why does music hold such power over our creative faculties?

From the rhythmic patter of rain to the soul-stirring swell of an orchestra, each note and nuance can usher us into a state of flow, where words pour out effortlessly. In this guide, I’ll share 100 songs that have been my allies in writing.

These aren’t just any songs; they are melodies that resonate with the rhythm of thought, emotion, and expression.

Each category below is a collection of tunes that have stood by me, helping weave narratives out of the silence.

Classical Calm

Classical music provides a serene backdrop for writers.

Its timeless melodies can transport you to a world of quiet contemplation, where creativity flows unimpeded.

• Claude Debussy – Clair de Lune . The gentle ebbs and flows of this piece mimic the natural rhythm of thought, making it perfect for reflective writing sessions. Its ethereal quality can help ideas float freely in your mind.
• Ludwig van Beethoven – Moonlight Sonata . This sonata’s deep melancholy provides a powerful backdrop for introspection and profound creativity. The emotional depth of the music can help unlock hidden layers in your writing.
• Johann Sebastian Bach – Goldberg Variations . Bach’s variations offer a structured yet creative environment that can boost focus and inspiration. Each variation explores a different facet of the theme, much like exploring various angles in a story.
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Eine kleine Nachtmusik . Mozart’s serenade is lively and uplifting, perfect for when you need a mood booster during long writing sessions. Its familiarity and charm can make the writing process feel more joyful.
• Erik Satie – Gymnopédies . The slow pace and simplicity of the Gymnopédies provide a minimalist backdrop that can help clear your mind, making room for creativity and focus.
• Antonio Vivaldi – The Four Seasons . Vivaldi’s concertos are vivid and full of life, each portraying a different season. This variety can inspire dynamic writing, offering a range of emotions to draw from.
• Frédéric Chopin – Nocturnes . Chopin’s Nocturnes are soulful and expressive, ideal for writing that delves into deep emotions or complex character studies. Their lyrical quality can help smooth out the writing process.
• Ludovico Einaudi – Nuvole Bianche . Einaudi’s contemporary classical piece is soothing and cinematic, perfect for writing scenes that require a touch of emotion or a sense of journey.
• Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Swan Lake . The dramatic and beautiful themes from Swan Lake can inspire grand narratives and add a touch of elegance to your writing environment.
• Philip Glass – Glassworks . Glass’s minimalist compositions offer a repetitive and hypnotic backdrop, facilitating a deep focus that’s ideal for getting lost in the world of your writing.

Jazz Journeys

Jazz, with its blend of spontaneity and structure, can invigorate your writing process.

Its ability to convey emotion through improvisation makes it a dynamic companion for creative exploration.

• Miles Davis – So What . The cool, laid-back vibes of this track encourage a relaxed writing pace, making it ideal for brainstorming sessions or fleshing out ideas.
• John Coltrane – Giant Steps . Coltrane’s fast pace and complex chord changes can energize your writing, especially when working through challenging sections or looking for dynamic, rhythmic inspiration.
• Dave Brubeck – Take Five . Its unusual time signature and catchy melody make “Take Five” a refreshing break from the ordinary, perfect for writers seeking a novel approach or a fresh perspective.
• Charles Mingus – Goodbye Pork Pie Hat . This soulful, melancholic piece can provide a deep, emotional undercurrent for writing that explores complex themes or character emotions.
• Duke Ellington – In a Sentimental Mood . The smooth, romantic tones of this classic can enhance writing scenes that require a touch of intimacy or reflection.
• Bill Evans – Waltz for Debby . Evans’ lyrical piano playing offers a gentle, wistful backdrop, ideal for crafting detailed narratives or developing character backstories.
• Thelonious Monk – Round Midnight . Monk’s intricate melodies and harmonies present a thoughtful, introspective mood, suitable for late-night writing sessions or when delving into more serious topics.
• Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong – Summertime . The warm, expressive vocals in this rendition of “Summertime” can add a sense of nostalgia and depth to your writing, perfect for setting a scene or developing atmosphere.
• Herbie Hancock – Cantaloupe Island . With its funky groove and catchy riff, “Cantaloupe Island” introduces an upbeat, creative energy that can help spur innovative ideas.
• Wynton Marsalis – Feeling of Jazz . Marsalis’ smooth and sophisticated track encapsulates the essence of jazz, providing a cool, composed backdrop for crafting narratives. It’s perfect for when you need to maintain a steady, focused approach to your writing, offering a balance between relaxation and concentration.

Ambient Atmospheres

Ambient music, with its emphasis on tone and atmosphere over traditional musical structure, can be incredibly effective in creating a focused, meditative writing environment.

These tracks are designed to blend into the background, providing a calming, non-intrusive backdrop.

• Brian Eno – Music for Airports . Eno’s pioneering ambient album is designed to induce calm and space for reflection, making it ideal for writing that requires deep concentration and a serene mindset.
• Aphex Twin – Rhubarb . This track’s repetitive, soft melodies create a soothing environment that can help minimize distractions, allowing for a deeper immersion into your writing.
• Stars of the Lid – And Their Refinement Of The Decline . The slow-moving, drone-like soundscapes of this album are perfect for writers needing to maintain focus over long periods. It’s like a musical form of white noise, enhancing productivity without demanding attention.
• Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight . Richter’s piece combines strings and piano to evoke a sense of emotional depth and introspection, aiding in writing that explores complex emotions or character developments.
• Ólafur Arnalds – re:member . Arnalds blends classical and electronic elements to create music that feels both timeless and modern, offering a backdrop that can inspire innovative thinking and new ideas.
• Sigur Rós – Ágætis byrjun . The ethereal sound of Sigur Rós can transport you to otherworldly places, perfect for writing fantasy, sci-fi, or any work that ventures beyond the ordinary.
• Nils Frahm – Says . Frahm’s minimalist electronic compositions offer a tranquil, yet emotionally charged environment for writing, especially effective for crafting narratives that require a delicate touch.
• The Album Leaf – In a Safe Place . The blend of ambient electronics and live instruments creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s conducive to creative writing and brainstorming.
• Carbon Based Lifeforms – Hydroponic Garden . This album’s ambient, downtempo tracks are great for setting a calm, yet subtly energized environment for writing, especially useful for generating ideas and fleshing out concepts.
• Eluvium – Life Through Bombardment . The lush, cinematic soundscapes of Eluvium are ideal for writers looking to create a deeply immersive setting, providing a sonic world that mirrors the depth and complexity of their narratives.

If you’re looking for more a rain sounds aesthetic, here is a video I created for writers (like me and you):

Epic Soundtracks

Epic soundtracks from movies, TV shows, and video games are masterful at evoking emotions and creating expansive soundscapes that can dramatically elevate your writing sessions.

Writing music like these compositions often carry a narrative weight, making them perfect companions for writing your own stories.

• Hans Zimmer – Time (Inception) . Zimmer’s powerful compositions are known for their ability to convey deep emotional resonance and epic scope, making “Time” a perfect piece for writing scenes that require a sense of grandeur or emotional depth.
• Ramin Djawadi – Main Theme (Game of Thrones) . The iconic theme from “Game of Thrones” is imbued with a sense of adventure and intrigue, ideal for writing fantasy or any story that involves complex political machinations and epic battles.
• John Williams – Hedwig’s Theme (Harry Potter) . The magical quality of “Hedwig’s Theme” can inspire wonder and whimsy, perfect for writing children’s literature, fantasy, or any work that aims to capture the imagination.
• Howard Shore – The Fellowship Theme (The Lord of the Rings) . Shore’s sweeping score for “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy is rich with themes of heroism, adventure, and the struggle between good and evil, offering a lush backdrop for writing epic narratives.
• Ennio Morricone – The Ecstasy of Gold (The Good, the Bad and the Ugly) . Morricone’s compositions blend the majestic with the intimate, providing a dynamic range of emotions to draw from when writing stories that traverse a broad emotional spectrum.
• Yoko Shimomura – Dearly Beloved (Kingdom Hearts) . This gentle, melancholic piece from the Kingdom Hearts series is great for writing sessions that delve into themes of friendship, loss, or the bittersweet nature of adventure.
• Bear McCreary – Theme from Battlestar Galactica . McCreary’s work combines traditional orchestral elements with electronic sounds and ethnic instruments, creating a unique, compelling backdrop that’s especially fitting.
• Michael Giacchino – Married Life (Up) . Giacchino’s touching composition for the movie “Up” captures a wide range of emotions in just a few minutes, from the joys of love to the pains of loss, making it a versatile background for writing deeply emotional or reflective pieces.
• Nobuo Uematsu – To Zanarkand (Final Fantasy X) . Uematsu’s compositions have a unique ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, perfect for writing that aims to explore complex emotions or intricate backstories.
• Jeremy Soule – Skyrim (The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim) . The epic and immersive score of Skyrim invites writers into a world of adventure and exploration, ideal for crafting narratives set in vast, open worlds full of potential stories and characters.

Lyrical Landscapes

Sometimes, the right lyrics can spark an idea or emotion that brings your writing to life.

These songs, spanning various genres, are chosen for their poetic lyrics and compelling storytelling, offering inspiration for your own narratives.

• Bob Dylan – Tangled Up in Blue . Dylan’s storytelling prowess is unmatched, and this song’s intricate narrative and emotional depth can inspire similar richness and complexity in your writing.
• Leonard Cohen – Hallelujah . Cohen’s lyrical genius in “Hallelujah” combines spiritual longing with human frailty, offering a profound backdrop for writing that explores deep themes of love, loss, and redemption.
• Joni Mitchell – A Case of You . Mitchell’s vivid lyrics and emotive delivery in “A Case of You” paint a detailed picture of love and memory, providing a rich source of inspiration for character development and emotional narrative arcs.
• The Beatles – Eleanor Rigby . The poignant storytelling and social commentary in “Eleanor Rigby” offer a great example of how to weave narrative and message into your writing, encouraging exploration of themes like loneliness and societal neglect.
• Tracy Chapman – Fast Car . Chapman’s storytelling in “Fast Car” captures the essence of hope and despair, making it a powerful muse for writing about dreams, escape, and the realities of life.
• Sufjan Stevens – Chicago . Stevens combines personal narrative with a sweeping scope in “Chicago,” inspiring writers to explore their own stories within larger themes and settings.
• Radiohead – Fake Plastic Trees . The melancholy and critique embedded in the lyrics of “Fake Plastic Trees” can inspire writing that delves into themes of authenticity, consumerism, and environmental concern.
• Fleetwood Mac – Landslide . The introspective and contemplative nature of “Landslide,” combined with its beautiful melody, offers a soothing yet emotionally stirring background for writing about change, growth, and self-reflection.
• David Bowie – Space Oddity . Bowie’s narrative of Major Tom’s journey into space provides a unique storytelling perspective, encouraging writers to explore themes of isolation, ambition, and the unknown.
• Adele – Someone Like You . Adele’s powerful vocal delivery and the emotional depth of “Someone Like You” can inspire writing that seeks to capture the raw essence of heartbreak and the quest for closure.

Folk Reflections

Folk music offers a raw, authentic backdrop for writing that seeks to explore human experiences and emotions.

These songs are chosen for their ability to connect with listeners on a personal level.

• Simon & Garfunkel – The Sound of Silence . The haunting melodies and poignant lyrics of this classic folk song can inspire introspective writing, exploring themes of alienation, existential dread, and the search for meaning.
• Nick Drake – Pink Moon . Drake’s delicate fingerpicking and soft, melancholic voice in “Pink Moon” create an intimate atmosphere, perfect for writing that focuses on personal journey and introspection.
• Joan Baez – Diamonds and Rust . Baez’s reflective and bittersweet recounting of a past love offers a masterclass in narrative lyricism, inspiring writers to explore the depths of their own past relationships and the emotions they evoke.
• Bob Marley – Redemption Song . This acoustic anthem of freedom and emancipation from Bob Marley can encourage writers to explore themes of liberation, resilience, and the human spirit’s unyielding desire for redemption.
• Joni Mitchell – Big Yellow Taxi . Mitchell’s witty and critical take on environmental and social issues set against a catchy, upbeat melody can inspire writers to tackle contemporary issues with a blend of humor and seriousness.
• Iron & Wine – Flightless Bird, American Mouth . The intricate lyrics and soft, acoustic melody create a dreamlike quality that’s ideal for writing that delves into themes of love, loss, and longing.
• Fleet Foxes – White Winter Hymnal . The harmonic vocals and the cyclical, narrative nature of the song provide a lush, wintry backdrop for writing, perfect for stories that weave together themes of memory, time, and change.
• Bon Iver – Holocene . The ethereal sound and introspective lyrics of “Holocene” invite writers to explore their place in the world, reflecting on moments of personal significance and the beauty of the natural world.
• The Lumineers – Ophelia . With its catchy melody and soulful lyrics, “Ophelia” is a vibrant source of inspiration for writing about love, wanderlust, and the pursuit of passion against the odds.
• Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova – Falling Slowly . This duet, with its beautiful blend of voices and emotional depth, can inspire writing that captures the essence of human connection, vulnerability, and the power of a shared moment.

Electronic Explorations

Electronic music, with its vast array of sounds and textures, offers an expansive landscape for creative exploration.

From ambient to techno, electronic writing music can stimulate a wide range of emotions and settings, making it a versatile companion for any writing session.

• Daft Punk – Digital Love . This track’s upbeat tempo and nostalgic feel can inspire writing that explores themes of love, longing, and the joy of connection in the digital age.
• Moby – Porcelain . The melancholic yet soothing tones of “Porcelain” offer a backdrop for writing that delves into introspection, solitude, and the complex layers of the human psyche.
• Massive Attack – Teardrop . With its haunting vocals and trip-hop beats, “Teardrop” is perfect for crafting stories that explore the darker, more mysterious aspects of life and emotion.
• Portishead – Roads . The somber mood and slow build of “Roads” create an atmospheric setting for writing that examines themes of despair, longing, and the search for redemption.
• Boards of Canada – Roygbiv . The warm, analog sounds of Boards of Canada can inspire writing that captures nostalgia, childhood memories, and the subtle beauty of everyday moments.
• Autechre – Nil . For writing that pushes boundaries or explores abstract concepts, the complex, textural soundscapes of Autechre offer a challenging yet rewarding backdrop.
• Kraftwerk – Computer Love . Kraftwerk’s pioneering electronic sound, combined with themes of technology and emotion, can inspire writers to explore the intersection of human experience and the digital world.
• Aphex Twin – Avril 14th . This gentle, piano-driven piece by Aphex Twin provides a serene and contemplative atmosphere, ideal for writing that seeks to capture moments of clarity, simplicity, and poignant beauty.
• Tycho – Awake . Tycho’s blend of ambient melodies and upbeat rhythms offers an uplifting backdrop for writing, especially effective for crafting scenes that evoke a sense of hope, renewal, and forward movement.
• The Chemical Brothers – Wide Open . With its dynamic build and emotive vocals, “Wide Open” is ideal for writing that explores transformation, the feeling of being on the cusp of change, or the exhilaration of discovering something new about oneself or the world.

Soulful Serenades

Soul music can bring a profound depth of feeling to your writing.

The soul genre is rich with themes of love, pain, joy, and resilience, making it a perfect writing music muse for stories that aim to touch the heart and stir the spirit.

• Aretha Franklin – I Say a Little Prayer . Franklin’s powerful rendition of this classic provides a vibrant backdrop for writing that explores themes of hope, devotion, and the strength found in love.
• Otis Redding – (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay . The laid-back, reflective nature of this song is perfect for writing that captures moments of contemplation, the beauty of stillness, and the bittersweetness of reminiscing.
• Sam Cooke – A Change Is Gonna Come . Cooke’s anthem of hope and resilience can inspire writing that tackles social issues, personal growth, and the universal longing for freedom and equality.
• Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On . With its poignant social commentary and smooth, soulful melody, “What’s Going On” is a powerful muse for writing that seeks to explore and question the complexities of the modern world.
• Bill Withers – Lean on Me . The message of support and unity in “Lean on Me” can inspire narratives that delve into the power of community, friendship, and the human capacity for compassion.
• Al Green – Let’s Stay Together . Green’s smooth, romantic vocals can inspire writing that explores the nuances of love, commitment, and the joy found in shared moments.
• Etta James – At Last . James’ soul-stirring vocals and the timeless quality of “At Last” make it an ideal backdrop for writing that captures the essence of finding love or fulfillment after a long journey.
• Stevie Wonder – Superstition . The funky, upbeat sound of “Superstition” can inspire writing that’s infused with energy, explores themes of fate and belief, or simply needs a rhythmic, lively atmosphere.
• Ray Charles – Georgia on My Mind . Charles’ heartfelt tribute to Georgia can inspire writing that explores themes of home, longing, and the deep emotional connections we have to places and memories.
• Amy Winehouse – Back to Black . Winehouse’s emotional depth and retro soul style can inspire writing that delves into themes of love, loss, and the complexities of the human experience.

Reggae Rhythms

Reggae music, with its laid-back beats and positive vibes, provides a unique atmosphere that can significantly enhance the writing process.

Its rhythmic patterns and distinctive sound not only offer a refreshing break from the silence but also infuse your writing session with a sense of relaxation and creative flow.

• Bob Marley & The Wailers – No Woman, No Cry . Bob Marley’s soothing voice and the song’s comforting rhythm make it a perfect choice for writing sessions that require warmth and empathy. Its message of hope and resilience can inspire narratives that resonate deeply with readers.
• Peter Tosh – Legalize It . Tosh’s anthem for marijuana legalization is not only a call for social change but also a song that can inspire writers to explore themes of activism, freedom, and the fight against oppression in their work.
• Jimmy Cliff – The Harder They Come . This track’s message of perseverance in the face of adversity offers a motivational backdrop for writing, especially for stories that feature characters overcoming challenges or fighting for their dreams.
• Toots and the Maytals – Pressure Drop . The upbeat tempo and hopeful lyrics of “Pressure Drop” provide an excellent environment for writing music that encourages a sense of impending change or catharsis within narrative arcs.
• Gregory Isaacs – Night Nurse . Isaacs’ smooth voice and the song’s relaxed groove offer a soothing background for writing sessions, particularly when crafting scenes that require a tender touch or a healing moment.
• Burning Spear – Marcus Garvey . The powerful and inspiring lyrics dedicated to the Jamaican national hero, Marcus Garvey, encourage writers to delve into historical narratives, explore themes of leadership, and the impact of influential figures in society.
• Steel Pulse – Handsworth Revolution . With its roots in the Handsworth riots, this song can inspire writers to tackle complex social issues, reflecting on the causes and effects of civil unrest and the community’s resilience.
• Black Uhuru – Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner . This track’s reggae beat and engaging storytelling elements make it a compelling choice for writing music that explores themes of unexpected encounters, societal norms, and breaking barriers.
• Alpha Blondy – Jerusalem . The song’s plea for peace and unity in Jerusalem can inspire writing that explores themes of conflict, hope, and the quest for harmony in a divided world.
• UB40 – Red Red Wine . UB40’s version of this classic song brings a light, enjoyable atmosphere to the writing session, perfect for when you need to loosen up and let the words flow with ease.

Blues Beats

Blues music offers a powerful source of inspiration for writers.

Characterized by its melancholic melodies and often reflective lyrics, this type of writing music can help unlock deep emotions and foster an environment ripe for creative storytelling.

This genre’s expressive power lies in its ability to convey the complexities of the human condition.

• B.B. King – The Thrill Is Gone . King’s iconic guitar licks and soulful vocals on “The Thrill Is Gone” provide a poignant backdrop for writing about loss, heartbreak, and the journey to recovery. Its bluesy essence captures the bittersweet nature of moving on.
• Muddy Waters – Mannish Boy . The deep, gritty voice of Muddy Waters combined with the song’s powerful riff offers inspiration for writing strong, defiant characters or narratives that embody the spirit of resilience and rebirth.
• Etta James – I’d Rather Go Blind . The emotional intensity of “I’d Rather Go Blind” can inspire writers to explore the depths of love, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships, making it perfect writing music for scenes charged with emotional turmoil.
• John Lee Hooker – Boom Boom . Hooker’s foot-tapping rhythm and bluesy vibe in “Boom Boom” provide a lively atmosphere that can energize writing sessions, perfect for crafting scenes with dynamic, compelling action or dialogue.
• Howlin’ Wolf – Smokestack Lightnin’ . The haunting harmonica and raw vocal power of “Smokestack Lightnin'” create an atmospheric setting for writing, especially suitable for stories that delve into darker themes or explore the human psyche.
• Robert Johnson – Cross Road Blues . Johnson’s tale of desperation and deal-making at the crossroads offers fertile ground for writing music that inspires stories of choices, consequences, and the eternal search for redemption.
• Stevie Ray Vaughan – Texas Flood . The virtuosic guitar work and emotional delivery of “Texas Flood” are ideal for writing music that evokes a sense of longing, intensity, and the raw edge of passion.
• Buddy Guy – Damn Right, I’ve Got the Blues . With its expressive guitar solos and heartfelt lyrics, “Damn Right, I’ve Got the Blues” can encourage writers to tap into their own emotions, exploring themes of despair, endurance, and the catharsis of expressing one’s truth.
• Janis Joplin – Me and Bobby McGee . Joplin’s raspy voice and the song’s narrative of freedom and loss make it a compelling choice for writing music that explores themes of adventure, companionship, and the sacrifices we make for the ones we love.
• Gary Clark Jr. – Bright Lights . The modern blues sound of “Bright Lights,” with its gritty lyrics about city life, can inspire writers to explore contemporary themes, setting their narratives against the backdrop of urban landscapes and the dreams and struggles found within.

Best AI Song Generators for Writing Music

Believe it or not, you can actually now generate your own writing music to your exact specifications.

You can use this to inspire your writing or create a cool soundtrack for your stories.

Try these generators:

• Suno – This is my current favorite!

Final Thoughts: Best Writing Music

Now you have a writing playlist for every mood.

For even more inspiration for your writing, check out some of our other great guides below.

Read This Next:

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• How To Write Country Music (21 Steps to Writing a Hit)
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Table of Contents

Mood Music with English Lyrics

Music in a foreign language, music without lyrics.

• Game & Movie Scores without Lyrics

Electronic Music

Ambient noise, the best music for writing: 32 playlists for inspiration & focus.

Music can set the tone when you’re writing a book . Or, it can help you avoid writer’s block by motivating you through the hard, boring work of sitting in your chair.

But it has to be the right music for you (and your book).

Some people can write to anything. Heavy metal, construction noises, or catchy pop tunes, nothing derails their focus.

I am not one of those. I need the music to match my mood or the mood I’m writing in. How am I supposed to write about the most challenging moments in my life while upbeat kids’ music is pounding in my headphones?

Some people can only write to music if there are no lyrics or if it’s in a foreign language they can’t understand. There’s no right answer for the “best” or “perfect” playlist. It’s just whatever works best for you.

You need something that will motivate you to write quickly and write well so you can get your published book into the world.

It may take some trial-and-error to figure it out. But here’s a list of options that have worked for me and other members of the Scribe Crew . I’ve broken our top recommendations down into categories, so you can try them out yourself.

32 Best Music Playlists & Songs to Listen to While You Write

Whether you need to psych yourself up to write or just want to match the tone of your book, here are some of our favorite options for a range of moods.

1. Morning Rhythm

This is upbeat but gentle music to ease you into the writing groove. There’s a little bit of everything here, from funk to soul to jazz.

Every song has a beat, so this list will motivate you without fading into the background.

2. Shoegaze Classics

Shoegaze was initially called “dream pop” when it emerged in the UK in the 1980s. It features ethereal, shimmery vocals, distorted guitars, and a lot of distortion.

Shoegaze is brooding music that somehow manages to be upbeat and depressing at the same time.

3. Have a Great Day!

You can probably guess from the name—this list is full of happy songs to brighten your day.

You’ll find tracks from Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, Steely Dan, Blondie, and Stevie Wonder.

If you’re stuck, it might help to get a dose of energy with familiar, fun music.

4. Chill + Atmospheric

Do you prefer melancholy music?

Do you like songs with haunting melodies?

Do you like the idea of writing on a rainy day?

If the answer to any of those questions is yes, give this playlist a shot.

5. Melantronic

Spotify describes this playlist as “beautiful electronic music for melancholy moments.”

There’s definitely some sadness here. But don’t expect a playlist that’s going to kill your spirit. These songs have solid beats.

Think Thom Yorke, Caribou, and Aphex Twin.

I’ve found that sometimes I like to write to music in a foreign language. The music is interesting enough to keep me motivated, but I don’t get distracted by the lyrics.

Here are some playlists we liked from around the world.

6. French Indie Pop

This playlist is full of dreamy, mellow French indie pop.

It’s heavy on electronic music and sparkly beats. Think more “low-key Paris” vibe than club-hopping.

7. Japanese City Pop

In the late 1970s and 1980s, the term “City Pop” described a type of music popular in Japan.

City pop borrowed heavily from Western music and had elements of jazz, soft rock, and funk.

If you like yacht rock or need some peppy music, give city pop a try.

8. Soweto Beat/Township Jive

Soweto is a township in South Africa that’s well known for music.

This playlist features mbaqanga music, a style of South African music with Zulu roots that originated in the early 1960s.

It’s upbeat and rhythmic, so it’s great for energetic bursts of writing.

9. Bhangra Bangers

If you like upbeat music that makes you nod your head, this is it.

Bhangra originated in the British Punjabi community during the late 20th century.

It’s got a little bit of traditional Indian folk music, a little bit of hip hop, and a lot of percussion.

10. Spanish Tapas Bar

Only listen to this if you’re looking for a jolt of energy.

This playlist features traditional flamenco and Spanish folk tunes with a quick tempo.

11. Korean Indie/Chill/R&B

This is the longest mix of Korean RnB, pop, ballads, and lo-fi songs on Spotify.

Clocking in at 54 hours, there’s a little bit of everything, from uplifting to downtempo.

If you get easily distracted by lyrics, you still have plenty of musical options.

Classical music, hip hop beats, instrumental versions of your favorite songs, and modern composers can help you find your focus.

12. Japanese Lofi HipHop

This is one of my favorite writing playlists. It’s a collection of lyric-less, Asian-inspired hip hop beats. It’s chill, but upbeat enough that it won’t put you to sleep. I write to this about 50% of the time.

13. Classical Music for Reading

If it’s good for reading, chances are it’s good for writing.

This 2.5-hour playlist features a sampling of pieces from Mozart, Chopin, Debussy, and other famous classical composers.

14. Minimalism

Minimalist compositions are perfect for writing.

They usually have repetitive patterns or pulses or steady drones. They’re easy to get sucked into (without giving them too much attention).

This mix features some of the most iconic minimalist composers: Philip Glass, Michael Nyman, and John Adams.

15. Instrumental Pop Covers

Try this if you like top-40 radio and pop classics but don’t want to lose your focus.

It’s got everything from basic guitar covers to full orchestral versions of songs you probably already know.

16. Composer Weekly: Ryuichi Sakamoto

Japanese musician Ryuichi Sakamoto has played many different styles of music over the course of his career.

Lately, he’s been recognized for his movie soundtracks and piano compositions.

This playlist is a 30-track introduction to his instrumental music. It’s sparse, dark, and contemplative.

17. Relaxing Spanish Guitar

Don’t underestimate the power of Spanish guitar.

It’s full of emotion, quick riffs, and rhythm. It may put some zest in your typing.

18. Ludovico Einaudi Complete Playlist

Ludovico Einaudi is an Italian pianist and composer.

He’s well known for his film and television scores, but this playlist features his solo releases, including a seven-part series called Seven Days Walking , which he released last year.

Game & Movie Scores without Lyrics

Some of the best composers in the world write for movies and video games.

Unless you’re using a specific movie or game to purposely set a mood, I recommend choosing one you’re not very familiar with. That way, the music won’t distract you.

19. DirecTV’s Movie Score Channel (Channel 822)

If you have DirectTV, make the most of your TV’s speakers and tune into the DirectTV Movie Score Channel.

Their non-stop instrumental music is the perfect soundtrack for writing your book.

20. Soundtracks for Studying

This playlist covers everything from Downton Abbey and Braveheart to Ratatouille and Sherlock .

Movie-wise, that’s a big range. But musically, all these songs strike the perfect balance between epic and lowkey so you can focus.

21. Minecraft Soundtrack

Minecraft is the bestselling video game of all time.

There are many reasons people love it, but 1 big reason is the music. It’s the kind of music that makes you feel happy without even realizing it.

It’s “barely there” but still optimistic and motivational.

22. Studio Ghibli Summer Night Piano Collection with Nature Sounds

Studio Ghibli is a famous Japanese animation studio. This 7-hour Youtube collection features piano performances of some of their gentlest music, overlaid with cricket noises.

If you’re looking for something soft and soothing, this is it.

There are many styles of electronic music: electronica, house, techno, drum and bass, jungle, garage, trance, IDM, etc.

If you’re already a fan of electronic music, you might have a favorite type.

While some people can write to rave tunes, most can’t. So, I’ve added some energetic playlists that aren’t too dancy or aggressive.

23. Brain Food

This is subtle, hypnotic electronic music that promotes focus or relaxation.

There aren’t any lyrics, which makes this a good option for people who are easily distracted.

24. Yoga Electronica

This playlist features downtempo deep house. That means it’s a perfect dose of energy without making you want to get up and dance.

You can latch onto the beats, but it’s repetitive enough to help you stay in the writing zone.

25. Mother Earth’s Plantasia

This is a cult classic electronic album by Mort Garson. It was first released to a limited audience in 1976, but it gained wider circulation when it was re-released in 2019.

The album features “warm Earth music” designed to help plants grow. It’s sweet, hopeful, and spacey.

If you like Moog synthesizers and fantasy, you’ll love Plantasia .

26. Women of Electronic

This list features women who make innovative electronic music. Most of the tracks have lyrics.

This playlist offers a wide range of styles. For example, Yaeji is a Korean-American artist who sings over house beats in a quiet, mellow voice.

Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith uses synthesizers to create layered, elaborate songs.

And Charlotte De Witte is a Belgian DJ known for her “dark and stripped-back” techno.

When we asked the Scribe Crew for playlist recommendations, this was by far the category that got the most responses.

Ambient noise is a great option if you hate working in total quiet but also get easily distracted by music.

It’s also a helpful workaround if you like working in coffee shops or coworking spaces but can’t right now because of the pandemic.

Ambient sounds can give you the impression that you’re out of the house even if you’re still sitting at your desk.

27. My Noise

This is, hands down, the coolest ambient noise and white noise generator.

It’s run by an engineer and sound designer who collects recordings from around the world.

It has everything from Tibetan bells and waterfalls to street recordings and gardens.

28. Coffitivity

Many writers love to write in coffee shops, but you may not have that option if you have a l imited time frame (or if you’re still under COVID lockdown).

Streaming background noise on Coffitivity can give you the feeling that you’re in a coffee shop even when you aren’t.

You can also choose between different levels of activity. For example, “Morning Murmur” is less hectic than “Lunchtime Lounge.”

29. Rain Sounds

I LOVE the Spotify playlist that features rain sounds. I like to curl up on a rainy day and just chill, and the rain sounds create that mood. It’s a gentle and soothing way I use to get into writing, and it helps keep me in my flow state once I get there.

30. 8 Hours of Ocean Sounds

These calming wave sounds were recorded at Playa de Piticabo in the Dominican Republic.

With 8 hours of recordings, you could literally listen to them all day if you want some soothing background noise while you write.

31. OM Chanting @ 417 Hz

These Om chants are repetitive and positive. They can help you tune out the outside world and get into a meditative pattern.

32. Binaural Beats: Focus

When you hear a slightly different tone in each ear, it creates a binaural beat. Your brain falls into sync with the difference between the tones’ frequencies and creates an auditory illusion.

Binaural beats can lower stress, promote creativity, and encourage relaxation. This playlist is designed to enhance your focus.

The Scribe Crew

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The Best Music for Writing: 26 Playlists for Inspiration & Focus

• February 21, 2024
• 12 min read

Table of Contents:

Why music helps you write, 26 best music playlists to listen to while you write, writing music for every mood: english lyrics, 1. morning rhythms, 2. shoegaze classics, 3. have a great day, 4. chill + atmospheric, 5. melantronic, writing music in a foreign language, 6. french indie pop, 7. japanese city pop, 8. soweto beat/township jive, 9. bhangra bangers, 10.  spanish tapas bar, 11.  korean indie/chill/r&b, musical choices without lyrics:, 12.  japanese lofi hiphop, 13.  classical music for reading, 14. minimalism, 15. instrumental pop covers, 16. composer weekly: ryuichi sakamoto, 17.  relaxing spanish guitar, 18.  ludovico einaudi complete playlist, instrumental scores from games and movies, 19.  soundtracks for studying, 20.  minecraft soundtrack, 21.  studio ghibli summer night piano collection with nature sounds, electronic music, 22.  brain food, 23.  yoga electronica.

• 24.   Mother Earth's Plantasia

25.  Women of Electronic

26.  coding concentration by spotify, finding your optimal sound, experiment with different genres, create playlists based on projects, ambient noise vs. music, potential downsides of music, it can be distracting for some:, lyrics can be distracting:, changing songs interrupts flow:, other auditory background.

Music can be a writer’s best friend or their worst enemy. The right tunes keep you focused and motivated as the words flow effortlessly onto the page. But choose the wrong playlist, and you might find yourself tapping your feet instead of typing away.

That’s why finding the optimal soundscape for your writing sessions is important. With the perfect mix of songs, you can transport yourself into a flow state, cranking out page after page on even the toughest assignments. The wrong sounds, however, can shatter your concentration or sap your creativity.

This guide will explore the best music for writing across genres and contexts. You’ll discover upbeat tracks to energize your efforts, ambient mixes to enhance your focus, and playlists tailored specifically for creative writing. Read on to find your perfect background audio, guaranteed to inspire great work.

Music can be a powerful ally in writing and enhancing creativity. The right tunes can help improve focus and block out distractions. They can put you in the optimal mindset for flow and imagination.

When seeking inspiration strikes, music has an incredible ability to spark creative thinking and new ideas. Many writers can attest that a familiar playlist can trigger your muse, unlock writer’s block, or help words and thoughts flow freely.

The noise-blocking and distraction-minimizing effects of music can also give a useful boost to concentration. Getting in the zone for writing becomes easier when music cuts down external sounds and chatter. The predictability of rhythms and melodies helpfully directs mental focus.

Music also has a profound impact on mood and mindset. Choosing playlists that evoke energy, positivity, or relaxation sets the stage for productive writing sessions. Upbeat tracks promote motivation, while calmer songs lower stress. Getting in the right headspace with a tailored soundtrack helps writing come easier.

Here is our expertly crafted selection of 26 writing music playlists and songs. These playlists are especially favored by the wordsmiths at Ghost Writing Founder , who understand the power of the perfect backdrop to writing sessions.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration to kickstart your writing journey , here are some collections of writing music playlists that you can listen to.

Begin your day with a gentle nudge into the writing flow. This playlist offers an eclectic mix, from funk to soul to jazz, designed to uplift your spirits without fading into the background.

Originally dubbed “dream pop” upon its emergence in the UK during the 1980s, shoegaze music features ethereal vocals, distorted guitars, and a distinctive aura of distortion. It’s a brooding yet oddly uplifting genre, perfect for those reflective writing sessions.

As the title suggests, this playlist brims with cheerful melodies guaranteed to brighten your mood. Featuring tracks from Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, Steely Dan, Blondie, and Stevie Wonder, it’s a surefire way to inject some energy into your writing routine.

This playlist is tailor-made if melancholy melodies and rainy-day ambiance resonate with your creative spirit. Immerse yourself in haunting tunes that evoke a sense of introspection and calm.

Described by Spotify as “beautiful electronic music for melancholy moments,” this playlist strikes a delicate balance between sadness and rhythm. Expect soul-stirring tracks from artists like Thom Yorke, Caribou, and Aphex Twin, perfect for those reflective writing sessions.

Professional book writing service providers sometimes like to write music while listening to some good foreign language music. The tunes offer intrigue, keeping one motivated without the distraction of lyrics.

Below are writing music playlists liked by the team from around the world:

This writing music playlist embodies dreamy, mellow French indie pop. It leans heavily on electronic music and vibrant beats, evoking a “low-key Paris” vibe rather than the frenzy of club-hopping.

During the late 1970s and 1980s, Japan embraced “City Pop,” influenced by Western music. With jazz, soft rock, and funk elements, it’s reminiscent of yacht rock—a perfect choice for those seeking peppy tunes.

Soweto, a vibrant township in South Africa, resonates with musical energy. This playlist highlights mbaqanga music, a rhythmic style with deep Zulu roots originating in the early 1960s. Its upbeat tempo ignites energetic bursts of writing.

For enthusiasts of upbeat music, Bhangra is the epitome of delight. Originating in the British Punjabi community, it blends traditional Indian folk melodies with hip-hop influences and infectious percussion.

This playlist promises a surge of vitality, featuring traditional flamenco and Spanish folk tunes with a quick tempo. It infuses the writing space with vitality, ideal for those seeking energy.

Hop on a 54-hour musical odyssey through Korean R&B, pop, ballads, and lo-fi melodies. This extensive mix offers a spectrum of emotions, from uplifting anthems to soulful ballads, perfect for any writing journey.

Explore these eclectic playlists and let the global melodies inspire your creativity.

For those who find lyrics distracting, there are many musical choices to maintain focus. Consider classical pieces, hip-hop beats, instrumental renditions of favorite songs, and contemporary composers to enhance productivity.

This playlist, a personal favorite for writing sessions, offers lyric-less, Asian-inspired hip-hop beats. It balances chill vibes and upbeat rhythms as the backdrop for about 50% of writing sessions.

A 2.5-hour compilation featuring selections from Mozart, Chopin, Debussy, and other classical masters. If it’s suitable for reading, it’s also conducive to writing.

Minimalist compositions, characterized by repetitive patterns or steady drones, are ideal for fostering concentration. This mix showcases works by iconic minimalist composers like Philip Glass, Michael Nyman, and John Adams.

Perfect for top-40 radio and pop classics fans who seek to maintain focus. From basic guitar covers to full orchestral renditions, it offers a variety of instrumental interpretations.

Explore the instrumental music of Japanese musician Ryuichi Sakamoto, renowned for his movie soundtracks and piano compositions. This playlist offers a 30-track introduction to his sparse, dark, and contemplative works.

Experience the expressive power of the Spanish guitar, characterized by its rich emotion, quick riffs, and rhythmic cadence. Let its zest infuse your typing sessions.

You can also listen to the solo releases of Italian pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi, renowned for his film and television scores. Explore his diverse works, including the seven-part “Seven Days Walking” series.

For those seeking instrumental scores from games and movies, the world of music offers a range of options to enhance focus and productivity.

From Downton Abbey’s grandeur to Braveheart’s adventure, this playlist encompasses a wide range of movie soundtracks, including Ratatouille and Sherlock. Despite the diverse cinematic themes, the music strikes a harmonious balance between epic and subdued, providing an ideal ambiance for concentration.

Renowned as the bestselling video game of all time, Minecraft captivates players with its enchanting music. The soundtrack exudes an understated yet uplifting vibe, subtly infusing happiness and motivation into your writing space.

Hop into the serene world of Studio Ghibli with this 7-hour YouTube collection featuring gentle piano performances intertwined with soothing nature sounds like chirping crickets. Indulge in soft and tranquil melodies to create a serene writing atmosphere.

When you enter the world of electronic music, you’ll find all sorts of styles, from electronica to house, techno to drum and bass, each with its own feel. While some folks love jamming to rave tunes, others prefer playlists that are lively but not too wild. Here are a few tracks to boost your writing sessions:

Engross yourself in subtle, hypnotic electronic melodies to enhance focus and relaxation. With no distracting lyrics, this playlist is ideal for those easily pulled away from their creative flow.

Featuring downtempo and deep house tracks, this playlist provides the perfect energy balance without inducing a desire to dance. Its repetitive beats offer a steady rhythm to anchor your writing endeavors.

24.   Mother Earth’s Plantasia

A cult classic electronic album by Mort Garson, “Plantasia” was initially released in 1976, resurfacing to wider acclaim in 2019. Crafted as “warm Earth music” to aid plant growth, its sweet, hopeful, and spacey tunes, infused with Moog synthesizers, evoke a sense of fantasy and wonder.

Highlighting innovative women in electronic writing music, this playlist offers diverse styles and voices. From Yaeji’s quiet, mellow vocals over house beats to Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith’s intricate synthesizer compositions and Charlotte De Witte’s dark and stripped-back techno, each artist brings a unique perspective to the electronic landscape.

This playlist offers more than 100 instrumental tracks that are ideal for keeping you concentrated on your tasks. With genres ranging from classical melodies to electronic rhythms, there’s a diverse selection to help you stay in the zone.

Everyone has different preferences regarding finding the right auditory backdrop for writing, especially when embarking on becoming a novelist . Here are some tips for discovering your optimal sound:

Try out various musical genres to see which ones work best for you. Some writers do their best work with classical or instrumental music playing in the background.

Others find upbeat pop, rock, or dance music more motivating. Don’t limit yourself to one genre—explore various types of writing music to find which styles get your creative juices flowing.

You may want to make different playlists depending on the type of writing project you’re working on. For academic or technical writing, mellow acoustic or classical music may help you focus without distraction.

For creative writing like poetry or fiction, instrumental movie soundtracks or ambient electronica could help spark ideas. Tailor your playlists to fit the tone and nature of your writing.

You don’t necessarily need a musical soundtrack to write. For some, ambient background noise like the hum of a coffee shop, rainstorm sounds, or crackling fireplace audio can provide a soothing atmosphere without pulling focus like lyrical music might. Experiment with different natural noise soundscapes to see if they help your writing productivity more than music.

The key is trying out different auditory backdrops to discover what puts you in the optimal headspace for writing without distracting you from the task. Be open to finding new music, sounds, or playlists that boost your creativity and focus. With experimentation, you’ll find the right sonic environment tailored specifically to your writing needs.

While writing music can be a great tool for enhancing focus and creativity while writing, it has some potential downsides to be aware of.

Individual responsiveness to music is highly personal. For every writer who thrives with a harmonious background, there’s another who may find it overstimulating. Just as some writers deepen their skills by read classic books in silence, you might discover that a quiet environment helps you concentrate better. It’s crucial to experiment and determine if music is a helpful tool or a hindrance to your process.

Songs with lyrics, especially in a language you understand, can pull your focus towards listening to the words instead of writing your own. Instrumental music is often a better choice for writing sessions.

Having new songs constantly start-up can disrupt your concentration and pull you out of the writing flow state. Consider playlists that blend songs without gaps or extended mixes that play for 30-60 minutes without interruptions.

Nature sounds, and white noise has also become popular options for writers seeking ambient background audio. The sounds of birds chirping, rain falling, or waves crashing can promote relaxation while blocking distracting noises.

Many people also enjoy the background chatter and clatter of a coffee shop or cafe. The indistinct voices and sounds of espresso machines and dishes create a soothing backdrop, emulating the buzz of creativity and productivity. Cafe ambiance playlists aim to mimic this energetic yet unintrusive environment.

Binaural beats are a more unconventional option. Each ear’s tracks play slightly different frequencies to encourage specific mental states.

For example, beta-wave binaural beats from 14-30 Hz may boost energy and focus, while theta waves from 4-8 Hz induce calmness and creativity. However, research on binaural beats’ effects remains limited.

Any repetitious, low-key background noise could pave the way for engaging writing sessions. We see this in practice daily at our Seo blog writing agency , where various sounds accompany our writers on their creative journeys. Experiment to determine which auditory environments optimize your concentration and inspiration. Let your productivity and preferences guide you towards your ideal soundscape.

It’s worth experimenting to find your optimal soundscapes to write to. Remember that lyrics can sometimes be distracting, and pay attention to how your productivity is affected. While music works for many, reduce the volume or avoid it if it seems counterproductive.

Listening to music while writing can greatly boost creativity, focus, and productivity for many people. Throughout this article, we’ve explored different genres and playlists that can inspire focused writing sessions and soothe nerves or spark new ideas. With this guide and multiple playlist options, we hope you can now increase your productivity while crafting a book .

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How Music Can Benefit Your Creative Process + KWL Romance Writing Playlist

by kobowritinglife | Jul 31, 2019 | My Writing Life , The Craft of Writing | 6 comments

by Amy Evans

Writing any kind of musical piece, from composing a Brazilian samba song to a Hollywood movie soundtrack, is an inherently creative process. Does it follow then, that listening to music will help you write a better novel? It depends on the type of music and varies from writer to writer. Viet Thanh Nguyen listened to rock music while writing his Pulitzer prize-winning novel The Sympathizer . Lori Osterberg, an international bestselling romance novelist, creates a playlist for each book she writes. I listen to instrumentals while I write, and I wanted to share how this can enhance the creative process.

The Writing Atmosphere

Listening to instrumental music can help immerse yourself in the setting of your novel. This is particularly beneficial when writing a story that occurs in a different time period or a foreign country. Are you writing a steamy love story that takes place in Spain? Listen to some romantic Spanish guitar. Working on a historical novel that takes place hundreds of years ago? Listen to music from that era. What is truly amazing about the digital age is that you can find music that fits any genre, time, and place. Even if you are writing a sci-fi space adventure, there is music for that too (hint: Interstellar soundtrack).

Getting in the Zone

Instrumentals can help you focus and tune out distractions. A solid playlist can have you writing for hours on end. There are times when there are too many ideas bouncing around my head, and music helps control the flow of ideas. Do you ever feel that silence can be too loud? Keep in mind I’m talking about the creative aspect of writing. If you’re in hard core editing mode, music might be distracting. Concentration is also dependent on the volume of your music. It would probably be difficult to focus with Beethoven blasting out of your speakers – and your neighbours would likely not be too happy about the symphony orchestra next door. Background music at low to medium volume is your best bet.

Psychological Benefits

The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley studies the extensive psychological benefits of music. Neuroscientists have confirmed the link between music and motivation. They also discovered that listening to music heightens positive emotion by stimulating dopamine receptors. Music is proven to significantly decrease anxiety and establish a calming effect – so listening to tunes can help if the pressure of writing a novel is getting to you. There is also evidence that music acts as a memory aid, but the jury is still out on that one. More fascinating still, listening to music causes almost every brain center to light up, suggesting there are even more benefits that we haven’t discovered yet!

Why Instrumentals?

Simply put, lyrics can be distracting, even if they are only in the background. You might find yourself singing along in your head or end up typing the lyrics in the middle of a sentence (it happens). There is an immense variety of instrumental music available online. Many movie soundtracks, like those of Academy Award-winning composers Hans Zimmer and James Horner, are beautiful to write with. There are ambient instrumentals that focus on mood and ambient versions of many famous songs. You can find instrumental covers of your favourite songs. Violin and piano covers are my personal favourites. There are even instrumentals that create nature sounds. The options are endless, really.

Finding and Crafting Playlists

You can find playlists for creative writing and concentration on many music platforms such as Spotify and Youtube. These platforms also suggest similar songs, so your playlist will keep on growing. If you don’t know where to begin with creating playlists, you can start with pre-made ones before designing your own. In addition to the creative benefits, you’ll discover great new music.

Listening to music and writing is not for everyone, but it is certainly worth trying. And not every good song is suitable for writing. Just because you love Kendrick Lamar, does not mean he can help you write your novel. I mean, he could. He won the Pulitzer Prize in 2018 for his recent album, after all. The type of music that enhances your writing may surprise you.

Every month Kobo Writing Life will post a song list for each genre, starting with romance! Check out our playlist, designed by me, on Spotify or Youtube .

Do you have a creative playlist to share? Favorite songs to listen to while you write? Share them with KWL! If you are trying the music and writing combination for the first time, we want to hear about it, so report back. As always, happy writing, friends .

Amy works on Author Engagement for Kobo Writing Life. She helps answer author questions and comes up with creative blog content. Amy studied Social Sciences at the University of Ottawa and Publishing at Ryerson University. She has worked as a content author of literature study guides and as an online literature educator.

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Thank you!!! This is a wonderful playlist…I appreciate you sharing it. In all my to do lists, creating playlists never showed up. But it’s always taken up just a bit of space in my mind…this is a beginning nudge to do some of my own. After I listen to yours a few more times☺️

Thank you Brenda! It is so incredible how powerful instrumental songs can be 🙂

I like to listen to dark techno when I’m writing. It’s got nothing to do with the subject matter, but the tribal rhythms fire up my brain and the weird sounds stimulate my subconscious.

I admit, i am not one for listening to music when i write, but work from yma sumac or daft punk some harry potter film stuff will be what i listen too if i did

This is a great article, Amy– especially the point you make about writing in a different historical setting. I found myself listening almost exclusively to medieval/Norse tunes while writing my novel “The Exile,” which is set in pre-Viking Scandinavia… Needless to say, I had to find a new playlist to accompany my 1600s English play (thank goodness for James Horner and Hans Zimmer!!) 😀

Do you ever find that listening to a soundtrack from a movie you have already seen makes the creative process more difficult? In other words, does the association of the music with another story hinder your own storytelling?

Your novel sounds very interesting, Shiloh! Coincidentally, I have a character with your name – she is of Polish/Russian descent who moves to Toronto in the late 19th century. Hans Zimmer is my absolute favorite but I love James Horner and Patrick Doyle (Harry Potter soundtrack).

There are definitely some songs where their association to another story is too strong — especially if the song is played only in a few pivotal moments in the movie. Soundtracks that apply to more than a few scenes (ex. Soundtrack associated with Winterfell in Game of Thrones across 8 seasons) have me thinking of my own fantasy ideas. While music does help me generate creative ideas, the most valuable thing it does is get me in the right mindset for a certain genre and its associated mood, tone, and atmosphere 😊

Thanks for sharing, we love receiving feedback and having discussions with our authors!

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• Different Approaches to Completing NaNoWriMo 2019 - Kobo Writing Life - […] the wind, I say! If listening to music and writing is new to you, check out my recent article…
• Rising Star Parruh Dox: An Intimate Discussion | Salem House Press - […] very lyrical because my inspiration stems from Hip-Hop.” Like many other writers, Dox cites music as a massive source…
• Rising Star Parruh Dox | Salem House Press - […] very lyrical because my inspiration stems from Hip-Hop.” Like many other writers, Dox cites music as a massive source…
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Does Listening to Music Stimulate Creative Thinking, or Stifle It?

L istening to music while you work “significantly impairs” creativity. That was the conclusion of a study published earlier this year in the journal Applied Cognitive Psychology that examined the effect of different types of background music on creative problem solving.

For the study, UK researchers presented people with a series of word puzzles designed to measure creativity and “insight-based” processes. The study participants completed the puzzles either in a quiet space or in one with music playing in the background. Whether that music was familiar or unfamiliar, vocal or strictly instrumental, people’s scores on average fell on the creativity test compared to their scores in the quiet condition. “The findings challenge the view that background music enhances creativity,” the study authors wrote.

But don’t pitch your headphones or desk speaker just yet. More research on music and creativity has found that, depending on the kind of creative task a person is grappling with, certain types of music may be helpful.

A 2017 study in the journal PLOS ONE found that listening to “happy” music—defined as classical tunes that were upbeat and stimulating—helped people perform better on tasks that involved “divergent” thinking, which is a core component of creativity. Divergent thinking involves “making unexpected combinations, recognizing links among remote associates, or transforming information into unexpected forms,” the authors of that study wrote. Basically, divergent thinking is coming up with new, outside-the-box ideas or strategies.

“We can only speculate why happy music stimulates divergent thinking,” says Simone Ritter, coauthor of the PLOS ONE study and an assistant professor at Radboud University Nijmegen in the Netherlands. One theory put forward in her study is that the stimulating nature of lively music somehow energizes the brain in ways that promote a “flexible thinking style,” which leads to unconventional or innovative ideas.

There are other theories. Research has shown that listening to music can lower anxiety and improve mood , and these shifts could facilitate creative insights. “For breakthrough moments of creativity, positive mood is generally helpful,” says Mark Beeman, chair of psychology at Northwestern University and principal investigator at NU’s Creative Brain Lab. Meanwhile, if someone is anxious, “this [anxiety] tends to cause them to focus more, which is not helpful,” he says.

How could focusing on a creative problem be a bad thing? Beeman has spent two decades studying the brain and its creative processes, which he explores in his 2015 book The Eureka Factor: Aha Moments, Creative Insight, and the Brain . He explains that the process of creative problem solving tends to unfold in predictable stages.

The first stage, he says, involves studying a problem or dilemma, assessing the obvious solutions, and realizing that none of them works. “At this point, if you keep focusing too hard on a problem, that tends to make it more difficult for the brain to come up with different or novel ideas,” he says. He likens it to a dim star that disappears when you stare straight at it. “To see the star, you have to look at it out of the corner of your eye, and creative ideas may be like that too,” he says. “You need to take your focus off the strong, obvious ideas to avoid squashing the others.”

This is where music comes into play. Once a person has closely examined a problem and hit a roadblock, the next creative stage is one Beeman calls “incubation.” During this stage, “there’s some kind of continuing process in the mind where you’re still mulling the problem at an unconscious level,” he says. This incubation period often produces “aha!” insights or realizations—like when you can’t recall a word, but then it pops into your head later in the day, after you’ve thought you’d stopped thinking about it.

But not all activities foster incubation, Beeman says. “If you’re reading email or doing other demanding tasks, there aren’t enough background resources to do any work on the problem.”

Listening to music, on the other hand, may be just the kind of mild diversion that relaxes the brain’s focus while still allowing it to do its fruitful new-idea incubating, he says. And indeed, there’s evidence that listening to music can stimulate the brain’s default mode network, which is a collection of connected brain regions that research has linked to creative insight.

Beeman doesn’t dispute the results of the new study that found music impairs creative problem solving. He says music might not help people solve the type of verbal puzzle the study employed—which he himself helped design and validate years ago in an effort to better measure some aspects of creative thinking. This specific type of puzzle requires “multiple cognitive processes,” he says, some of which require “focused attention.” And all types of distraction—music included—may impair focused attention.

So if a person is in the midst of the first stage of creativity, the one that involves analyzing a problem and eliminating the obvious choices or solutions, background music probably isn’t helpful. “It’s either a distraction or you just block it out,” he says.

But if you’re stuck on a problem and you’re looking for creative inspiration, taking a break to listen to music or engage in idle “mind wandering” may allow the brain the freedom it needs to “dredge up” new ideas or insights, he says. He also cites research linking mind-wandering to creative inspiration.

In those cases, what type of music should you turn on? “I think that will vary a lot depending on the individual,” Beeman says. “For most, I think something that’s pleasant and familiar—not so novel that it’s distracting—would be helpful.”

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Best Background Music For Writing Content

Posted on May 19, 2021 by Webfor

De gustibus non est disputandum.

That italicized quote up there is an old Latin phrase. In modern American English, it’s usually rendered as “there’s no accounting for taste.”

This is true when it comes to the enjoyment and discernment of a wide range of art and artists, food and foodies, TV shows and writers, music and musicians, and on and on and on …

While one person — OK, me — might look at a Rothko and become entranced, another might look at that same Rothko and think, “The ‘ Son of Oregon ,’ huh? Pssht ! I could do that.”

Same goes for certain types of music, especially ambient music, which is what I typically listen to when I’m writing content.

Some ambient music is so minimalist, so droning that those whose tastes run toward more complex compositions scoff at its simplicity.

“I could do that,” they’re probably thinking.

Maybe. Still, ambient (with or without beats) is the best background music for writing content, in my opinion.

Deep Background

That word is important for me and my content writing: background . I need to hear the music when I’m working, but not really notice it. I need it to fill up the air in my office — and my head. (If I’m being honest, there’s a lot of air up there.)

I rarely write in silence; I don’t want to hear the blood rushing through my ears or the tinnitus that I gained from too many years playing too many loud rock shows with too many loud rock bands.

The music should inspire me, invigorate me. It should put me into a creative headspace, carrying me away, so to speak, but doing so without me noticing, allowing me to get into a rhythm that helps me to operate at peak efficiency and creativity.

Whatever it is that I choose to listen to, it can’t be distracting. It can’t make me want to focus on the music. Rather, the music must focus my mind on the work at hand. (Which is why I think ambient is a good choice for focusing on just about any task.)

If there are lyrics, I prefer them to be limited or buried in the mix or indecipherable; I don’t want to be actually registering the lyrics while I’m writing.

Content Background Music: Today’s List

Apps such as Spotify are a music lover’s dream. If you had told the younger version of me that the future version of me would have access to basically every kind of music ever recorded using a device that fits in one’s pocket, my mind would have been blown. My mind is still  blown, to be honest.

Notice that I say “today’s list.” That’s because if I were writing this blog tomorrow, my list would be different. This is the soundtrack to the composition of this blog, and I share it with you now.

Notes On Today’s Musical Selections

My favorite ambient-slash-experimental artists tend to be female. I don’t know why that is; it just is. But here are a few notes on today’s selections.

• Christina Vantzou : This music can be melancholy, and for me, this particular album is mood-dependent. If I’m feeling blue, I can get swept away from my work. If so, I skip to the next artist.
• Colleen : Her music is an interesting mix of high activity and subtlety. She’s sometimes too busy and, therefore, distracting. But when the mood is right, she can inspire me to fire off 1,000-word blog posts like this one in no time. Colleen is also an exception to the limited lyrics rule since her vocals are so organically woven into the overall sound.
• Grouper : One of my favorite Oregon-based musical artists. Nobody sounds like Grouper. But her compositions can be — how shall I put this? — spooky .
• Laurie Spiegel : “The Expanding Universe” is immersive, but it can also be a little abrasive, owing to the fact that the album was recorded on vintage electronics, which were cutting edge when she recorded it. This album in particular features music composed on the GROOVE system at Bell Labs .
• Janet Baker , Gerald Moore , Geoffrey Parsons : This collection of Schubert lieder is the oddball choice for this list. It’s definitely not ambient, but it works on me the same way ambient music does. I guess it’s helpful that I don’t speak German since the vocals don’t distract me. It’s so beautifully performed, Baker’s voice sounds just like another instrument to me. Her performance of “Ave Maria” is a little distracting simply because it’s such a ubiquitous, recognizable tune. Discerning listeners may recognize echoes of the intro to “Auf dem Wasser zu singen” (“To Sing On The Water”) in the Radiohead song “Bloom.”

Alternates and Cautionary Tales

There are also ambient “chill beats” and mixes on Spotify and other music apps for those who need to groove out while writing. I use these from time to time, but I find them hit or miss.

Similarly, there’s a risk in playing ambient music on random because Spotify’s algorithm (algo rhythm?) sometimes plops new-age music into the mix, which is often rubbish and, therefore, totally distracting.

(Hint: If you hear rain or ocean waves or babbling brooks — anything liquidy — then it’s probably new-age music. I prefer tinnitus. And these are not hard and fast rules, clearly .)

Tastes and Accounting

That quip about new-age music brings us right back to where we started: De gustibus non est disputandum. There’s no accounting for taste.

Of course, when it comes to content writing and digital marketing, there is  an accounting for taste. It arrives in the form of data.

At Webfor , we account for things by diving into that data via metrics and analytical tools that tell us the impact of the content we produce for our clients.

We want our clients to rank highly in organic searches, and so we craft compelling content that resonates with search engines and searcher intent.

For my part, I write blogs, web pages, and more to get my clients and their businesses to stick to page one of the SERPs — and stuck in the mind of potential clients and customers.

What do you listen to when you’re writing? I made the Spotify playlist collaborative , so please do add some of your favorites, if you’re so inclined.

Happy listening, happy writing.

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Music for creative writing

• Author: James Carter
• Main Subject: CPD
• Subject: Music
• Date Posted: 24 August 2012

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Playing instrumental tracks as children write will free their minds to wander down some unexpected and creative avenues, says James Carter..

Over the past 10 years I have visited more than 1000 primary schools and have seen a welcome increase in the number of practical music activities taking place, which is wonderful. But as a poet and someone who is deeply concerned with children’s reading and writing, I would like to see more primaries using music in the context of creative writing.

When music is a regular feature of creative writing sessions the results can be stunning. Played in the background, music helps children to become lost in what I call the ‘fog of their creativity’ – allowing their thoughts to wander into many interesting and unexpected places.

I first started to experiment with this approach whilst working as a lecturer in creative writing at Reading University, where I encouraged classes to actively listen to music and write in direct response to what they heard.

I was in the habit of taking in photos, postcards and pictures from magazines as a starting point for writing. Then one innovative student, now a KS2 teacher, suggested I also bring in some music. As a result, I began playing the students ambient music by Brian Eno (in particular, his sublime Apollo soundtrack, much used in TV adverts and documentaries). It was a fantastic success. The writing students produced was wholly different to anything else they had done previously. They were taking more risks, writing more freely and openly, and seemed less inhibited and more – dare I say – creative.

Keen to share this experience, and because I couldn’t find an existing resource, I began work on what was to become Just Imagine (Routledge, 2012, second edition): a book of images and ideas for stimulating creative writing, with an accompanying CD of music, for both primary and secondary teachers.

The Just Imagine CD features 11 instrumental tracks that I assembled with my good friend, the TV and internet composer Mark Hawkins. These are of varying genres and styles – from gentle ambient pieces to upbeat African soukous. Four are ‘soundscapes’: instrumentals with sound effects such as trains, church bells, distant voices, bird noises, footprints in snow, etc. It is the intention that all these pieces will generate a variety of responses in the listener’s mind’s eye – including images, narratives, events, words, phrases, memories, thoughts and emotions. Any language is valid, for this activity is all about generating fresh, raw material that can later be refined and crafted.

Choosing music for creative writing

Songs with lyrics do not work for this purpose; the lyrics are too intrusive. The language and subject matter guide the mind and take away the autonomy and freedom it requires. Instrumental tracks taken from any genre and originating from all parts the world can be used: the overriding feature I look for is atmosphere, something that generates mental pictures or a creates a distinct mood.

Why not pop over to YouTube, Spotify or iTunes and check out some movie soundtracks? You should ideally choose something that children will have not heard before (i.e. nothing from Disney, Pixar or Dreamworks’ film) so they won’t have automatic associations.

When I use music as a creative stimulus in classroom workshops, I let children hear a track at least twice. I am rarely prescriptive in content and merely request that pupils concentrate fully on what they can hear and write in response. I offer advice such as, “You might want to write a short poem; an opening to a story; a drama; a description; a list – anything at all that comes to you.” I also encourage the children to write without ‘thinking’ and immerse themselves in the music.

Just occasionally, I may play a track that could be used to inspire a narrative, and I might decide to write the words ‘Who?’ ‘Where?’ ‘What?’ ‘When?’ ‘Why?’ on the board to help the group generate some good story material.

Because the boundaries are open and stabilisers off, the results are very varied. A few children write nothing at all; used to writing to set templates and fill-in-the-gaps structures, they don’t know what to write without specific guidance. Or perhaps equally valid, responding to music is not for them. (I’m always conscious of this and try to reassure children by telling them that some weeks I can’t stop writing, and then for a few months I can barely get started at all. Children need to know that creative writing is not automatic; it will not always happen, yet other times it will, and there is no real logic to this.)

Some children write whatever is on their minds, or what amuses or preoccupies them. Even a quiet, ambient track can inspire a multiplicity of forms, tones and voices. Some children might write a silly Spike Milligan rhyme, others a reflective free verse poem, and there will be pupils who simply list all the sounds and instruments they can hear. All of this is good, if not essential. Children need this empty, quiet time to reflect, to mentally roam and to write, irrespective of the quality of the end product.

It is the deep enjoyment of the process that matters.

Clearly, the initial outcomes from these music-as-a-stimulus-sessions will be first drafts. Because of this, teachers might choose to play the music continuously during a session, ask children to go back over what they have written, expand upon ideas and phrases, lose anything unnecessary, and work, tweak and polish their creations. But hey, why not leave it at a first draft? Let the right brain dominate for once.

Those children that really let go with these music sessions are frequently surprised by what they have written. When they read their work out, I will often respond with “Wow! Where did that idea come from?” To which I invariably get the response, ‘I don’t know! I’ve never written anything like that before.” Kerching! That’s creative writing.

Music, like no other stimulus, allows children to get into an unconscious writing state, one in which they don’t even realise they are writing as they are so absorbed in the magical process of writing.

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The Effects of Background Music on Creative Writing

• Marina Casavant MacEwan University

Although many creative writers listen to music while they write (Chamorro-Premuzic et. al.,2009), it is not yet understood if background music enhances or decreases a writer’s creativity. Previous research suggests that the presence of music increases arousal, which in turn affects creativity (He et. al., 2017). Furthermore, people display higher levels of creativity when exposed to familiar music (Schellenberg et. al, 2007). However, many of these studies have examined music priming (when music is played prior to the task), as opposed to background music (when music is played during the task). There is also a lack of research on creative writing, especially short stories. In this study, experienced and novice writers will be asked to write two 300-word fictional stories with provided prompts. One will be written in silence, and the other will be written while listening to playlists the participants has created themselves. Participants will have fifteen minutes to write each story, and then they will answer a series of questionnaires that measure personality, empathy, and participants’ histories of creative activities and achievements. The stories written by these participants will then be read by two sets of raters: those who are also experienced in creative writing, and novice writers. The raters will compare each author’s stories, and judge which story is more creative. The hypothesis is that music will enhance the creativity in both groups of writers, but will have a greater effect in novices, as experienced writers are capable of being creative with or without music.

Faculty Mentor: Kathleen Corrigall

Department: Psychology (Honours)

Authors retain any and all existing copyright to works contributed to these proceedings.