Finding Inspiration in Music: My Journey into the Creative Process

In the world of literature and independent publishing, the creative process is a deeply personal and often enigmatic journey. For me, music serves as both a muse and a guiding force in my writing and editorial work. In this blog post, I’ll delve into my unique connection with music, how it influences my creative flow, and the storytellers in music that have left an indelible mark on me.

The Soundtrack of My Creativity: My Musical Preferences

My life and music are intricately intertwined. My eclectic taste spans genres like Motown, Northern Soul, Yacht Rock, folk rock, singer-songwriters of the ’60s and ’70s, psychedelia, and Latin jazz. These genres provide the backdrop to my creative endeavors, but—when it comes to writing, I prefer music with non-English lyrics. The absence of English lyrics allows me to focus solely on the rhythm and sound of the words, a unique approach that fuels my creativity.

From Blank Page to Creative Flow: The Role of Reading and Music

Starting a new poem or diving into a writing project can be daunting for anyone, including me. The journey from a blank page to creative flow is as follows: I turn to reading, often with a highlighter or notepad in hand, making annotations as I immerse myself in a text. It’s a way to kickstart my own creativity.

The music I choose is equally important. I like a quiet and comfortable environment, and non-English lyrical music helps set the tone. Plena Libre, Buena Vista Social Club, and Barbara are among my go-to choices when writing. This combination of reading and music creates the ideal environment for me to transition into the flow of writing.

Storytellers in Music: A Source of Enjoyment

While my work at The Broken Spine often revolves around literature and publishing, I also have a deep appreciation for music outside of work. I find solace and enjoyment in the storytelling abilities of musicians like Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Specials, Pulp, Squeeze, Paul Heaton, and Low Cut Connie. Their songs transport me to different worlds and evoke a range of emotions.

One common thread among these musicians is their ability to focus on the minutiae of life—the everyday and the banal. I admire how they find beauty in these seemingly ordinary moments and strive to replicate this in my own work. My prose, in particular, is tuned into small details, a reflection of the influence these musicians have had on my creative process. It’s just if they’re playing while I’am ‘at work’ then there’s no doubt I lose focus. iT’s kind of the opposite of way you click on your favourite track to listen to and all of a sudden it’s half-way through and you find you’ve not listened to a single note of it.

Celebrating the Intersection of Music and Creativity

In sum, for me music is more than just a background soundtrack; it’s a source of inspiration and a key component of my creative journey. Through the lens of music, I discover beauty in the ordinary, embrace the power of storytelling, and set the stage for my own creative endeavors. It’s a testament to the profound impact music can have on the creative process, transcending language and boundaries to foster a deeper connection with the world around us.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into my creative world, where the melodies of music and the written word harmoniously coexist. Stay tuned for more insights and inspiration from The Broken Spine as we continue to celebrate the arts and the pursuit of quality in publications and recommendations.

Here’s a playlist of my favourite writing music.