Best music for writing fantasy?

[studentofrhythm]

Anyone here listen to Sigur Rós? Their special EP of Saeglópur is very evocative. I think (), Takk and Valtari would set nice fantasy moods too.

Also, go on youtube and search for Jordi Savall. This guy has been playing renaissance and baroque music in several ensembles for years and you can find a lot of his recordings there.

One good Medieval ensemble I've found recently is Alba. I particularly enjoy their Die Tenschen Morder. There's also Ensemble Orientis Partibus -- I've heard their O Roma Nobilis which has become one of my favorites. Gregorio and Eduardo Paniagua's Musique Arabo-Andalouse has long been a favorite too. I also love Magnificentia Iberica's Music of Medieval Spain.

 

[Ghost]

Anyone here listen to Sigur Rós?

Oh, me! Me me me! They're definitely up there for zoning out music. I like Promise and the Monster's Transparent Knives and Rio en Medio's Frontier LP for that as well. I'd recommend Efterklang if you like Sigur Rós. Parades or Under Giant Trees are good albums to start. I'd think they're good for writing fantasy or science fiction.

 

[topazfire]

I tend to look for songs where the mood and lyrics echo the place or the moment that my characters are experiencing. If it is some sort of epic battle then I certainly turn to a lot of the soundtracks already mentioned. When it is a specific scene between a couple of characters, especially if they are in different places emotionally, I listen to music that I feel represents them at the time.

I actually listen to a lot of indie rock and new alternative rock with some characters, and more mellow stuff with other characters. I have a writing playlist on my iPod that has 50 songs (all of them released within the past 5-10 years) that I draw mood and inspiration from when I write.

 

[Bear]

I don't listen to music when I write. Sometimes I leave the tv on set to some sort of news or something.

 

[Steerpike]

Anyone here listen to Sigur Rós?

Yep. They're good.

 

[Jabrosky]

It depends largely on my setting's cultural flavor. For an African-themed story I choose either traditional African music or R&B, whereas for something more European-inspired I choose Celtic. For something more modern I would choose metal or techno. Additionally I prefer songs with a faster, more aggressive sound for action scenes.

 

[Lawfire]

I have a hard time writing while listening to anything with lyrics. However, I like to sit and brainstorm with music on. Usually something heavy and loud.

 

[SeverinR]

I occasionally find period instrument music to help get in the mood.

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...E961748A17338D564B69E961748A17338D564&first=0

I liked this even if it is modern on the harp.
harp music stair way - Bing Videos

 

[ArelEndan]

I usually listen to Celtic when I write or something relaxed like Josh Groban and Il Divo. I'll switch it up based on mood or culture, too. I've listened to Scottish pipes and drums bands when writing action, contemporary pop for a sci-fi novella, and Asian wind instruments while working on an idea for a culture inspired by ancient China.