The Music: Dragoon
Note: I listen to music non-stop while I write. I have "Writing Stations" on Pandora, Grooveshark, and iTunes, mostly comprised of movie scores and soundtracks. That is not to say I only listen to classical music while writing. I listen to everything... and I mean that. It's not about lyrics (that's just icing on the cake) or even the genre of music... it's about how the song makes me feel. Which emotions it stirs. Here are a few songs that deserved a mention during my writing process.
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The Royal We, by Silversun Pickups
Outlining Silversun Pickups is a major source of inspiration for me. I love the fueled grittiness of the music and Brian Aubert's raw, passionate voice. My heart actually beats a little faster when I listen to this song, and it was my "power song" while coming up with Dragoon's story-line. Dissolve Me, by Alt-J
Chapter 11: The Flying Fish This song was it. I'd just begun listening to this unique band, and Dissolve Me had every bit of the excitement, curiosity, and optimism that Kat had when she first embarked out of Breakwater aboard the Flying Fish steam-ship onto the high seas! She and her friends were flying, something they'd never done, and her spirits soared just like mine do when I listen to this song. The Gymnast High Above the Ground,
by The Decemberists Chapter 33: The White Horse This song came up randomly (but I am a HUGE fan of the Decemberists, considering all of their songs are stories), and though the lyrics don't match, the lilt of the music made it Kat and Rune's love song. I'd listened to it while writing the light-hearted scene featuring Rocco Thatcher. ;) There is a hopeful innocence to their romance and I feel like this song expresses that. At least to me. Evacuating London, by Narnia OST Chapter 32: A Hidden Place Chapter 33: The White Horse Chapter : The Dead of Morning This song came up throughout several chapters (more than whats listed here). No matter how many times I hear it, this song tugs at my heart. To me, it expresses Kat's emotional journey through Cape Hill. Specifically, the moment when she learns of the hidden Dragoon memorial, the meaning of the white horse, and writes Rune's message. Beyond this Moment, by Patrick O'Hearn.
Chapter 49: Silver and Green Chapter 50: Secret Upon Secret After the Flying Fish escapes Cape Hill and makes its return trip to Breakwater, there is an equal balance of hope and heavy-heartedness. Sterling is gone, but many more were saved. The world around Kat and the others, a balance of sea and sky, is beautiful and haunting. I listened to this song repeatedly while writing those chapters. Lyrics, lyrics, lyrics. I see a trend forming here. After finishing each book, I stumble into a song (one way or another) with lyrics that fit the story inexplicably well. I'd just finished writing Dragoon and this song showed up on the radio. I listened to the lyrics and began flailing around my house in excitement and disbelief. Listen to this song (you've probably already heard it), read the lyrics, and think of Dragoon. The parallels are right on the mark!
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