by Jim
I seem to be on a non-metal trip here. Okay, might as well get this one out of the way. This goes back to my High School days. While the boy band wars were quickly coming to an end… and the destruction of punk rock as we knew it was beginning, I entered a Classic Rock / Techno phase. It didn’t last long, as … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
Okay, okay, I know, not metal. So what? Some people say that classical music helps improve cognitive functions. I couldn’t agree more. That being said, classical isn’t just full orchestras in massive concert halls. Quite often it’s the songs of our forefathers. The songs of myths, legends, and adventures past. Also, being an avid lover of Norse Mythology helps. When to Listen: This is a … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
Another song from Temperance that I wanted to add. This is a beautiful piece, especially at the beginning. It’s an easy listen, and something I really enjoy When to Listen: I would say that this is a world-building song. Don’t type when you listen to this one. Close your eyes and picture the world you want to build. Let the music help you find a direction … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
You know, every now and then, the YouTube Ad system hits it out of the park. First with Metalite, now these guys. Yes, MORE OF THIS PLEASE!!! It’s kind of a cross between Rhapsody and Coheed and Cambria… not a huge fan of the latter, but I still really like this! When to Listen: This type of music is my caffeine. High on positive energy … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
I’m admittedly not the biggest fan of these guys. I’ve honestly found them a little cheesy. (Seriously, who walks around in a foot suit of armor when they’re performing?) That being said, even the cheesiest metal band can have a few good songs! When to Listen: Lot of positive energy here. I’d say write with this during the initial brainstorming? Readers, Do you have a … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
Hammerfall… there really is nothing I need to say about these guys. They rock and I love them! When to Listen: This is a hero song. Listen to it when everything else has been stripped away. I guess to put it simply, write this as your ‘final boss confrontation.’ Readers, Do you have a question about writing, publishing, my stories, etc? Please feel free … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
I admittedly wasn’t a huge fan of Annette when she was with Nightwish. That being said, I’m glad she found her place and is actually doing well. This band seems a lot more suited to her style of singing. When to Listen: I would say general playlist. There’s enough here to justify playing it while the juices are already flowing. Readers, Do you have a question … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
I’ve never been a huge Amon Amarth fan… but after this cover, I may re-examine that. This girl’s voice is amazing! When to Listen: This is a very recent add for me, so I’m not 100% on where it should go. Based on the tone and tempo, probably a for use during a major conflict in a story. This is definitely a fitting song … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
Full disclaimer, I’ve decided to take a dive into some nostalgic music, the first of which will be from the latter half of my youth, then I’ll progress backwards. So a lot of this will not be metal as I didn’t become a metalhead until High School. (Metalheads, ye be warned.) Why am I doing this? Nostalgia is a very powerful/emotional evocative state of … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
Cheesy, shades of the 80s… but I’d be lying if this wasn’t a guilty pleasure of mine. I’m old enough to remember the 80s quite vividly and there are days that I find myself willing to give almost anything to be back there again. When to Listen: This song is pure positive energy. Listen to it when you first start writing. You’ll blow through … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
I’m not usually an instrumental guy. That being said, if I get something that really stands out, I have to share it. This one made it’s way on my playlist a few months ago. When to Listen: Scene description, especially outdoors. This could also be the right time to describe an epic battle. Readers, Do you have a question about writing, publishing, my stories, etc? … Read More From My Writing Playlist
by Jim
Before I get to today’s recommendation… I just want to say that searching for new music to whet my appetite is becoming a chore. YouTube recommendations have all but dried up… and honestly in my preferred genres, everyone is either trying to be the next Within Temptation or Nightwish. They all come off sounding incredibly generic and watered down by comparison. Then you’ve got … Read More From My Writing Playlist
James Harringtons Creative Work 