Music for writing: when silence isn’t an option
I like to write in silence. I need quiet to settle into my thoughts and find the things worth saying.
Because I sometimes work in an office in the city, and because I still live with my family, and because on the rare occasions I have the house to myself I often spend it watching movies – it’s become normal to write with some kind of noise. I write around the sound of people talking, or the hum of the TV, both of which prevent me from concentrating. I’ve come to rely on covering up the existing noise with headphones and music, creating a buffer between the world and my thoughts.
Here are three albums that have been keeping me company.
For the brainstorming phase: Bluey the Album
Bluey is a masterclass in good art. The scripts are sharp, the animation is perfection, and the voice acting is a delight. It manages to do what The Road to El Dorado and Chicken Run did for me during my childhood; be an entertaining, rich story for children that also rewards adult viewers.
The show’s soundtrack is wonderful. It runs the gamut of several musical styles; soft rock to polka, surf music to electronic classical (in the style of Wendy Carlos of A Clockwork Orange fame, no less). Bluey the Album is sophisticated, and full of surprises. I also enjoy the snippets of dialogue built into each track. Bluey and her family are familiar characters in my life; they make for comforting writing companions.
Bluey the Album is perfect for that mad brainstorming phase at the start of a project, when you’re smashing out ideas and everything feels exciting. Bluey is an energetic show, and packs a lot into its seven minute time slot (a bit like the soundtrack, which packs a catchy tune into just a few minutes). Writing to this soundtrack brings a carefree, optimistic energy back to my work. It motivates me to make good art.
Favourite tracks: Taxi, Pool and Creek Is Beautiful!
You might also like: Dance Mode! – Bluey, Cuphead – Kristofer Maddigan, The Incredibles – Michael Giacchino.
For settling into a flow state: Apollo – Brian Eno
The celestial beauty of this album is chef’s kiss.
Apollo is like falling into a supernova. You fall into the deep blue, only to find yourself suspended by synthesisers and otherworldly guitars. I’ve heard some people listen to it while on planes, matching their ascent into the air with the album’s ascent into space. It must be breathtaking.
This album has a gentle build up. Revisiting it, I managed to tune the music out until ‘An Ending (Ascent)’, five tracks in (that’s when it really gets good). This slow ascent into space makes it perfect for long term focusing. None of the tracks are too distracting, nor are they without personality. They carry you along.
Favourite tracks: Silver Morning, Deep Blue Day and Weightless.
You might also like: Ambient 1: Music for Airports – Brian Eno, Local Hero – Mark Knopfler, Spiritfarer – Max LL.
For celebrating the finish line: Breakfast at Tiffany’s – Henry Mancini
Henry Mancini’s music is so joyful. The Pink Panther theme is a certified ear worm. I used to joke that I wanted ‘Baby Elephant Walk’ played at my funeral. And did I mention he’s responsible for the Charlie’s Angels theme?
His Breakfast at Tiffany’s soundtrack made it to ABC Classic’s 2022 ‘Classic 100: Music for the Screen’ countdown. Since then, it’s become one of my firm favourites. By turns jazzy, romantic and laid-back, cabana lounge style, it’s ideal listening for that last round of edits (or to pump into your ears while walking around a fancy department store. Listener’s choice).
Favourite tracks: Something for the Cat, Sally’s Tomato and Moon River Cha Cha.
You might also like: Baby Elephant Walk – Henry Mancini, The Girl from Ipanema – Frank Sinatra (cover), Copacabana – Barry Manilow.