Tags
erotic romance, erotica, God Speed You! Black Emperor, Lolita Lopez, M83, Marvin Gaye, mood music, NIN, sexy music, The Black Keys
Oh, sing it, Marvin!
I don’t know about you, but I rely on the perfect mood music for my books. As a work at home mama, I need that clear break from Dora the Explorer lyrics and the electronic chatter of Violet that talking computer dog to get in the right mindset. For me, a good pair of headphones and some fabulous music provide that shift for me.
Sure, I like the go-to classics like Marvin Gaye and Barry White when I’m writing fun, flirty sex scenes, but if it’s something a bit kinkier or passionate? Give me some Nine Inch Nails, Massive Attack, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, M83, Goldfrapp or Enigma. Passionate, slow, take-me-right-here-against-the-door sex? Can’t go wrong with The Black Keys. Writing a paranormal scene, maybe some hot vampire love? Type O Negative all the way, baby!
Boy, that’s when it gets fun making playlists! Over the years, I’ve created different playlists on iTunes and have labeled them clearly. The First Time. Bondage and Submission. Let’s Get Kinky. Makeup Sex is the Bestest. You get the idea.
I think it’s important to setup specific playlists because it makes it so much easier to stay in the moment and feel the scene. Do I let iTunes randomly choose when I’m writing not-sexy scenes? Sure, but let’s face it. Lady Antebellum has some gorgeous songs that are perfect for reuniting lovers but for a couple decked out in rubber and doing a fetish scene? Yeah, not so much! The last thing you want when you’re deep into your characters’ heads is to be pulled out of the moment by—oh, I don’t know—Lady Gaga wailing about her poker face.
I’m one of those writers who isn’t bothered by lyrics. There are writers who swear by lyric-less music, and that’s cool. For me, the words just melt into the background so it isn’t an issue. If it is an issue, don’t worry. There are tons of atmospheric albums out there.
And, yes, making nookie playlists is hands-down one of favorite ways to procrastinate. Ha! You caught me!
One thing I’ve always wondered: do readers have favorite playlists when reading? I’m usually holding my Kindle while tending the stove or reading from it while folding laundry so I don’t typically listen to music while reading.
What about you? Are you a reader who needs background music? Or a writer who needs that mood music to the get the creative juices flowing? Inquiring minds want to know!
