Filed under: Music Inspiration | Tags: character development, Music, wanda jackson, Writing, Writing Exercise, Writing Inspiration
courtesy nashvillescene.com
The resurgence of Wanda Jackon’s music into the mainstream has gotten me really inspired. Granted, for many people she’s been an ongoing inspiration and I’m sure there are many old fans that never stopped listening to her. But, I obviously haven’t been around a long time and I grew up in a house of jazz, R&B and classic rock…no country or rockabilly in sight, ‘sides some Patsy Cline in the Catskills with gramma. So I think that lets me off the hook.
The first thing that grabbed me about her music was her voice. It’s hard, edgy and sexy. When I had Ryan listen to her, we immediately started comparing her to her male contemporaries like Jerry Lee Lewis, but Ryan pointed out that her sound might have been a competitive reaction to those boys, which made me love her music more. I also wondered which song was better – Presley’s Jailhouse Rock or Jackson’s Riot in Cell Block #9? Hm. Tough call for me.
Anyway, her style is so fun and old-fashioned, I thought it would be a great writing prompt to use her music to write a character.
Writing Prompt:
Listen to one of Wanda Jackson’s greatest hits all the way through on Grooveshark.
(my favorite collection is Queen of Rockabilly)
As you listen, think about an older man or woman listening to this record. Maybe they’re transported to the sixties, maybe they’re just doing housework. Either way, write a scene where he or she uses Wanda Jackson’s music to get him/her through his/her daily routine, sort of like a soundtrack. Again, you don’t need to stay in the present time frame; you can play around with memories, with objects and with expressions. Have fun!
And remember to rock your baby all night long,
H2I,
Alicia
Filed under: Beat Fridays, Music Inspiration | Tags: Aloe Blacc, Music, R&B, Soul, Writing, Writing Exercise, Writing Inspiration
Courtesy Cafemaroon.com
This Beat Friday is all about soul. Aloe Blacc’s album Good Things gives it to you in many different ways with eclectic inspiration that rivals Janelle Monaé (whom I’ll speak about next week most likely) Good Things contains distinct 70′s inspiration in his use of horns, organ, wah pedals and even vibraphones. The song “Politician” definitely borrows a George Harrison guitar sound along with horn parts that rival “All you need is love”. On “So Hard”, I thought i heard early Pink Floyd. And oh boy, “Momma hold my hand” tugs on my heartstrings hard. Reminds me the most of Stevie Wonder overall.
But there are a lot of 2010 markings, too. Some of the electronic drum beats (“If I”) definitely branch out from the reliance on heavy drum sounds that always was key for R&B. This aspect makes it new and modern without being pretentious. It’s simple, but by no means easy.
The bass is always hopping, though, which makes up for anything that might lack in some of the electronic aspects. It’s an album appropriate for most moods, given that you like R&B and Soul.
And his voice – beautiful without anything fancy, which makes his music about harmony and unity, not about flash. I like that and think it’s refreshing.
Writing Challenge – Look Around
Aloe Blacc writes about troubles on this album – from needing momma to needing to see a change in certain communities. Pick a subject that infuriates you or moves you and form it into a representation. In other words, an allusion or metaphor. Ask yourself what compelled you to make this comparison in your brain. Then write it out. Strip it down after you’ve written a few paragraphs or lines by underlining what you think is most important.
If this is too difficult, just write about the situation in journal form until something – a line of meaning – comes to you. Keep your eye on your words and think on why this line is so important. Keep it. Underline it. Then write a story or poem beginning with that line
H2I
Alicia
Filed under: Music Inspiration | Tags: Grooveshark, Inspiration, Massive Attack, Mood, Music, Rhythm, Setting, Vitamin String Quartet, Writing, Writing Exercise
Music Inspiration:Weather Storm by Massive Attack, as performed by The Vitamin String Quartet**
courtesy tradebit.com
If you read my Facebook, then you already know how I feel about this track, so sorry for the repetition!
Massive Attack, for me, is one of those groups you just have to be in the mood for. That being said, they’re not for everyone, though I think their catchy beats offer accessibility. If you have a pulse, you fall in love with rhythm, it’s as simple as that. Not that you actually acquire rhythm, but you appreciate it when it falls in sync with something natural. Massive Attack’s beats capture natural moods within rhythm, however dark and ominous their sound is. The best word I can use to describe it is carnal.
This song has that synchronicity, that something natural that can evoke memories or create new scenarios. So, here’s the challenge as you put this track on repeat….
Writing Challenge: Setting
Use this song of the day to challenge your conventional ideas about setting and the words you typically use to present it. This piece evokes an obvious mood, but fight against going for the typical wind-and-harsh weather scenario. Try to get away from thinking about the title. Focus on the rhythm. What time period are we talking? 15th century? Or maybe BC? The future? Are there people involved? Animals? How do they influence the sound? MOST importantly, where’s the light coming from – if there is any – and where is it being cast? Do research only if you can’t resist the impulse, but try writing first with your gut. See where it takes you. It’s OK to take liberties…that’s what I’m encouraging!
A poem, a scene of a play, a chapter from your memoir – this is where you start your flow, so have at it!
As always, comment with your thoughts or even share what you’ve written.
H2I,
Alicia
**note: Please go to Grooveshark and search this track until I figure out what I’m doing wrong with my widget. For some reason it’s not embedding correctly. Thanks!
