6
Sep
A few weeks ago, my musical muses, Apocalyptica, released their most recent album, 7th Symphony.
If you’ve followed this blog at all, you’ll know I’m not only a huge fan of Apocalyptica, but I also have their music readily available when I’m writing and need a little inspiration. Considering how much I loved their previous releases, I had high hopes for 7th Symphony. I’m happy to say I definitely was not disappointed! It’s fantastic!
The music is sweeping and dramatic and haunting…and absolutely perfect for listening to while working on the rewrites of my angels and demons project. I couldn’t have asked for a more fitting writing “soundtrack.”
Although you’ll probably hear the tracks “End of Me” (feat. Gavin Rossdale of Bush) and “Not Strong Enough” (feat. Brent Smith of Shinedown) on your local hard rock/alternative station, three songs you won’t hear are among my favorites: “At the Gates of Manala,” “Beautiful,” and “Sacra.”
As much as I love the radio-friendly tracks, my favorite instrumental tracks really showcase the band’s talent and are a great blend of their classical roots and their heavy metal leanings. And when it comes to the creative process, I can’t help but be transported right into the plot of my story while I’m listening. (Talk about serendipity…)
Okay, so enough of my gushing. If you don’t have the CD yet, get on it, for crying out loud! 
Or, you know, at least give these three songs a listen. And when you completely fall in love with these particular tracks and hop over iTunes to buy the entire album, be sure to get the deluxe version; the two bonus tracks are worth it!
1
Jun
Some authors listen to music while writing in order to block out ambient noise and help them focus. I listen to music to immerse myself in a particular emotional state and set the mood for whatever kind of scene I’m preparing to write. (Call it method writing, if you’d like.) As such, my listening queue is often varied and wide-ranging sometimes drifting between such disparate artists as Disturbed and the Chieftains in the same day. However, one group that’s a constant in my writing soundtrack is Finnish symphonic metal band, Apocalyptica.
Their music, if you’re not familiar with them, is a fusion of classical music and heavy metal performed (for the most part) on cellos. Their stirring compositions are sweeping and romantic, and yet these guys definitely know how to rock it hard. No matter what I happen to be working on whether it’s a dramatic love scene or a thrilling battle between the forces of good and evil I know I can bring up Apocalyptica and be good to go. To put it another way: there are numerous performers whose music I enjoy, but there are few whose music moves me.
Recently, in a rather astonishing turn of events, I had the chance to meet my musical muses when I won tickets to a local rock festival and — joy of joys! — a meet-and-greet session with the guys from Apocalyptica.
How cool is that?!
Talk about an amazing opportunity! Not everyone can say she has met her muses in person! Even more incredible — these guys aren’t just exceptionally talented musicians, they’re also extremely nice. No self-absorbed prima donnas here, folks! Oh, and they’re also fantastic huggers. (Just saying.)
I’m looking forward to the release of Apocalyptica’s newest CD, 7th Symphony, which currently is scheduled to drop in August 2010. I guarantee I’ll be purchasing the CD even before I hear a single song as I’m certain this release will be just as moving and inspiring as the rest of their music has been and that their new compositions, like the men who perform them, won’t contain an ounce of the self-important pretension you’d expect to find in rock stars.
Two words, my friends: Wicked. Cool.
