Friday, 29 January 2016

Writing Music: Songs from Skyrim

This week, I started editing Snow. And while I’ve been editing, I’ve been listening to more video game soundtracks. Currently it’s the music from Skyrim. There’s something about this music that gets my mind in a creative space the moment I start listening to it. At the same time, once I start working, it fades into the background, allowing me to write without distractions. There are many, many great pieces in the Skyrim soundtrack, and today I’d like to share three of my favourites.


Ancient Stones

This piece holds a sense of wonder, mystery, and beauty. To me, it has a spirit of travel, or solitary exploration, holding the potential to stumble across something both beautiful and awe inspiring. It would also suit a scene containing positive revelations.


Steel on Steel

Steel on Steel is only a short piece, but it is packed with tension and the sense of impending battle. It is powerful and rousing, and would suit a scene of high tension, a one on one fight, or a scene right before a significant battle.


Dragonborn

Of course, no Skyrim song collection is complete without the theme, Dragonborn. This is the ultimate battle song, with a rousing male chorus and a sense of drama and determination that will either have your characters fighting, or your fingers flying.


If you’ve listened to the Skyrim soundtrack before, what is your favourite piece? If not, what music are you listening to while writing? I’m looking to discover some good film soundtracks soon, any recommendations?

14 comments:

  1. Hi Imogen! Thanks for the music recommendations! They'll come in handy for my next novel.
    I tagged you to do the one lovely blog tag. Here's the link: http://scarletsforest.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/one-lovely-blog-tag.html

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    1. Thank you for the tag Melanie. And I'm glad I could recommend you some music!

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  2. I like the Skyrim soundtrack; it's very unique.
    There's a great video game soundtrack I listen to, from the game 'Medal of Honor'. It's very heroic. My favorite tracks are the main title and 'Attack on Fort Schmerzen'.
    It's a really great writing soundtrack!

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    1. Ooh, I haven't listened to that one before. I'll have to look it up. And I'll definitely make sure to listen to those two pieces. I'm in great need of some new music, as always, so thank you so much for the recommendation!

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  3. I've heard that video game and movie soundtracks are great for helping you focus during studying/writing/whatever, because they're tailored to keep your attention focused on what's happening. And LOL Skyrim. I'll have to tell my brother than his favorite game is good for something other than....gaming. XD

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    1. Well, that's certainly my experience with it. I think that movie soundtracks have a somewhat similar effect. They're all designed to enhance what's happening, rather than be the thing that's happening, unlike a lot of other music. Thanks for stopping by Rachel!

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  4. Oooh, these are good. I've never listened to anything from the Skyrim soundtrack before, so I'm glad you shared them. :) (I've also never played Skyrim even though I really want to. I played Myst a bunch and still do from time to time, and it tends to have a wonderful soundtrack.) So anyway, yes, I will definitely be keeping these in mind for writing. :) Thanks for sharing! :)

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    1. I've never played Skyrim either, but I love the music so much. It's going to be so good to listen to when I'm writing fantasy again. I haven't heard of Myst before, but now I think I must look it up. Thanks for the recommendation!

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  5. I've never played Skyrim, although it looks fun, but I like these selections. I like it when there's a choral element to add a certain gravity to the scene. I love the image of the frozen, forested north as well. If only I had the time to play this game... :)

    I can see where music like this would be helpful while writing. There's a lot of good instrumental music out there- have you ever listened to Kitaro? I used to listen to David Arkenstone and some of his stuff was good too.

    Good luck with the writing!

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    1. I've never played Skyrim either to be honest, but someone suggested I try listening to the soundtrack and I fell in love with it. I'm glad you enjoyed these pieces too. They're so nice to write to.

      I haven't heard of Kitaro before, but I definitely want to check it out now. Thank you so much for the recommendation!

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  6. Skyrim is such a great game and has such an awesome soundtrack. It's one of my favorite of all time. It has such soothing music or raucous battle songs. It's so perfect for a fantasy. I use many of the pieces for my Red Hood playlist. ^ ^ Thanks for sharing!

    storitorigrace.blogspot.com

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    1. It's got such a lovely mix of music, hasn't it? It doesn't really suit my sci-fi at the moment, but I love listening to it anyway. Can't wait to pair it with a fantasy. It'll set the scene so well. Thanks for listening!

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  7. WOW, absolutely love that first and second track! the first is so peaceful yet mysterious, while the second has such fantastic tension. And the theme is fantastic! I definitely need to listen to the rest of this soundtrack, thank you!

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    1. The theme always makes me feel like I need to get my battle axe out and slay something. Or pound out a thousand odd words into my novel. There's something so motivating about it! Thank you for stopping to listen, Jamie.

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