Using Music To Connect With Your Characters

As a fantasy writer, listening to the appropriate music while writing can really get you in ~the mood~ and set the tone for a scene, a situation, or the entire story.

Of course, when it comes to fleshing out your characters and really knowing who they are beyond just dialog on a page or a doodle on the canvas, one of the best tools (and possibly most underused even) is choosing the right songs for them.

I discovered this out of personal struggle. Since 2011/2012, I have been (very off-and-on) writing a story titled Beyond the Wall. To put it short, it's a POC Fantasy story, wedged somewhere between High and Low Fantasy (Middle Fantasy?) with elements of action, adventure, comedy, magic, and romance. It's set in my fictional world of Soren, an Earth-esque planet inhabited by elves (along with mythological animals and beasts). Based on my experience with writing this story and having to do all of the character development, music is the greatest asset a character creator (whether a writer or illustrator) can use when fleshing out a character and giving them a background and a life.

So, you know that magical feeling you get in the pit of your soul when an artist creates a song that perfectly captures how you feel about another person, situation, yourself, or your life, and they express it in their lyrics better than you could possibly could?

Take that principle and apply it to your characters. Finding songs that sound like your character could have created them is the musical key to connecting to them as their creator.

Once you get that song, or a playlist of 4 or 5 songs (or 20, or 30) that speak to the heart of your character and their personality, then you've got a strong and constant tool to use when trying to get in the head space and finding the muse for that character.

Where do you find music?

Sure, you can file through all the songs stashed in your music library and try to match them up with your characters. There's nothing wrong with that and it's fun and easier than music hunting because you're already familiar with the tunes at hand. The more broad your music taste, the easier this can be.

But, it can make things harder when you have a dark, broodish, and cynical character but most of the songs you know and enjoy are upbeat pop hits or electronic dance songs.
I had this issue a lot when I was younger and it made picking theme songs for my characters harder than ever. I finally found a way to combat this when I began to discover all of the amazing music tucked away in the hidden corners of the Youtube corn maze.

Youtube channels such as:

• Funky Panda
• ENM
• Elegant Sister (ES)
• MrSuicideSheep OR SuicideSheep (same guy, different channel)
• Indie Current
• Alrota Music 
• and xKito Music

all post songs by independent, up and coming, and hidden gem artists literally every single day (or close to it for some). Most, if not each, of these channels has playlists of dozens or sometimes hundreds of songs sorted by genre and make finding appropriate character songs so much easier than asking around for song suggestions from friends, on forums, hunting for songs with a certain sound or lyrics on google, or posting to Yahoo Answers.  I also have a habit of looking up songs I've heard and liked on tv commercials because they are often good and can come in handy for character stuff.

Think about your character's personality.

Imagine if Lurch's theme song was
 JT's Can't Stop the Feeling. Ill-fitting, yet oddly funny.

When choosing the right songs for your baby, you want to keep in mind who they are. What is their personality like? Are they brash? Tactful? Shy? Charming and charismatic? Sarcastic and cynical? Perhaps an odd mix. Find whatever adjectives describe them. If your character is a shy brooding type,  for example, then it might fare well for you to search for songs with lyrics that portray this sort of mentality and lifestyle. Of course, if you want to make a statement about your character keeping their true personality hidden, or them pretending to be someone they really aren't, then choosing a song that represents the real them and not their chosen persona would be best.

Lyrics might be dandy, but instrumentals can be handy.

Naturally, lyrics to a song are the most fun and easiest thing to match up to a character and storyline. However, you cannot ignore instrumental music either. The great thing about choosing instrumentals for your characters, is that they can help you to really get a feel for your character's presence and how they carry themselves, without having to worry about what the lyrics are saying.

Personally, when I choose instrumental songs for my characters, I don't ask myself what type of music would [character] listen to? so much as I ask if [character] was a genre of music, what would they sound like?  The token idea here is that you are finding your characters aesthetic through music. 

For example, my character Roland is an overthinking ISTJ who loves horticulture, schedules, and occasionally singing when no one's around. Instead of choosing music that is dark and heavy or slow and dragging for him, I decided on acoustic and indie folk, since he is a "Donny Downer" type, but also a nature lover with a off-kilter since of humor. 

Really think about the essence of your character.

Music make you lose gain control.

When choosing songs for your characters, it's important to remember the impact that music can have while you are writing. There's tons of articles you can find online that talk about how influential music is to writers. How it can help you focus, inspire and encourage you to continue working on something you started to get bored with, or motivate you to finish things that you've neglected. I've heard the best is lukewarm ambient instrumental (not so great sounding it distracts you, but not bad to the point it also distracts you), but here's more to it than that, I believe. 

While I write, I either listen to the songs I chose for the characters that are in the scene I'm writing, or I listen to Epic Score/Cinematic music that I feel fits the scene. Writing without that foundation of music in the background has actually proved to be more difficult to me. 

Having music with a perfect fit to your story and characters to listen to as you write can totally immerse you into the scene you are writing. 

I'm an illustrator and visual person, so when I create stories, I usually think up the scenes in terms of screenplay, camera angles, and staging at the start, so having the actual audio of score music (that isn't associated with a movie or tv show that already exists) to the hypothetical movie I'm creating helps to make it feel more real. 

This helps to keep me mindful of not only the aesthetic/atmosphere of the scene I'm writing, but what the characters are doing, how they are acting in the scene, and interacting with each other. simply because it forces me to imagine how they are going to be moving and staged throughout the scene in tangent with the music. 

As a sidenote, I think there is absolutely nothing wrong with listening to songs that are in the "so great sounding it distracts you" category, if they are songs relating to your characters/story. That way, if or when you are distracted by the music, you will still be thinking about your characters/story and keep your focus on that.

And there you have it. Some ideas for how to get started finding the perfect songs for your characters! 

Remember that songs can have multiple meanings and just because the lyrics of a song sounds one way, doesn't mean it can't mean something else. And that something else might be something that your character can relate to. 

That perfect song can come from anywhere, you just have to be willing to listen.

Happy Writing!

Confessions of a Melomaniac

Disclaimer: A post with a LOT of photos to load. All music links lead to corresponding Youtube videos of said links.~~~~

If you Google image search the phrase "can't live without music", it yields the expected images of gaudy text on a background that were probably posted on a 15 year old's angsty blog. Another word for this phrase however, is the word Melomania.

A trope commonly seen in movies, tv shows, cartoons, and comics alike, the image of the aspiring, apathetic rockstar teen who plays in a garage band with their friends and wears purple hair and lip rings, is what generally comes to mind when one thinks of someone passionate about music. However, for many people melomania is a real and true condition, so to speak (and yes, that includes many of those stereotyped teens). 

There is an image floating around about what the word Melomaniac means.

However, according the dictionary, it's a little more than that. Medical Dictionary defines it as a person with "(1) A singing compulsion; (2) An abnormal passion for music." Of course, this is far from any mental illness or medical condition, mind you (trust me, I would know). I wouldn't even classify it as an addiction. However, for me, being a Melomaniac is only magnified by my trait to hyperfocus and make odd connections via ADHD. 

I don't personally know any other melomaniacs out there, other than myself (possibly my mother? but not to the degree of myself). Still, here is what it's like to be one....and if you have the realization that you are one yourself, then c'mon. Let's share some songs.

Revelator Eyes. A beautiful song/video about using music to speak your feelings.

Back in high school, we read a story, and watched a film about a vain girl being seduced and stalked by a satyr or demon-like creature disguised as a human guy (I can't remember the title, but it's not really important). What stood out to me was when the teacher mentioned for us to take note that the main female character always had music playing. No matter where she went, there was a radio on, a record player, a jukebox. I can't remember the significance to the plot of the story, but I do remember how that moment stuck out to me. I had never really thought about it, but everywhere I went I had music playing. From childhood on, whether it was a walkman, a CD player, Hitclips, an mp3 player, the computer, the tv, the radio, or my cell phone, I constantly kept music around me. I've got 26 seperate playlists on Youtube for different types of music and each playlist has anywhere form 18 to 200+ songs. Not to mention, I subscribe to channels like MrSuicideSheep and Funky Panda where they post new music practically daily (okay that sounds like a sponsor plug.. but it's just the truth).

Honestly it doesn't sound too big of a deal, and on a surface level, it isn't. Many people keep music on daily to help them work, distract them, help them zone out, or refresh...but it's deeper than that for me. While I also enjoy having background music or something to mask the silence and keep my work/art flow going, I've always had a deep emotional tie to music. 

We all have that song that we hear and it takes us back to that one moment. Perhaps a first date, first kiss, break up, a fun time with friends, family gatherings, a lonely time, etc. Imagine having that feeling about almost every song you listen to, for almost every feeling you have. Every situation is tied to a song, every song is tied to a feeling, every feeling needs explaining through poetry and a melody. 

Usually, it just feels like I can't fully understand what I am feeling until I listen to a song pertaining to that feeling(whether by lyrics or sound of the music itself). I have to find the song that perfectly embodies it (or the situation).

And when I find that song? Sometimes it feels like...

While other times it's more like...

There is a certain invigorating certainty in finding a song that perfectly confirms, explains, and expresses my emotions/feelings for a situation, or a situation itself. I almost can't describe it. Sometimes I can't even explain or express anything that I am feeling, or how to feel toward something until I find a song to match. And, don't be fooled, I don't discriminate. It can be instrumental, rock, trance, dance, country, folk, whatever. 

Beyond having a perfect song for a situation/feeling, I also have a need to find songs that perfectly match a specific aesthetic, theme, or mood. This is usually for locations and things that I see. I tend to associate certain places or types of places rather with genres of music or songs. For example, a photo like this:

Can only be matched by and with a song such as St. Clarity by The Paper Kites or I Live Alone by Sky Sailing. Meanwhile, an imagine such as this:

....feels like it absolutely has to be with a song like World On Fire by Above and Beyond or something like Too Cool by Euge Groove (ignore the goose lol).

Rest assured, I don't just do this for fun with photos and gifs online. When I'm really in scenes/places such as this, I have this burning urge to listen to that music which matches with the aesthetic of what I'm seeing. While I gravely enjoy and find joy in matching songs to random things that just feel right, it's much like a natural, ingrained need that I have to fulfill, otherwise I'm not taking in the entirety of the world around me. Ironic, considering many people use music as a way to separate from reality... but I need it in order connect with it. Perhaps this is an off-product of the ADHD, or an OCD (these things are often co-morbid and overlap). Perhaps, some weird version of synesthesia. Whatever the cause is, it's made me a true melomaniac and I don't see it ending any time soon. 

While there is a minor annoyance in having to pause while taking a walk or going somewhere, just to pick out the perfect song for that moment or situation, and car rides with no music are a mild form a torture for me, I try to put my melomania to good use and have produced a lot of art through it. In fact, of the 98 drawings of the first page of the featured folder of my Deviantart gallery, 34 of those artworks are actually illustrations of songs or characters drawn to a specific song. Add another 10-20 more, if you count the ones titled after songs (but not necessarily created FOR a specific song). In any case, music is an extremely important factor in my work and without the ability to hear the same song over and over and over while I draw a picture, I wouldn't be able to make much of anything.

In honestly, I am truly grateful the Lord saw fit to give me this music-related gift. I see it as such and nothing less. I appreciate it and I cradle my connection to music close to my heart. Some people may see it as a problem, a crutch, or addiction, but it's nothing like that. It's not a crutch for my feelings, it is the way I understand my feelings. It's like using a translator to understand a foreign language. 

In contrast with the prior mentioned and posted image defining what a melomaniac is, I discovered this, much more accurate one. 

That's the only way it can be explained. I don't ever want to change, and I don't want to be ashamed of it. I love music. It's a part of me.It's how the Lord made me to see and understand the world. 

 I spend many a night scoping indie electronic song posts on youtube, or stopping for a minute to scroll through my music library to find that perfect song to walk to class to for the day...and I wouldn't change that tune for anything.

More Steampunk in your life? YES PLEASE!

So you like Steampunk?

I often want to say Steampunk as a genre is akin to Owl City. A quirky, unique, and slightly odd but also cozy and fun thing that has existed for quite some time, and while many people know about it, many don't really understand or go into the logistics of it...yet a vast amount of people are all about it.

So yes! To fill you in, if unaware, Steampunk is basically Victorian (OR Edwardian) Sci-Fi or simply put, Neo-Victorian or Neo-Edwardian. Most Steampunk is based upon late Victorian(around the 1860s to the 1890s)...well, everything! The tools, the aesthetics, the lingo, the names, the motifs, hats, hairstyles, and of course, the fashion. As a side note, contrary to popular accusation, Steampunk does NOT have to include the color brown/gold/sepia/copper nor a top hat with goggles, as these things are optional, about 20 years overplayed, and frankly just uncreative.

So for any of you Steampunks out there looking for something Steampunk to watch, hear, or just look at, never fear! I am here with all the Steampunk (and Steampunk-esque) media that I have come to know over the years and could find on my digital scavenger hunts! 

That being said, I probably have left a lot of stuff out... but these are the ones I have found and seen/heard and personally count as Steampunk! Feel free to mention another or argue if one is or isn't.

Let's get started, shall we Ladies and Gents?

STEAMPUNK MOVIES

Live-Action

• The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen(2003)

The sort of classic Steampunk movie. In fact, this was one of the first I had ever seen(while knowing what Stemapunk was). Big adventure, bigger explosions, famous characters, good humor, and Sean Connery...what more do you need? Also there is a great vampire vs Dorian Grey lover's quarrel scene if that helps.

• Around the World In 80 Days (2004)

One of my all-time favorite movies, in the entire world, I can't say much that wouldn't be biased. If you're someone who hates bad puns and creative history re-writing then you'd probably hate this movie. A favorite scene happening when a man named Lord Salisbury says something which helps the villain's even plan, to which the villain replies, "Well done, Salisbury! I shall name a beef-based entrée after you in your honor."  If that quip doesn't sell you on the movie, I dunno what would.

• Hugo(2011)

I'll admit. I was quite apprehensive about watching this movie because others considered it a Steampunk movie, but since it is set in the 1930s, this really confused me. However, after watching it, everything became clear. Of course the automaton itself in the film could be considered Steampunk alone, the plot centers around a story taking place in the Victorian era, which is when the little robot was made...making Hugo a true Steampunk movie! 

• Back to the Future (Part III) (1990)

I have seen this trilogy so much in my life, I cannot remember the first time I seen it...but I was probably about 3 or 4. Anyway, this particular movie had a really profound effect on me, helping to start my interest in the Victorian, and in turn, Steampunk genre! While not conventionally Steampunk in aesthetics, because Doc has to use his future techniques and intelligence to make/pimp out Victorian era things, it's Steampunk! Also the train time machine at the end is pretty much dripping 80s Steampunk. Of course you don't have to watch the first 2 to watch this one, but it would help with story continuation. As a side note, just watching this trailer... man you gotta miss that ol' 90's corniness.

• The Adventurer: Curse of the Midas Box (2014)

A film discovered on a late-night Netflix search, I was pleasantly surprised. I am not a big reader (or one at all really) so I was not aware of this novel series, but I desperately wish and hope they make more of these movies! A young (and very...aesthetically pleasing) son of two Victorian era spies must save himself, his little brother, love interest, and family while fighting to find a mystical item called the Midas Box in a hotel. All I can say is every time I think of this movie, I crave to see more of it... so I'd say it's pretty good. 

• The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec/Les aventures extraordinaires d'Adèle Blanc-Sec(2010)

If you hate reading sub-titles then you'll probably not like this one. Unless of course.. you speak/understand French. Even if you don't, I'd still recommend this movie. Of all the great, solidly true Steampunk movies in this world, this is one of the best. All I am going to say is: pterodactyl. 'Nuff said.

• Secret of Moonacre(2008)

Okay, okay, this movie isn't exactly Steampunk...at all really. BUT it is Neo-Victorian with Steamgoth elements (and yes Steamgoth is exactly what it sounds like). Another British movie I just sort of found on Netflix, I was yet again pleasantly surprised. If you aren't into a big magical/Beauty and the Beast/romantical/Disney-esque type movies, this probably shouldn't be on your list any time soon. Of course, lover of romantic fantasy movies or not, let me just say, if you watch this movie for nothing else, let it be for the FASHION.

• A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004) 

Alright, in keeping the pattern going with the prior movie, here is another one that could be (and often is) considered Steamgoth. Most of you have probably seen this. I'll just leave it here.

• The Mirrormask(2005)

An odd, quirky, vaguely creepy, but also pleasant little film that I really adore. This is the story of girl going inside of her own drawings with a goofy performer as a traveling companion and that was enough to sell me on it. While it is not Steampunk in fashion or real life location, it does happen to include a lot of Steampunk-esque creatures, architecture, and a lot of Steamgothness going on as well. Basically, if you like Tim Burton and Henry Selick films you'd love this.

BONUS:

• Murdoch Mysteries/The Artful Detective

No...this is not a movie, but a tv show! For us Americans this show is known and aired as The Artful Detective, but to Canada(and everywhere else) it is Murdoch Mysteries. Okay... take the tv show Bones... inject it into the late Victorian era and add in some Steampunk and more tea and you get this show... being honest I'd actually rank this above Bones, but that might just be my biased showing again. Anyway...a fun, lively, creative, and clever show about an even more clever detective who invents steampunky devices to make his job (and life) easier. 

Animated 

• Treasure Planet(2002)

Okay, you wanna talk about bias? Because this is probably my favorite animated movie in all of history (and animated movies rank higher on my list than live-action actually). Okay, my personal issues aside, this is a wonderful, underrated, beautifully designed, groundbreaking movie that is dripping in Steampunk aesthetics and imagery. Steampunk lover or not, just do yourself a favor and go watch this piece of cinematic brilliance right now(after you finish reading this post of course, winky wink)!

• Atlantis: The Lost Empire(2001)

Ahhhh Atlantis. One of the rare, precious, nuggets of Edwardian-based Steampunk that I know of. One of the best things about this movie is it's visuals and design. The character designs, setting designs, even clothing and texture designs are just beautifully rendered and skillful done. The animation is beautiful, with character that showcase expressions and body language of Hellenistic proportion and perfect acting to match. Not to mention, all the females are bad-a mofos who hold their own and then some. Throw in a bunch of Steampunk machines and motifs, along with classic Edwardian elements and you've got yourself a Steampunk movie.

• Howl's Moving Castle(2004)

Sure, I'm not big on anime, but I grew up watching Studio Ghibli movies and this was definitely one I watched a lot. Much like most of these movies, it wasn't until I was middle school age that I learned they all connected via Neo-Victorianism (that's actually a word, apparently). While the characters and visual setting aren't particularly Steampunk, the Moving Castle is, and being set in a sort of alternative Victorian-esque world, it still counts!

• Jack And The Cuckoo Clock Heart(2013)

Per the norm, I gotta be honest. Not my favorite movie of the bunch, but still a good one, nonetheless. Admittedly, the acting, songs, and story are a bit dry and everything seems a bit half-asleep, but the animation and character design is absolutely beautiful and extremely well done. What this movie lacks in livelihood, it makes up for in eyecandy.

STEAMPUNK MUSIC

Unlike many genres (ie, gothic or punk) that span over fashion, music, literature, and other arts, thankfully Steampunk music does not have a definite sound. It could be folk music, rock music, electronic, classical, even rap probably or some unholy combination... what matters is subject and/or theme.

Artists

• Lindsey Stirling 

A brilliant violenst, Lindsey Stirling also seems to have a real soft spot for Steampunk themes in her music. Here are two where the theme is most prevalent. I could of also added Master of Tides but whatever. True, not all of her songs are Steampunk, but when I listen to any of her music, I can visualize a grand Steampunk adventure going on and that's the important part. 

• Steam Powered Giraffe

Well with a name like that, you'd have to be missing a few bolts to not figure this is a steampunk band(hurrhurr) but....actually they aren't. They are a Steamgoth band. In annnny case, it counts.Old or new, their music is really fun, creative, and spans a good variety of styles. The unique thing about this band is that each member plays a character, a band of Victorian robots on the verge of malfunctioning, created by a brilliant scientist in an attempt to serenade and win the heart of his true love. Over the years the band has had to swap a member and other big changes, but their style, story, and steampunkness have never changed or waned!

• The Cog Is Dead

Being honest, I don't know much about this band...I've just found and listened to a number of their songs over the past few years without asking questions. That aside, however, if I were to animate and create my own Steampunk animated film, I would probably hire and cast these guys as the voices for a band in the movie. Their music is so animated and lively it begs to be paired with fitting animation!

Also I really dig the whole cowboy, western, Johnny Cash, talk-the-lyrics approach to the songs... adds a sort of Wild West element to the group.

• Abney Park

Personally, this band always stuck out to me for the vaguely 80s rock sound....and of course the Steampunk! As with the previous band, I don't know much about Abney Park either, but that they make some dang fine music. A bit dark at times but still nice. If you aren't a fan of  someone with the essence of The Pet Shop Boys or Billy Idol then you might not like these guys much.

SPECIFIC SONGS

• London 1856 - A Steampunk Orchestra

A particular favorite of mine. This is an instrumental song that pretty much embodies a whole Steampunk adventure to 3:42 seconds with no words.

• Croft Manor Theme

Nope! Not inherently Steampunk...not Steampunk at all actually. STILL I keep this around and in my Steampunk Youtube playlist, because it captures the feel and atmosphere of what Steampunk adventure feels like to me. So you may disagree, but I happen to think this song sounds very Steampunk.

• The Wretched Automatons - NieR

I believe this is from an anime...an anime I've never seen or really heard of, even. I have no idea if it is even a Steampunk anime. That aside, a friend showed me this song and I just fell in love with it. With it's mechanical clanks and clinks and 'automatons' in the title, I couldn't help but associate it with Steampunk. 

OTHER STEAMPUNK/STEAMPUNK-ESQUE SOUNDING SONGS

(most likely they AREN'T even close, but they still have elements that remind me of Steampunk and going on Steampunk adventures)

• MYYM - Kate Havnevik
• Regina Spektor - Machine
• Two Steps From Hell - Mmm Chicken 
• Adam Young - Feeder
• Disobey - Kate Havnevik
• Scroll - Shingu Nakamura 

BONUS 2:

Video Games

• Assassin's Creed Syndicate
• The Order: 1886
• Bioshock: Infinite 

ALLLLRIGHTY

So that's about it! Hopefully you will have some new Steampunk-esque and Steamgoth movies to enjoy now. Naturally, Steampunk beginning as a literary genre, I would of listed great Steampunk books and novels....but I dont' actually know a lot of them. I am not a big reader, as I said, so unfortunately if you want the books you'll have to either check another list, or make your own! 

And with that... I'm out.

Hello friends! I am here with the first Musical Monday! And a happy Labor Day my fellow Americans and Canadians uwu

There isn't a lot of things I can do very, very well, but one of those things is excavating musical sound nuggets tucked back inside the caves tucked between the hills that are alive with the sounds of music. No but seriously.
One of my favorite hobbies is exploring the crevices of Youtube, Soundcloud, Tumblr and other sites where obscure and wonderful music of any genre can be found!

I will choose 5 artists who are all of a similar theme (either genre, look, atmosphere, etc) and list them here with two example songs, a little Wiki description and why I think they're great!I will start with #5 and work my way up to the one I think is the best of the group! If you're anything like me, hopefully you enjoy finding/hearing about new artists to listen to and add to your music library :D

This Musical Monday is: Electronic Music

*NOTE: These are artists obscure to the masses. People who are into these specific genres of course, may consider one or more of these artists as already hugely popular or famous, but to the general public they are still pretty "underground" (it would seem). 
**NOTE.2: Some mentioned might be unknown/obscure sub-monikers or other projects of otherwise famous artists. While the person might be well-known, the particular projects I mention aren't.
***NOTE.3: All of the music mentioned is clean, positive, and encouraging music meant to be constructive and uplifting to the listener. Sorry no dirty stuff or cursing.

5. MitiS

• Genre: House/Drums&Bass/Dubstep/Electro
• Website: http://www.soundcloud.com/mitis
• Some Songs: "Touch" - "Parting" - "Life"
• From The Wiki: No information given.
• Most Songs Include: Drums & Bass beats (think really fast and rapid beats), electronic pings and dings, some dubstep sounds, piano melodies that get you pumped and energized. 

I'm not a big fan of drums and bass music for whatever reason... it is a specific genre where the beats are extremely rapid and it just isn't my thing (too fast for me, to be honest), however I still love MitiS. His take on D&B music is strangely tolerable and I don't feel lost in a sea of "oonts tss oonts tss oonts oonts tss" rapidly firing by my ears. 

I listen to MitiS when I have something to do that takes a lot of energy. If I'm doing something where I have to walk around a lot, cleaning out my room, or just riding in the car going and it's going pretty fast. MitiS' music is very energetic, but not tiring. It is lively, like a fire.

For me I have the best experience listening when I'm watching something moving or dancing, and not necessarily myself. Perhaps watching cars or people go by in a window or on the highway, or something to that effect.

4. SHINGO NAKAMURA

• Genre: Progressive House/Non-Vocal Trance/Instrumental
• Website: http://www.shingonakamura.com/
• Some Songs: "Side Trip" - "Scroll" - "I'm With You" 
• From the Wiki: No information given
• Most Songs Include: House beats (think fashion runway almost), light and refreshing sounding piano and electronic machinery type noises throughout. Little to no vocals(just sections of syllables if there is a voice).

If you aren't familiar, Trance is just a type of electronic music. It is basically a more chill, watered down version of techno. House is another type of electronic music and is very similar to Trance. The only differences between the two are small (like focus on the beat vs vocals) and honestly don't matter all that much unless you're nitpicky. :P

I love Shingo Nakamura's music so, so very much. I often listen to him when I am doing something like math or drawing something very detailed. His music is good for concentrating on tedious and high-concentration work. 

I don't know much about him or how he makes his music(no wiki or anything), but all that matters is that it's beautiful, he makes it, and it's there to listen to! His work is very skillfully composed and just beautiful.

3.YURI KANE

• Genre: Progressive Trance/Instrumental
• Website: http://yurikane.com/
• Some songs: "Right Back" - "Whirlpool" - "Around You"
• From The Wiki: "Yuri Kane is a Russian-based dj and trance producer from the city of Krasnoyarsk, Siberia, who in autumn 2009 blew up the trance scene with his impeccable production 'Right Back' supported by legendary DJs including Pete Tong on 'BBC Radio One.'"
• Most Songs Include: A strong beat, mechanical noises (to the beat), dreamy melodies, a sense of escapism at it's finest. Unfortunately he doesn't hate a multitude of songs....yet.

 This type of music is good for studying, reading, drawing, doing homework or projects, cleaning, running/jogging/walking, dancing and of course, daydreaming and window-gazing. As with any progressive music, you have to listen for a few minutes and let it build up. It will start with the beat, then add on more and more of the music as the song plays on (think Canon in D by Pachelbel). Give them a few seconds and you will start to love the songs.

I love progressive trance, because it is very easy to listen to, but still leaves you feeling refreshed and with a positive spirit. Yuri Kane in particular makes some of  the most daydreamiest music I've ever heard. I've spent many a night stargazing and many a day drawing or working out homework listening to Yuri Kane's work. If you long for music to listen to when you're doing a 4 page research paper while it lightly rains at the nearest cafe then Yuri Kane is the one for you... or if you just appreciate well constructed Progressive Trance music.

2. LIGHTS

• Genre: Synthpop/Electopop
• Website: http://music.iamlights.com/
• Some Songs: "Ice" - "Oil and Water" - "Second Go"
• From the Wiki: "Lights (born Valerie Anne Poxleitner; April 11, 1987) is a Canadian musician, singer, and songwriter.[...]Lights tours extensively to support her recordings. In 2009, she was awarded the Juno Award for New Artist of the Year."
• Most Songs Include: Keyboard/synth, metaphorical lyrics, themes of positivity, moving on, not wanting to grow up, daydreaming about a better future, and unfortunately she does mumble words sometimes.

Yes! Finally a lady for the list! I rank Lights up pretty high on my list... she has an uncanny way of putting into words things I've always wanted to say or things I think/feel but cannot explain. More so than other artists have done. Anyway, I find her songs incredibly relatable, and maybe you will too!
I've been listening to Lights' music since high school (that's like 5 years which is pretty good for me) and so many of her songs have helped me get through my high school days. I wouldn't say she is a Christian, but many of her songs (ie, "Face Up", "Saviour", "Second Go", "River") are very encouraging, uplifting, and inspiring to someone in need of a little musical spiritual pick-me-up.

One advice I'd give is looking up the lyric videos of her songs, if you are new to her music. Many times she tends to mumble and it can be hard to hear what she is singing until you see it. Just a heads up. Of course, if you're the kind of person who doesn't care either way, then it's no problem!

1. OCEANLAB

• Genre: Trance
• Website: http://www.aboveandbeyond.nu/ | http://www.anjunabeats.com/
• Some Songs: "If I Could Fly" - "Lonely Girl" - "Sirens Of The Sea" - BONUS SONG "Clear Blue Water(Ferry Costen Remix)" 
• From The Wiki: "OceanLab (or Above & Beyond presents OceanLab) was a Vocal trance group formed in London, England, in 2000, consisting of vocalist Justine Suissa and the three members of Above & Beyond: Jono Grant, Paavo Siljamäki, and Tony McGuinness."
• Most Songs Include: Light and airy vocals, themes of love, love lost, and being/loving yourself, synth, piano, more perfect examples of escapism at it's finest.

SWEET BUTTERED BABIES this has GOT to be my favorite one of the list. Sadly, they were just a one-time deal. Oceanlab was the project brainchild of Trance group Above and Beyond(A&B) with Justine Suissa doing all vocals. This particular project of A&B is my absolute favorite for a few reasons. Firstly, it was my introduction into Trance and House music in 2009 (I'm sure most familiar with trance would agree, quite a luxury introduction to the genres). 

Secondly, I am someone who finds great peace in water/ocean/sea/nautical themed...well, anything! Maybe it's the Pisces in me, maybe I'm just a pirate at heart...who knows, but there is something about just the sound of Oceanlab's songs that capture the feeling of being in, near, and underwater. Even if the words of the songs are not ocean-themed, the feeling is still there. Oceanlab perfectly captures that atmosphere and every song is absolutely gorgeous. 

If you listen to nothing and no one else on this list, I beg of you to just listen to Oceanlab! This collection of songs is good for an array of things, from studying and drawing to exercise and relaxing. There are a million remixes to each song (a little bit of a hyperbole but seriously, there are a LOT of remixes) so if you like the words or message of one song, but not particularly the sound, you can find remixes all over Youtube and Soundcloud. There is even a whole CD of Oceanlab remixed!

And that's it for today's Musical Monday! Hopefully you have discovered someone new that you love and can share that music with the people you know! 

and of course, if you'd like to suggest a group, band, artist, or project to me to discover and listen to, don't be afraid to comment here or visit my Tumblr or Deviantart and drop me a line!