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!

What I've Learned About Making a Fantasy World

I've been working on my story/fantasy world of Beyond The Wall since 2011 and I've learned a lot through trial and error and being in classes. I'm still learning how to do things, and this is in no way a list of tips or advice, but rather, a list of the things I tried and failed at, that might help someone else struggling with the same issue with their fantasy story or world. 
I'm just gonna jump right in, and get started!

CHARACTERS NEED A PURPOSE

Although, it seems like a no-brainer, sometimes it's actually easy to neglect your character's personalities. You end up making them extremely one-sided or just shallow. Many times, this can be due to making self-insert characters. I know, because that was the origins of my story. My main character, name Carmondy at the time (now Carmandy because it looks/sounds better) was a self-insert of me. Meanwhile her love interest, an owl-turned-elf character named Fukuro, was modeled after Adam Young/Owl City. When it comes down to it, I was just telling the story of how much of an Owl City fangirl I was in the most intricate way possible. This might of worked, if I was any good of a character creator and writer, but both Carmondy and Fukuro ended up flat and basically had no purpose, other than to fulfill my fantasy of smooching Adam Young. There was no real meat to the characters and it was basically just me and Adam in cartoon form. 

BE INSPIRED, BUT DON'T BE A THEIF

The artist Mark Crilley talks about this in one of his videos, and it's something I had to learn to understand. When I first created my fantasy world, I used anime as my key inspiration..namely, Hiiro No Kakera and Fresh Pretty Cure. Using the anime as inspiration isn't bad, but I just began pulling things straight from the anime world and injecting them into my world and characters. I had male characters that I posed as bishies (anime version of a pretty-boy), I had weird outfits that were weird for the sake of being weird, every character had some strange, unnatural hair color (some still do, but not like they did) and there was a lot of Japanese influence, in a world that wasn't Japan-based. This is what I mean.. here is the some of the character of Hiiro No Kakera, while here and here are two of the first characters I made. These characters just weren't me. They simply just looked like what I thought a bishie would look like. Being inspiring by something mean you us eit as fuel to create your own thing, but it doesn't mean you copy every little thing you see. You can start with what you know and add your own details to it.. make it unique to you! ....but speaking of unique...

DON'T GO OVERBOARD WITH THE UNIQUENESS 

I think it's just an automatic thing to do when you're just starting to create your own fantasy world. You want to make sure it's uniquely you, that it has names and cultures and languages never before seen...but all too often, it can go overboard. I tried too hard to be "unique" with my character's names and it ended up making things weird. Honestly, I think the line should be drawn when you have to provide a “guidebook” for how to pronounce character and location names, or it looks and sounds awkward. Having one or two that are strange and quirky isn't bad, but try not to give every other character a mystical fantasy name. Originally, I had characters like Valintive Valeos, Paradox Safecaster, and even Orange Mcapple. While these are all interesting sounding names, and definitely say this is a world unlike our own, some of them are weird to pronounce, awkward to put in dialog, and/or sounds just plain silly in context. To fix this, I think taking real-world names and spelling them differently or mashing them together (Rani+ Vanilla  = Ranilla, or Lisa = Leasa), using names for things in a specific language(while Gaelic and latin are common, or elvish, there is also Hindi, Swahili, French, or whatever you like!), or swapping out letters (like replacing all the i’s and e’s with y’s, Ken might become Kyn) can help. 

USE NAME GENERATORS DELICATELY

I think we've all been there. There's a myriad of name generators, specifically for oc's out there, and some just for fantasy. However, while it helps get your creative juice flowing, many times these names aren't the best to use as official. To make my point, my character Paradox Safecaster got his name completely from a name generator without editing...and while there's no harm in giving a character a name of two words mashed together (I mean, Luke Skywalker, anyone?) it just didn't fit the world I was creating. The word "paradox" comes with such a strong image, it would make sense to use it as the name of a spaceship or a futuristic robot... but for a neo-victorian elf world, it wasn't working. While name generators are great to help you get ideas, don't be so ready to take the suggestions word for word, letter for letter. Try changing up the spelling of a prompted name from a generator (which is what I sometimes do now) so that everything lines up and it feels like one solid fantasy world. So all of that being said....

KEEP ALL YOUR FANTASY NAMES/LANGAUGE CONSISTENT

First off, if you're trying to create your own fantasy language, then MORE POWER TO YOU because that is pretty admirable. Good on ya!
Of course, most choose to write in their native tongue (or just English) but the point in what I'm saying is still the same. Try to keep consistency with the names of nouns and also, if you use any words for the character's language. For example, I use a lot of "iq", q's, and z's in my names, having places like Venziq Port, Windchestiq Woods, Port Westiq, and the Gravroq Tunnels, while the elf races are Afari, Lunari, Dokari, and Vulpelves. Originally, though I just named things and characters based on if I found the name cool or if it sounded "fantasy" enough.  In being conscious about names, I feel it helps to establish the culture/s of your world and helps you get a grip on naming other characters and places in the future because you will have a sort of pattern to work from. 

KEEP ALL OF YOUR CHARACTERS CONSISTENT AS WELL

This is something I still have to work with. Of course, when you are making a comic or a series of illustrations for your characters, you always have to be mindful of making sure the characters look the same from every angle (thank God for character model sheets!) but you also should keep them consistent in personality/aesthetic as well. For example, all of my elf races wear some sort of neo-victorian/steampunk fashion, but each have specific colors and symbols/objects pertaining to them. The Lunari live on and around the water and wear mostly (pastel versions of) silvers, greys, blues, greens, tans, or white. Meanwhile, the Vulpelves live in treehouses and wear colors such as reds, oranges, greens, browns, coppers, cream and black, with metals, machinery parts, and local flora as fashion accessories. Key characters of these elf races will pull from these "guidelines" to get a sense of consistency among my characters. 

DON'T FOCUS ON UNIMPORTANT DETAILS EARLY ON

I'm a very detail-oriented person when it comes to my art. While not a perfectionist, I do like to put thought into the details of a drawing or story, so that the viewer/reader can have a little fun experiencing the art. It's very good to have even the most minute of details ironed out. I mean things like... what material your character's pants are made of, their favorite toys growing up, types of armor used by the army, what specific type of guns, swords, etc weaponry their military uses, down to the brand of bullets or metal. It's true, people will ask questions and you want to at least TRY to provide the (canon) answer. However, when you are planning out the answer to all these details...and your main story still has characters or places without names, plot points or holes that don't make any sense, and a lore/culture that is underdeveloped, try to focus on these things first. People will ask questions, but they will ask the big ones before they can ever get to the small ones. Readers/viewers are more likely to ask "How did they get all that treasure from there to there?" than they are "What does [character's name] use as make-up?" It took me a while to realize that no one is going to care about the intricate colors of my character's hair, as much as the story itself... until they begin to fall in love with the characters and plot. Once you have people hooked on your creations (or have them fully fleshed out), then I think then you can try to jigsaw all those little details together. Which reminds me...

DON'T LIMIT YOUR FANTASY WORLD TO REAL WORLD LOGIC

The first thing anyone will tell you, when you create a fantasy world, is that consistency is key. If you want your world to be completely otherworldly and say, have no gravity and a permanently purple sky, then this better always be true (unless the story itself is about changing one of those things).  However, this can also work the other way. I mainly did this when creating the nobles who lived and worked in the castle, but I've noticed a lot of other world-builders do this with weapons or fashion. Basically, when I was creating my castle characters, I looked up real world castles, and the jobs one can have working in a castle. While it's always good to be inspired, I took things too seriously and tried to match up the real world jobs with my characters. Eventually, I realized it is okay to make up my own jobs and job titles, especially because this is fantasy. I've seen someone specifically say "OH my character’s culture is based off of Greecian and Roman culture, so, historically, they can’t have X-type of weapons" and I think that's just so limiting... unless you are doing historical fiction. It's a fantasy! Don't be afraid to make up your own things.. as long as everything is consistent it should work. This is why Steampunk is such a successful concept. It's Victorian or Edwardian inherently, but a steampunk character can still have a computer or a television or a car, simply because of the steampunk aesthetic and in how the object is designed/put together.

 (APPROPRIATE) MUSIC CAN REALLY HELP

If there is one thing that I love to do, it's use music as a tool for/with my art. Naturally, I would find songs as I created my world, but I found out it actually helps a lot. Now, I don't just mean turning on the radio to the local pop or r&b station and listening to just anything while you work. I'm talking about having a specific type of music to listen to, one which helps to capture the feel, aesthetic, setting, and atmosphere of your world and your characters. For me, it's all about electronic music, or the action/adventure, romance, fantasy, and steampunk-ish sounding songs. Two great sources to go to for music inspiration is Two Steps From Hell and Audiomachine.  Both artists have albums that capture a certain atmosphere (there is an album for a hypothetical romantic movie, one for a dark fantasy movie, one for a horror movie, etc) and pretty much all of these songs on any album can be found on their site and on Youtube. Other recommendations I would give is Sizzlebird, Port Blue, or AYoungScores.  All of those can be found on youtube as well as others like FutureWorldMusic, Ivan Torrent, and official scores to movies/video games/tv shows. In any case, I really believe listening to the right music really helps. Try writing an action-packed pirate ship chase scene in silence.. and then try writing the very same action-packed scene while listening to this. If you're a good writer then it might be the exact same either way, but I believe music helps those like myself who have to be completely immersed in the scene and situation in order to write about or draw it. As a sidenote, I know I used pop and R&b as an example, but if that matches the aesthetic or atmosphere of your world or a certain character or something, then go for it! Find the genre that matches your world!

LASTLY

DON'T BE AFRAID TO EDIT, ALTER, SCRAP, OR RETHINK YOUR IDEAS AND DESIGNS.

 I rarely have a clever idea, so when the moment does happen, I make sure to capture it and never let it go. However, my clever idea, might not be as clever as I once thought. In the 5-6 years I've been working on my story, it's gone through 3 different titles, has lost and gained perhaps 10 or so characters altogether, character's names have been changed dramatically, and even the entire direction and plot of my story has been heavily edited 2 or 3 times. My main character, Carmandy, had a name change as well as a redesign twice. This is one of the things I've been doing right, that really helps me in world-building and character development. You can't get too attached to a story, especially in it's beginning stages. Things evolve the more work you put into them and you'd be surprised to see how many of your favorite characters and/or movies first started out. Ie, Disney's Tangled was first titled "Rapunzel", then "Rapunzel Unbraided", until Tangled was agreed upon. The character Eugene/Flynn was also heavyset with broad shoulders and a thick core in his original concepts.  Even after stories are published and movies are released, characters undergo redesigns and wardrobe changes all the time.  

And that's it!
All of the things I've personally learned so far from doing my own world building, and/or learning about character creation in illustration class. Hopefully it helps and is useful! 
Happy world building!

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.

Music Monday - Neo-80's

Alrighty, it's time for another Music Monday!
Today's theme is: Neo-80's

Concept: A world that exists in the current time, but emulates the aesthetic, fashion, and feel of the 1980s. While we can't quite have a whole new world just like this, we can have music made in recent times that sound like they would of made the 1985 top 10 on the music charts.
Here's some ace tunes.

Aquaman ~ Walk The Moon

This is my favorite Walk the Moon song. I'm pretty sure it's about taking a chance on a romance and making a commitment to someone.

Revolver Eyes ~ The Paper Kites 

This is one of the cutest video and song combinations I've seen in a while. In case you can't pick up on the story: A guy and girl go out for (what seems to be) their first date at a place where you order records like drinks and listen to songs together. The girl happens to run into another guy she knows and her date is instantly sure she would rather be spending time with that guy than him. After the other guy leaves, the girl finds her date has moved, only to see him lazily playing an arcade game. She rejoins him and they spend the rest of the evening/night together, reassuring him (both of them) that they might just belong together.

 You ~ Dreaming In Technicolor

Pretty much a classic sounding 80s pop "longing for love" song. Complete with visuals.

Holiday ~ Swimming With Dolphins

Again, like every good 80s pop song, this 80's-esque tune is about love. A couple were together and felt like they were meant to be.. their relationship just kind of happened, unexpected and random, but worked. They separated but now they are realizing they are happiest and their true selves only when they are together.

Muscle Memory ~ Lights

Honestly, I could just say 80% of all of Lights' songs are 80's-like. She's got a sound that's like some weird combination of Fleetwood Mac/Stevie Nicks, Naked Eyes, and modern electronic influences. In this song, she talks about the yearning, burning feeling of desire she has for the person she is separated from (because of work, school, etc who knows) and her realizing it is actually because she loves them.

Ferry Corsten ~ We Belong

 A cute song about someone who has been arguing/finding differences with their partner, and suddenly realizing all of the real issues in the relationship and stating that they should fix those things so their relationship can be good again.

Alive ~ Schiller (ft Adam Young)

A trance song that has some definite roots in 80s electronic music. 

Summer Skin ~ Swimming with Dolphins

DAT SYNTH.

Flash Drive ~ Wave Racer

This is probably the cutest sounding song I've ever heard. I'll admit, it is actually 1990s influenced, but there is still some 80s going on there. Don't doubt my senses. Just...just take it.

Annnnnnnd that brings us to the end of another very musical Monday! 

Music Monday - Comfy Cozy

Hello friends!

Well it's about time for another post finally Music Monday!

This day's theme is: COMFY COZY 

Here at the height of fall, winter is going to wake from its hibernation soon. You want to hear something warm, inviting, like hot chocolate for you ears... but you aren't quite prepared for Christmas music, or you just want something different, but still with the same content, cozy safeness offered in the carols of Christmastime.

Say no more! Grab a wooly buffalo plaid blanket, make a pillow fort, light the fireplace, make some pumpkin spice tea, put on your warmest sweater, and relax. I've got a playlist of soft, vaguely pensive but content, and warming songs that are sure to keep you comfy through the cold weather.

(X)

Let's get started!

"Turns Within Me, Turns Without Me" - The Paper Kites 

One of the most coziest, yet melancholy songs I've ever listened to. 

Quite cryptic, I believe this song tells the inner thoughts of a someone scared to love. They've met someone who seems to have just the same problem, someone else who is just as confused and alone. The person lets their lover know they must both tread lightly; no promises can be made. 

Yet, there is still hope that something good can come of all this confusion. 

A Little Opera Goes A Long Way - Sky Sailing

A song for you lonely folk out there. With charming guitar riffs and a glossy sort of dreamlike beat, this song offers a little hope as a sort of "keep calm and carry on" statement to anyone feeling isolated in life.
Basically saying,(in concept) "you may be alone now, but not forever. In the mean time, while you are by yourself, fake it til you make it because it might not be as bad as you think."

Autumn Love - Thomas Bergersen 

An instrumental, to change gears a bit. 

Despite a lack of lyrics, the title combined with art and the sound of the song itself tells a great story. There is a certain lonely, somber and sadness in the beginning, that begins to slowly melt away. Eventually the melody becomes up beat, much more positive, and there is a strong feeling of hope and renewal.

 I think it's akin to when the leaves start to die on the trees. It sounds like a sad affair, but in reality, they go out with a fantastic, big bang. The brilliant, often neon colors. The crunch beneath your shoes. The earthy, syrupy sort of scent they give off as you jump into a pile of them. 

Brielle (Original Version) - Sky Sailing

Here is a song about learning to be content in how life will play out. Also, goodbyes.

A shy, young man is on a voyage at sea, either as a sailor or to live abroad somewhere else. He begins reminiscing about leaving behind Brielle,  the girl loves. Of course, he knows he will eventually return, but only after many months or years. He recalls the past memories of spending time with her and is content in at least having those. Begrudgingly, he realizes he may return and find she has chosen someone else to love, moved away, or is no longer interested in him or they will grow to become completely different people...and he knows he just has to accept this. C'est la vie. 

Drifting - The Paper Kites

Here's a happier little song about being in a relationship and not really knowing where it is going exactly.....but putting that aside and accepting the person for all and only who they really are. Every little quirk, every negative, every positive, every goofy antic, every serious stare, every contented sigh, accepting these because this is what makes that person who they are and why you love them.

Neither of you may be sure about what is going to happen, but you certain are sure how you feel toward  and see each other.

Moon River - Diana Panton

The classic song, as made famous in the film Breakfast at Tiffany's. This particular version offers a very soft, charming, glassy-eyed sort of atmosphere that will immediately make you want to divert your eyes to the nearest scenic body of water around you. A simple (and simply beautiful) song about two people who seem like they just fit together and should be together. 

Silent Wings - Secret Garden 

We finally reach the end of playlist...aww aren't you sad?

This is another instrumental. This one is quite haunting and contemplative. There is a certain hint of sadness and a sort of low, sluggish movement about the song that gives it a cold, winter or autumn sort of feeling. Perhaps this song can part a changing of the seasons or a chill in the air?

Annnnnd that is it! Sit back, watch the snow (or rain) fall, the leaves twirl around in the breeze, listen to the window whistle and sip your tea. You're in for a cozy time, 

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.