January 26th 2009 by Peter · 2 comments
Finding Inspiration in Music
When I make websites, business cards, logos, when I walk, workout, or relax, I listen to music. Music has always had a massive impact on my life; I’ve listened to music since the day I was born. But different genres suits different purposes. I’d like to give you insight in which music I listen to, and find inspiration in. Music has a great way of touching people. Music can make you laugh, cry, shout, etc. It is also a great source of inspiration. Make yourself a cup of coffee, sit down in your couch, and turn up your stereo. Close your eyes, and soon you’ll find yourself creating images matching the music you listen to.
Whether you want to use music as a source of inspiration, or if you want to listen to it in a break, music can create wonderful feelings. It can make you review a problem, and maybe find a completely different solution, and lead you in another direction. A break where you listen to some music can make your mind wander far away from what you were doing, allowing to concentrate on nothing but the break. So go listen to some music!
Here are some of the artists I tend to listen to in breaks, while working, when relaxing… You get the picture!
Sigúr Rós
Sigúr Rós is probably my largest inspiration source when it comes to music. It is an Icelandic band, singing in both Icelandic and Hopelandic, a language written by Jónsi Birgisson, the lead singer of the band. Especially the songs written in Hopelandic touch me, because I can put whatever ever meaning I’d like into the words (however, I don’t understand Icelandic either).
Sigúr Rós is definitely not mainstream music, but I beleive that most people will find it relaxing. When listening to them, I find myself concentrating a lot more about the work I need to get done, because the music blends in with everything else. And when you get to know Sigúr Rós, you’ll not even notice that you’re listening to music, you’ll rather notice when you’re not listening to it.
Listen to
- “Track 4″ from the album “()”
- “Hoppípolla” from the album “Takk…”
- “Starálfur” from the album “Ágætis byrjun”
Jason Mraz
I love Jason Mraz. Jason Mraz is simple pop music, but yet incredibly deep. Take a moment to listen to his lyrics, and be amazed. The skills of that man are enviable. So far, he has made three studio albums, all of them of great difference, showing a large variety in genre; from pop to funk, from electronica to country.
When you get to know the music of Mraz, you’ll find yourself singing in the shower, and you’ll have a hard time not moving your lips when riding your bike. Jason Mraz makes you happy and satisfied. No more, no less.
Listen to
- “Mr. Curiosity” from the album “Mr. A-Z”
- “Curbside Prophet” from the album “Waiting for My Rocket to Come”
- “Butterfly” from the album “We Sing, We Dance, We Steel Things”
- Who am I kidding, just listen to all of it!
David Gilmour
David Gilmour was one of the members of Pink Floyd. He has made a couple of studio albums, but, to be frank, only one of them is worth listening to. It is called On an Island and was released in 2006. And it is amazing! Long, crisp guitar solos, and bulletproof choirs is just some of the ingredients used to make this album a piece of art.
This album really touches me. Every single note is chosen with dedication, meaning that every song is—yes, perfect! Of course, not all people would think that it’s perfect, but again, I’m just giving you an insight in what music I love and listen to.
Listen to
- “On an Island” from the album “On an Island”
- “Take a Breath” from the album “On an Island”
Tim Christensen
Tim Christensen is a Danish artists, probably not that familiar outside Denmark, but you owe yourself to listen to his music. He played in a band called Dizzy Mizz Lizzy, which unfortunately is no more. His solo is amazing in its completely own way. Tim Christensen sounds like no one else, and the same song gives you an entirely new experience every time you listen to it. His music is very varied, and his albums are showing a development in both style and personality. Every album has its own qualities, and are showing Tim Christensen’s skills at their best. If you ever get the opportunity, you should go to see a concert with the great Dane, cause it’s absolutely worth it.
Listen to
- “Caterpillar” from the album “Secrets on Parade”
- “No Easy Key” from the album “Honeyburst”
- “Hard to Make You Mine” from the album “Superior” (not on iTunes yet)
- “Wonder of Wonders” from the album “Superior” (not on iTunes yet)
Now I’ve told you a little about which music I listen to. Now it’s your turn! Where do you find inspiration? In nature, in music, other? Please write a comment below!
Tim Christensen just released a new album called Superior which is – in my opinion – his best solo album.
Before going solo he was in a band named Dizzy Mizz Lizzy. Their first album (named after the band) is one of my all times favorites.
Characteristics: Grunge with a Beatles touch and wery catchy melodies.
Both should be available on iTunes.
I don’t know if agree that Superior is the best solo album. His three albums are very different, so for me it’s hard to choose ‘my favorite’. But still, Superior is a wonderful record.