Inspired by Music

When I set out to write my book, “Sefarad” (nickname, the real name will be divulged in the hopefully not too far future!), I had no idea how instrumental music would be to developing most of my plot and character development in the years to come.

Below you will find a collection of my favorite songs, primarily tracks from Really Slow Motion – a production music company that creates epic, cinematic music often used in movie trailers and TV shows. RSM has terrific stuff, and their music has had an incredible influence on the exploration of my main characters – Alicia and Ali especially. These are songs I repeatedly return to when I’m imaging out a chapter, scene or idea as I write out my drafts.

If you want to get RSM music of your own (highly recommend!), you can buy their music here:

Amazon : http://amzn.to/1lTltY5

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1ee3l8K

Spotify: http://bit.ly/1r3lPvN

Bandcamp: http://bit.ly/1DqtZSo

Music in the World of Sefarad

“Sefarad” comes from the Hebrew word for Spain, and such is the name for my book’s alternate universe of the Iberian Peninsula. In Sefarad, most people can only see three kinds of color – black, white and gray. My main characters however, are on a mission to bring full Color back to the monochromatic world.

Atmospheric inspiration from Really Slow Motion and Two Steps From Hell:

For more of those more ‘epic’ moments in the novel ❤
This beautiful track inspired a heart wrenching dance scene towards the end of my book.

Atmospheric inspiration from Sephardic artists: 

Yamma Ensemble has been wonderful and helpful listening to as I weave the Sephardic Jewish culture into the “Wolf” culture in my book. Yamma Ensemble’s music draws from a rich variety of cultures around the Mediterranean, and I find their soulful singing similar to the pleading and grieved Wolf songs in my story.
The kinnor is an ancient Jewish instrument that one of my main characters plays often.

When Color Returns To Sefarad

Music that has inspired the ending of my book, even as that ending continues to change. 

Alicia’s Playlist

Alicia, my main protagonist, is running from a horror drenched past that inevitably catches up with her. But with the help and love of comrades and mentors, Alicia unearths an immense power and courage that has been inside of her all along. Here are some of the tracks I listen to on repeat when writing out Alicia’s David-versus-Goliath moments:

Ali’s Playlist

Sadly, a few songs aren’t available to play here in embedded form, but they are totally Ali”ish”. Check ’em out: 

  • “Better Place” by Rachel Platten
  • “Keep Holding On” by Avril Lavigne
  • “Silent” by Tori Kelly (Check out her acoustic version on YouTube. It’s the best version I think.) 
  • “Does It Feel Like Real Love Yet?/ Sticks and Stones” by King’s Kaleidoscope 

I’ll continue to add various theme-related videos as my book progresses. Thank you for listening!