Inspiration: Music

As a disclaimer, in the following post I link to many different YouTube videos and/or channels which may contain strong language in some of their songs.  

My music tastes are wildly varied. In fact, I refer to it as going through "phases." A few genres I return to regularly are emo, Bollywood, and techno bagpipes. I have a few favorite country songs, as well as a few favorite heavy metal ones. I especially adore covers in different genres - which explains my current phase of "classical covers of pop songs."

Having spent a few measly months learning to play the piano as a kid, and only taking music in 7th grade because it was absolutely required, I am aware that music is not one of my strengths. I'm not even that great at singing, but I do it anyway!

My dad always used to say "good art inspires good art" and I agree. We have all seen variations of the Mona Lisa, like a version with Mr. Bean's face photoshopped on, or this pair of socks that I own, or the tiny plastic brick set I got off Temu, or even this painting by Laura Enninga:

"Seal A Lisa" by Laura Enninga

So, in believing that "good art inspires good art," and knowing my love for genre-crossing connections... It should come as no surprise that I am incredibly inspired creatively by music! In fact, the very first finished piece that turned out nearly exactly as I saw it in my head was inspired by the song "Fast Cars and Freedom" by Rascal Flatts.

Over the years I've created a few pieces that were inspired by specific songs. Below you can see my artworks inspired by "Whiskey Lullaby" by Brad Paisley, "the beginning" by Stanwood Charlie, and "Attack on Cloud City" (inspired by "Little Talks" by Of Monsters and Men).

I even have an idea currently living in my head that I have yet to put down on paper for the song "Death of a Bachelor" by Panic! At the Disco. It's very art nouveau and shows an elegant shape of a man in a tuxedo being strangled (but like, in a lovely sort of way?) by the train of a woman in a wedding dress standing on a balcony. There's also a waterfall somewhere in there.

What about the other way around - have you ever heard the song "Vincent" by Don McLean? I've loved that song since the first time I heard it. It's a perfect example of music inspired by a visual artist; specifically Vincent Van Gogh.

Music doesn't just inspire specific pieces of artwork for me, but I also listen to it to get into a certain mood while I'm working on a project.

While I painted my Lighthouse, I played the Weeknd's greatest hits on repeat. I'd paint, sing, dance a little, and paint some more... all while hanging out in my garage with my lighthouse.

While I was working on my Herky sculpture earlier this year, I listened to folk pop music - in particular, I couldn't get enough of The Hound + The Fox.

And now, as I am currently working on repainting a mural in Kiron, IA, I've found listening to Marshmello to be a fantastic motivator. Side note - Jon sent me a few videos the other day of Emma (my widdle artiste) drawing, wearing headphones connected to her tablet, listening to music and singing along while she colored. She is 100% my child.

I also have a handful of Spotify playlists that I have created to inspire different types of scenes while I am writing. I prefer heavy drums while writing action, but violins are always welcome when I am crafting my fantasy world (have I come outright yet and said that I'm writing a novel about elemental fairies? Well, consider this the announcement then. 😁 )

Just for the record, I listen with a one-ear wireless headphone. This way I'm free to move around, can still hear what's going on around me (because kids), and also won't annoy anyone else when I repeat a song five times just because I want to!

Do you have a favorite artist, genre, or song that you listen to while creating? Please share in the comments below, because I'm ALWAYS looking for new music/musicians to listen to!