Magic of Music

Right now, I'm lying in bed listening to music while I write, and I’ve gotten caught up in a whirlwind of songs I used to love but haven’t listened to in a long time. The thing is, that these songs are tied to past memories. Feelings, moments long gone. Even story ideas – some I recorded, others I’d forgotten.

According to the Washington Post, evidence suggests that music has such a powerful connection with our brain that listening to it can cause our brains to release dopamine, the pleasure/reward hormone, and it can reduce the impact of the stress hormone cortisol.

It’s also used as a way to reach people with dementia. Listening to a song that played at an important moment in their life, helps them find that memory. For me, it's a component of being a romance writer. 

Music Memory Evolution

There aren’t many people to whom music isn't important. My memories of it go all the way back to being 5 years old and dancing to my mum’s Diana Ross - Chain Reaction record.

I listened to her Carpenters cassette in bed and then discovered the music I love. Starting with The Backstreet Boys, taking a tour through Britney and Christina to Pink then onto Aerosmith and Queen, a detour to Michael Crawford and Michael Ball as I discovered musicals and then onto The Killers and Frank Turner.

The beauty of music is that there’s always more to discover. Classic and new. So many genres.

I’ll never forget my first time watching Wicked in the West End when Elphaba Sang Defying Gravity, I’ll never forget being at the front of the crowd to listen to Frank Turner at the Y Not Festival.

Music and Writing

Now, I use music to write. Different artists for different scenes that I’ve imagined and written. I can hear a particular song and it will take me to that specific piece of writing.

Whenever I get writer's block the fastest way to cure it is to put my earphones in and go for a walk, and that easily scenes will play out in my head.

Music and writing go hand in hand.

Music and Dreaming

It’s not only connected to memories and writing but to hopes and dreams too. There are songs that take me to places I want to go. Things I want to do. Music is so intrinsically weaved throughout our every day that it’s no surprise it has an almost magical connection with our brains.

The power of music is still being studied, along with its impact on mental and physical health, but for me, it’s tied to the imagination and to the past, present and future.

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