If there is one talent I wish I had above all others, it is the ability to play a musical intstrument. But, much like my attempts at ballet, I knew when to quit.
So I enjoy listening instead, and my tastes are pretty diverse ranging from celtic to hip hop, Sinatra to Nine Inch Nails. My main requirement for music however is something to write to.
I can do a number of things while watching TV, but I need something to evoke moods and let my brain roam free when writing- yet not distract me from my own process. For this purpose I have found instrumentals the best at setting a mood.
So when I got a chance to listen to Alex White’s soundtrack for the Gearheart: Maiden Flight of the Avenger I wanted great things to set those sparks free. And I was not disappointed.
Alex is a multi-talented guy, who works with words, images and music. He’s the creator behind the wonderful podcast the Gearheart, and he’s making things happen for himself. I have no doubt that we’ll be seeing a lot more of him in the future.
Now onto the music. This could easily be a big movie soundtrack. With stirring epics sounds, horns, bells. Pursued by Flame is something I will put on when I am writing a chase scene, combining action and menace in the same score. Tale of the Tome begins with the sweet sounds you might hear from a child’s music box, but sails upwards into something exquisitely beautiful. My favourite track however would be Once More, the Curtain Rises. At times military, at times epic, at times almost Celtic, I know that I will be listening to this track over and over while writing the second book of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.
Alex White has created something stirring and beautiful. Something that doesn’t need words to convey deep and wonderous emotion.
This soundtrack is one any writer would be moved by- and what’s more it’s a steal for a paltry $6.99. Go have a listen and then pick it up. It’s not that you will be supporting an indie producer – it’s that you will be getting a great work of music.