Mood Music

Christina here. Lots of authors seem to listen to music while they write in order to get in the right mood – sometimes the same song over and over again to inspire a particular scene they might be working on. Many of them have specific playlists for each book with one song per chapter, which they mention either on their blogs or at the start of their books so that readers can listen along with them. I can’t do that. I need silence in order to compose my thoughts and disappear into my own little world, and music would drag me out of it because when I listen to something I really like, I get lost in that instead.

That’s not to say I don’t find music inspiring. I do, but I like to listen to it before or after I write, not during the process. And I also love to watch music videos as some of them are mini stories in their own right and they can trigger plots or characters in my head. Today I thought I would share with you some of the songs, music and/or videos that I’ve found helpful while writing my Viking stories and the reasons why.

I have to start with Led Zeppelin’s The Immigrant Song as used in the film Thor Ragnarok – Thor as portrayed by the actor Chris Hemsworth is the basis for quite a few of my heroes and in this particular scene he fights with his evil sister Hela for all he’s worth. I try to imbue my heroes with his strength, fearlessness and power, not to mention his good looks. (See halfway through this clip for the start of the song.)

Oluf Bagge, Wikimedia Commons

Then there is Yggdrasil by Brothers of Metal. Although the costumes in the video are a bit dodgy and not exactly authentic Viking gear, and the drama slightly ridiculous, the song gives a sense of the Viking sacrificial blot ceremonies that were practised. Animals were sacrificed and the blood splashed on the participants with a little whisk made of twigs. The music also conveys the feeling of adventure inherent in the Vikings – they would travel to the ends of the earth without hesitation, and would have gone as far as to the top of the world tree, Yggdrasil, if that had been possible.

Eyþór Ingi - photo Albin Olsson

I have long been a fan of the Eurovision Song Contest, held every year with entries from all the European countries as well as a few others. (I know, it can get very silly at times but there are actually some good songs occasionally!). One of my favourites was Iceland’s entry for 2013 with a singer called Eythor Ingi with the song Ég á Líf. He looked and sounded like the perfect Viking hero and was part of the reason why my hero Rurik in WHISPERS OF THE RUNES is great at singing. The fact that Eythor sings in his native Icelandic helped as well – I could really imagine what Rurik would have sounded like singing in Old Norse.

In 2018 it was Denmark’s turn to inspire me – their song Higher Ground by Rasmussen made my heart pound the way the Vikings must have felt as they set off on their raiding or trading expeditions in those sleek longships. Combined with footage from the Vikings TV series in this video – it is powerful stuff indeed!

In 2019 Norway’s KEiiNO entered with an unusual song called Spirit in the Sky, which features a Sámi man doing what is called joik or yoik. This is a traditional way of singing without words.

Timo Newton-Syms Wikimedia Commons

Improvised, it is like chanting and is supposed to imitate sounds from nature. Although the Vikings didn’t practise this, they came into contact with the Sámi people and must have heard yoiking performed. I find it fascinating and they’re singing about the northern lights which I’m sure awed people back then just as much as they do now.

A bit closer to home is Nordic Lullaby – The Wolf Song by Jonna Jinton. This is more how I imagine the Vikings would have sung themselves. I can just picture a Viking mother singing this to her tiny child to make him or her go to sleep while wolves can be heard howling in the nearby forest. (My grandmother, who was born in 1909, remembered hearing the wolves as a child, even though she lived in a small town!)

There is something slightly otherworldly about Jonna’s singing which transports me back in time, and in The Frozen Call – Ancient Nordic Chant – she also demonstrates the use of a cow horn, which is something that features in my next book, TEMPTED BY THE RUNES, although not for musical purposes. And if by any chance anyone would like to watch this intrepid lady having a bath in what we call an “isvak” in Sweden (a hole cut out of thick ice in the middle of a lake), here she is. I wouldn’t do it if you paid me! (Well, maybe for a million pounds …)

Wench Anne kindly alerted me to this video of an ancient Icelandic song performed impromptu and a capella in a German underground station by the Icelandic folk group Árstiðir – fabulous! Maybe that’s what the Vikings sounded like when they all sang together in the longhouse of an evening? Although I have a feeling they would have been rather more raucous and fuelled by ale …

When I was writing a fight scene featuring Pecheneg warriors encountered by my Vikings as they made their way towards Miklagarðr (Istanbul), I listened to this song by The HU – they are Mongolian, but it seemed wild and fitting somehow. Who knew Mongolian heavy metal was a thing?

I don’t just listen to things that specifically have to do with Vikings though – music is obviously great for inspiring all kinds of emotions. There are plenty of upbeat, happy songs for joy, soppy love songs for those special moments, and sometimes a really great power ballad can be the perfect thing to have in your head when you are writing something sad or difficult.

For me, Avenged Sevenfold’s Dear God sums up the feeling of loneliness and homesickness that people must have felt when they were far from home and missing those they’d left behind. Perhaps wondering whether they would ever see them again as travel was a risky business in the past. My characters travel far and wide in what is little more than huge rowing boats – not exactly safe!

And for hero inspiration, you can’t beat the guy in the video for Call Me When You’re Sober by Evanescence – just look at those eyes! The lady singing is gorgeous too, as are the fake “wolves”.

I apologise for torturing you if you’re not a fan of rock music which tends to be my favourite listening material, but some of these songs are more about the sentiment and melody. And I don’t just like rock, I can appreciate classical music too. For example, next week I’m travelling to Norway and Edvard Grieg’s Peer Gynt – In the Hall of the Mountain King will be very much on my mind as I drive through the mountains.

Finally, Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata is one of the most poignant pieces of music I know and I can listen to it forever. Perfect mood music!

How about you? What music would inspire you and do you have any favourite songs or pieces?

Comments

[Sue McCormick]

I have frequently remarked that in our family we teachm=, no matter the type of job we have.

Equal to teaching is music. My father was an excellent baritone (he resigned from a quartet when the went on the a prime vaudeville circuit because he loved teaching more. But he always sang. My birth was announced on radio because he had a singing show. His tates and my mothers ran to standard and classical.

My children and I also include musicals and almost all popular except rap. I once shocked co-workers because I knew some heavy metal; their parents had abhored it

[Christina Courtenay]

How wonderful, Sue! I think it's great to have an eclectic taste. The only things I really dislike are big-band jazz and reggae, other than that I'll listen to most things. And to have your birth announced on radio - wow!

[Margot]

I am not an author, but find that when writing letters or even doing e-mail, listening to music takes my mind off my writing. I have songs in my head all the time and get stuck on one. This morning for instance a song I do not like got stuck and played over and over making me sing along. I hum to myself all the time and am usually unaware that I am doing so till someone asks me what song that is.
I grew up learning folk songs from around the world and still know many of them but don't have much chance to sing them. I also grew up with music - love Baroque, Classic and Romantic period compositions. My favorite composer is Beethoven. Also enjoy older country music and bluegrass songs.
So yes music is with me all the time and that makes me happy.

[Christina Courtenay]

That’s lovely Margot! Music should definitely make us happy and it does help to have it in the background for some things. It’s annoying when you get one stuck though if it’s a song you don’t like - that happens to me all the time too! Better when it’s a favourite:-)

[Mary Jo Putney]

What an amazing Viking-inspirational playlist, Christina! The only song I already knew was Astidir, which is hauntin and beyond awesome, but now I'm thinking that if you had a composite collection of your Viking songs, I'd buy it in a New York minute.

I always have music playing softly in the background as I write--instrumental only as words distract me. A lot of Celtic, some classical and ancient. I think it keeps the creaky wheels in my brain lubricated. *G*

[Christina Courtenay]

Thank you Mary Jo, so glad you liked it! Your background soundtrack sounds awesome - I love Celtic music too, it’s so haunting and beautiful!

[Constance]

Thanks for introducing me to some beautiful music, Christina! When I was in college, I found that I studied/focused best with music in the background at a particular level - it could be any kind of music, but had to be at just the right level of loudness or it would be distracting. It still seems to be true when I'm doing most anything. Classical Baroque is my go-to, but I love almost all music except anything atonal; I need a melody! Lyrics are very important to me, and many songs become constant earworms until I learn all the words. Little good it does me, as I have no singing ability whatsoever...sigh....

[Mary T]

Like Margot above, I'm a hummer -always have been. So I shall have music wherever I go.

I like almost all types of music - some more than others. I like something "soft" if I'm trying to relax. Give me some good rockin tunes for housework and I'll have it done in no time. Back in the day, while driving, I'd put on some Linda Ronstadt. She and I sounded wonderful together while flying down the highway (smile).

I just heard this morning that one of my all time favorite groups, ABBA, is releasing a new album with new tunes. Their music is what I turn to when I'm feeling down. I don't know why, but even their sad songs make me feel good.

Thanks for a lovely post.

[Pamela DG]

Classical music and Jazz are my first love for inspirational music. Every mood is available from Bach to modern day. I never used to listen to rock. But, over the last few years, I've been working more and more concerts so I've been introduced to the work of classic legends like Brian May, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, to Green Day, White Keys, Daughtry, Keith Urban, and 21 Pilots. Depending on what I'm doing, I've got a CD for it. And I admit, being an American of Scandinavian origin, I love Led Zeppelin's Immigrant Song. It's cathartic, like a primal scream.

[Kareni]

Thank you for a lovely post, Christina. I enjoyed listening to the performances you linked.

I don't sing or make music, but I do like listening to it. Recently I've listened to the soundtrack of Mamma Mia, Loreena McKennitt's An Ancient Muse, October Project's Falling Farther In, and Songs &
More Songs by Tom Lehrer.

[Mary M.]

What Margot described above is an earworm--a song that loops itself in your head and won't let go. Mine are usually pop songs from the '40s to '70s, when I pretty much stopped listening to the radio. BUT I have a FIX for EARWORMS: I just pop in a mental cassette (!) of HAIL TO THE CHIEF. Works like a charm and does not become a substitute earworm. Usually one and done, till the next time.

[Christina Courtenay]

Thank you - I’m glad you enjoyed it! I love singing and learning lyrics too but I only do it when I’m on my own. Like you I can’t sing but I don’t care - it’s fun!

[Christina Courtenay]

Oh yes Mary, I was really pleased to hear that there will be a new ABBA album soon! I used to know all their songs by heart. And I agree about housework and rocking tunes - perfect!

[Christina Courtenay]

It’s wonderful isn’t it! Made me smile the first time I saw that film. I love all those bands too - great stuff!

[Christina Courtenay]

Sounds perfect Kareni! I particularly like the Mamma Mia soundtrack too - brilliant!

[Christina Courtenay]

Oh we’ll have to try that Mary - thank you!

[Annette N]

HOLY COW!!!!!

You have blown me away. I started reading the post and have spent a great deal of time going from music to music.
Here is a quote from one of the people posting on
Youtube about the HU.
"In the event of a zombie apocalypse/alien invasion situation, I'd like to nominate The HU to create humanity's fight anthem"

I agree.

I love music, but you have provided me with an entire new knowledge of the deepness in my soul. Bagpipes do that for me, but now I believe I want to become Nordic and ignore the Scottish, Welsh and French that is back there. And maybe I have some Mongolian in me?

I do not know how to thank you for taking me places I have never ventured.
I have PTSD and I am not able to watch films which are very intense, but you have made me want to try The Vikings. My entire Friday is lost. But in a good way.
Anyhow, thank you very much. I reckon Harry James and the Temptations may have lost me for good. Nah, I am not sure I could go that far.
Hope everyone is taking care, staying well and safe.
Has anyone ever told the Word Wenches how much they are loved?

[Minna Puustinen]

Mostly I like to listen to pop and rock from 50s onward, but I listen to plenty of other stuff too, like Adiemus, Riverdance, Jurassic Park (1) soundtrack and funny/parody song à la Weird Al Yankovic, The Arrogant Worms, Chris Mann, Bob Rivers (twisted Christmas) and Randy Rainbow. My all time favourite singer is Pave Maijanen (RIP). Elämän Nälkä (hunger for life) has kept me going when life has been tough and when I heard Lähtisitkö (would you) for the first time I immediately became a fan.

Pave Maijanen - Lähtisitkö
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAKIWMqKBrw

Would you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G7U73Hrpuw

Take Care
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwmL4ARpMYg

Pave Maijanen - Pidä huolta
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNEh6DoxC4U

Kaikki nämä vuodet- (all these years)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwmL4ARpMYg

Kohti uutta maailmaa (towards a new world)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqoD98q1bBs

Pave Maijanen - Elämän nälkä (hunger for life)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uttYnh8hBQk

Lyrics in English:
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/el%C3%A4m%C3%A4n-n%C3%A4lk%C3%A4-hunger-life.html-0

Pave Maijanen - Ikävä
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw0tYKRRBCg

Lyrics in English:
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/ik%C3%A4v%C3%A4-longing.html

Ismo Alanko: Kun Suomi Putos Puusta (2001 Digital Remaster)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAPBkJSYgXQ

Lyrics:
https://lyricstranslate.com/en/kun-suomi-putos-puusta-when-finland-fell-tree.html

Maarit: Tuuli ja taivas (wind and the sky)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btpF7UlmNQs

Broadcast: Pacific
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8pgdAvB03Q

Esa Kaartamo: Kun etsit sitä oikeaa (when you are looking for the right one)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyto150L0mA

[Minna Puustinen]

Bonaparti.lv - Questa Notte (Latvia) Live 2007 Eurovision Song Contest in Finland
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zghnafACJyE

[Christina Courtenay]

I’m so pleased you enjoyed my music choices Annette and discovered some new songs! I totally agree about the HU, that would be fab :-). And I love bagpipes! Well anything Scottish really. Thank you for such a lovely comment!

[Christina Courtenay]

Thank you Minna - I will go and listen to all those now! And I love 50s rock n roll - my first boyfriend was a big fan so I became one as well. The soundtrack to American Graffiti has some great songs!

[Minna Puustinen]

Kaikki nämä vuodet- (all these years)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il3ktEs3twM

[Quantum]

Pre-Uni I would often sing in the bath. Then while in digs in London, one morning over breakfast the landlady mentioned that one of the other residents had complained about a caterwauling noise and had I heard anything..... some folks just can't appreciate creativity!

Thanks for this fascinating collection. I particularly enjoyed the haunting Wolf Song and the ice bath by Joanna Jinton ... if I have a spare million sometime I'll be in touch!

I have never looked for inspiration in music but have found it invaluable for relaxing and de-stressing. I particularly enjoy the soprano voice and think that I now have most of Kiri Te Kanawa's recordings .. songs of the Auvergne is a favourite. I also enjoy early religious music ... Palestrina is a favourite here.

When you publish your next Viking Audio book, perhaps consider including some music at the beginning? ... I think I would like that.

[Christina Courtenay]

Ha ha yes it's terrible when other people don't appreciate our singing! I used to think I was really good at it until my daughters told me that was not the case at all. Now I only sing when I'm alone in my car :-) I'm glad enjoyed Jonna's songs, she's unique isn't she. And I agree about music being wonderful for relaxing.

I'll have to suggest to my publisher that they include some music for my audio books but I have a feeling there would be too many costs involved unfortunately.

[Christina Courtenay]

That is lovely, Minna, gave me goosebumps!

And I forgot to tell you I voted for Finland in this year's Eurovision contest - if I'd been writing Young Adult books I would use this song for inspiration for sure -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOPGxQ4fgVw

[Minna Puustinen]

The songs I actually like hardly ever seem to win. Oh, well... Like in the joke, Hell froze over and Finland has won the Eurovision contest once.

(It does actually get quite a bit warmer than +15°C / 59°F in this joke)

+15°C / 59°F
This is as warm as it gets in Finland, so we'll start here.

People in Spain wear winter-coats and gloves.
The Finns are out in the sun, getting a tan.

+10°C / 50°F
The French are trying in vain to start their central heating.
The Finns plant flowers in their gardens.

+5°C / 41°F
Italian cars won't start.
The Finns are cruising in cabriolets.

0°C / 32°F
Distilled water freezes.
The water in Vantaa River gets a little thicker.

-5°C / 23°F
People in California almost freeze to death.
The Finns have their final barbecue before winter.

-10°C / 14°F
The Brits start the heating in their houses.
The Finns start using long sleeves.

-20°C / -4°F
The Aussies flee from Mallorca.
The Finns end their Midsummer Celebrations - autumn is here.

-30°C / -22°F
People in Greece die from the cold and disappear from the face of the earth.
The Finns start drying their laundry indoors.

-40°C / -40°F
Paris starts cracking in the cold.
The Finns stand in line at the hotdog stands.

-50°C / -58°F
Polar bears start evacuating the North Pole.
The Finnish army postpones their winter survival training awaiting real winter weather.

-60°C / -76°F
Korvatunturi (Santa Claus lives there) freezes.
The Finns rent a movie and stay indoors.

-70°C / -94°F
The false Santa moves south.
The Finns get frustrated since they can't store their traditional booze Koskenkorva outdoors. The Finnish army goes out on winter survival training.

-183°C / -297.4°F
Microbes in food don't survive.
The Finnish cows complain that the farmers' hands are cold.

-273°C / -459.4°F
All atom-based movement halts.
The Finns start saying "Perkele, it's cold outside today."

-300°C / -508°F
Hell freezes over.
Finland wins the Eurovision Song Contest.

Lordi - Hard Rock Hallelujah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6Xl9tBWt54

[Christina Courtenay]

Great joke Minna! :-D And I love Lordi - one of the best songs ever to win!