While writing City of Angels, there were several playlists I used to get in the moods of the characters. I’d play them in a loop, and for some reason really couldn’t connect to the story without them.
Take Me to Church, by Hozier, covered by Julia Westlin
Can’t Take My Eyes off You, by Frankie Valli, covered by Julia Westlin
Zombie, by The Cranberries, covered by Miley Cyrus
Dusk till Dawn, by Zayn and Sia, covered by Julia Westlin
Stand by Me, by Ben E. King, covered by Julia Westlin
It Ain’t Me, by Kygo and Selena Gomez, covered by Julia Westlin
All of Me, by John Legend, covered by Julia Westlin
*yes, I love Julia Westlin. It helps me to work listening to acapella, and she is an incredible artist with some really good music. Give her a listen!
Someone also recently asked me (@lincolnlogger!) about the music I imagined the famous Erik would write, and I always thought of Yiruma, a contemporary South Korean pianist and composer. The orchestral reworkings of his piano pieces in particular are how I imagine City of Angels would be performed with a full orchestra. And I would be remiss without making a plug for his piece for cello!
I was tagged by the amazing @sadmorgen to list 5 songs I’ve listened to recently. This was difficult for me since I listen to music non-stop. Here are 5, each with a mini blurb. I highly suggest you take a listen!
Stranger - Dimash Qudaibergen
Watch/Listen here
Qudaibergen is a Kazakh singer and musician. He might objectively be the most skilled vocalist in the world at the moment. Stranger showcases his technique, range, and musicality.
Now We Are Free - Ellen Williams
Watch/Listen here
Williams is a Welsh soprano singer. This is one of the best renditions of this song, in my opinion. Her classically-trained voice shimmers and soars.
Le pire - GIMS
Watch/Listen here, Lyrics (FR & EN)
GIMS is a Congolese and French singer and songwriter. Le pire’s insightful message demonstrates his exquisite songwriting abilities.
Autumn Finds Winter - Yiruma
Listen here
Yiruma is a South Korean pianist and composer. This is a lesser-known piece of his but it’s one of my favorites. The blend of the piano and strings takes your breath away.
Les blues du businessman - Céline Dion version
Listen here, Lyrics (FR & EN)
Dion is a French Canadian singer. This song’s lyrics are relatable as an aspiring writer/artist. Beyond her powerful belting and intricate melismas, she conveys the message with the right emotions.
I’ll tag @illbeyouranchor @mysticlostdog @blackinkmess @aslice-ofpoetry @smp-writes @wysewordsblog @poppiesandpromises @followcb @instruth @mirrorworld12 and anyone else who wants to share! (note: you just have to list the songs, not write all the extra stuff I did)
i cant find the exact video, but the first time i heard a kalimba cover of this song i associated it with athena. still kind of do? but uh here's *a* video of a kalimba cover, its SO PRETTY.
youtube
might just have to pull out my kalimbas sometime... ough i miss playing <3
I was tagged by @icedteaffee to spell my url in song titles & tag the same amount of people as there are characters. I also decided to make it into a playlist :)
T: Te Quería - Lido Pimienta
R: Remember (Walkin' In The Sand) - The Shangri-Las
O: Oops...I Did It Again - Britney Spears
M: Mierda - Elsa y Elmar
B: Bidi Bidi Bom Bom - Selena
O: O' Sailor - Fiona Apple
N: No Te Fumes Mi Mariguana - Mon Laferte
E: Ev'rybody Wants to Be a Cat - from The Aristocats