First of all, we are called "RED Heads" and I'm only one of many who love this band. I came across them early on in my writing adventure. I think I was downloading some itunes and the band came up as a suggestion. I downloaded a couple of songs and really liked them.
What happened next was almost mystical. I was listening to a song called "Let Go" and I had images flash in my head- almost like a movie. I could "see" what was happening- what the people involved were wearing, their facial expressions, the setting they were in, etc. It sorta freaked me out at first...but once I figured out what it was and that this was a way I could be creative, it didn't seem so strange.
Although I listen and use many other bands for inspiration (I'll save that post for another day) RED has by far been integral in helping me to form major parts of the story. They are my muse, if you will. Almost every song on their first album "End of Silence" helped me form a scene in the storyline or a feeling of a scene. Their second album, "Innocence and Instinct" allowed me to go deeper into aspects of the story and one song "The Fight Inside" helped me to write a POV (Point of View) of a character that dies. That was a tough one, but I kept the song playing over and over as I wrote.
I've talked to some writers that use music this way, and some that don't. What I'm learning is that every author approaches their story in a way that works for them. Using songs to inspire me is what works for ME. I'm not suggesting it in general because it may not be what works for you. But RED has worked for me.
I have had the chance to hear some of the songs off their new album "Until We Have Faces" which is out Feb. 1st. There is one song in particular which is helping me to piece together four months of the storyline that has stood silent. RED has given that part of my story a voice- and a very beautiful one at that. "Hymn For the Missing" is very emotional for me. The first time I heard it I knew it was Afton's song....
I have had the chance to see RED twice, Once in Indy, and once at Headliners in Louisville. Thanks to two of my BFF's- I was able to be in the second row from the stage and meet them afterwards. I gave them a letter thanking them for what their music meant to me and said "Seriously" a lot! It was one of the best nights of my life! (After my marriage to my wonderful hubby and the birth of my two kids) It was on my bucket list to actually be backstage and hear them play a song..but that didn't happen.
But....next Friday it will! I'm going to be one of six people that will get to meet them before the concert and hang out a little. Of course I will be giving them another letter, because although I love to talk- I get tongue tied around them! (Just ask Pam and Cassie, they will tell you!) But when someone creates something that moves you, I think it's awesome to be able to thank them!
So that's what's up with RED! And because of them I have gotten into lots of other groups like them. (Who says the hard rock groups are just for teenagers??) Tomorrow I think I will talk about my Dad and the influence he's had on this novel.
Here's to marking something off my Bucket List next Friday!
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