Tagged Tunes: A Music Blog Tag

April 14, 2025 ~ Brooke F. ~ 9 Comments

First off, a big thank you to Diamond for tagging me in this super fun music blog tag! I had the best time reflecting on the songs that have been with me through different seasons of life. Whether it’s a soundtrack/instrumental piece in the background or a lyric that punches you in the gut (in a good way), music is such a personal part of how we process and celebrate life. So here’s a little peek into my playlist!

And now… to the questions:

Your favorite song right now
Right now, I’m obsessed with a piece from The Wild Robot soundtrack called “I Could Use a Boost.” It’s cinematic, slightly whimsical, and hits that perfect sweet spot for a soundtrack lover like me. If you’re into instrumental pieces that tug at the heartstrings and make you feel like you’re on an adventure, give it a listen. You’re life or drive will feel like a coming of age movie.

Favorite Christian song
For a modern Christian track, “I Need You” by Gable Price and Friends has been on repeat in my car. It’s raw and real and feels like a journal entry to God when you’re burnt out. Plus bonus points for the Screwtapes Letters reference. But if we’re going classic, nothing beats “Be Thou My Vision.” That hymn just has a staying power. It feels like stepping into something ancient and deeply rooted every time I hear it.

Your favorite song five years ago
Back in college, I was loving “Ultralife” by Oh Wonder. It’s just so bright and energizing. Also had “You Already Know” by JJ Heller on my heavy rotation. There’s something about her voice and lyrics that always feels like a deep breath and quietly talking to God about what’s honestly on my mind and heart.

Your favorite lullaby/soothing song
Scripture Lullabies’ “Be Still and Know” is the definition of calming. It’s soft, peaceful, and reassuring in a way that always helps me unwind when life feels too loud. The piano intro is my favorite. Kind of reminds of me of the Princess Diaries Soundtrack in a weird way???

A song that made you cry
“Dear Mum” by Cassa Jackson. Oh my goodness. It’s tender and heartbreaking in the most beautiful way. The lyrics carry such a gentle ache. Definitely one for the “feel your feelings” playlist.

A song that makes you dance
“Sunroof” by Nicky Youre is bubbly and fun. It’s perfect for spontaneous dance sessions in your kitchen in the summer when the windows are open. And for a totally different vibe, “Harpy Hare” by Yaelokre makes me want to swirl around like I’m at a medieval faire. I’m not saying I’ve danced around in a circle skirt to it… but I’m also not not saying that.

A song you covered/performed
I’m not much of a performer, so I’m skipping this one. Unless you count car concerts or singing to my cats….

Favorite movie song
Is it dramatic? Yes. But “The Rohirrim Charge” from Lord of the Rings gets me every time. Epic, powerful, and goosebump-inducing. Instant motivation. Just wanna draw my sword every time I hear it.

Favorite song from a new album
Confession: I’m way behind on new music. I mostly live in my soundtracks and favorite artist bubble. So… if you have album recs, I’m all ears.

A song that makes you sentimental
“Birthday Cake” by Dylan Conrique is like a gentle punch to the gut. So melancholy and nostalgic. It makes me reflect on time passing and all the bittersweet little moments that go with it. The epitome of losing someone before you’re ready.

A song you’ve heard a lot lately
I don’t really do radio, so I don’t have a specific answer here. I tend to get obsessed with a few songs and loop them forever until I emotionally retire them.

A song you’d do at karaoke
Any cringe-worthy 2000s pop hit. Something the whole crowd knows and secretly loves. I want maximum nostalgia and minimum vocal expectations.

A good road trip song
“Driving Myself Home” by Rose Betts is just the right mix of fun, bounce, and sing-along potential. Great for windows-down cruising.

A cute love song
“Ordinary” by Alex Wallen gives me all the cozy love story feels. Simple, sweet, and a little dreamy. I’m not trying to be basic, but I am trying to be honest.

Favorite country song
“Dooley” by The Dillards. Please tell me someone else knows this gem. It’s a classic. Bluegrassy, catchy, and full of charm.

A song you love but cannot sing
Literally any song sung by a male artist in that awkward mid-range that’s too low and too high depending on how you try to adjust. My vocal range just gives up and goes home.

And that’s a wrap on this musical journey! I’d love to hear your answers—consider yourself tagged if you’re reading this and feel inspired. But specifically, I’m tagging:

Can’t wait to see what songs have been living rent-free in your heads!

Playlists I’ve been playing on Loop

January 21, 2024 ~ Brooke F. ~ 1 Comment

Music has the remarkable ability to set the mood for any creative endeavor. Whether you’re crafting an intense action scene or a poignant love letter, the right musical backdrop can transport you to the emotional landscape you wish to convey. The beat, rhythm, and melody become the heartbeat of your writing, infusing it with the desired atmosphere.

But I’m sure you already know that. My core audience is writers and we love a good backdrop to day dream to. So, I thought it would be fun to share writing playlists that I’ve been playing on repeat because they provide the perfect atmosphere for whatever I’m working on.

This Gremlincore playlist sets a sort of carefree and quirky vibe. I sometimes just put it on when I’m cooking- I don’t have to be writing. It feels like walking through a forest. I feels like catching lightning bugs. It feels like- I need to be paying more attention to whatever I’m doing. I’ve only gotten three words into my story and I’m already distracted by the immaculate atmosphere this playlist creates.

However, one little side note, if you don’t listen to anything else on this playlist, please check out the “Tardigrade Song” by cosmo sheldrake. It is an immaculate work of scientifically accurate art.

Yeaaaah, it’s no secret I’m a very distracted writer these days. But guess what! Music can help with that too! For many writers, creating a zone of focus is crucial if you’re going to get anything done. Music that is instrumental or ambient genres can act as a sort of shield against the distractions that my brain can conjure up. The rhythmic patterns and soothing melodies serve as a buffer, helping me to immerse myself in their work and maintain a steady flow of ideas. Or at least that’s the hope. This playlist particularly has helped me get quite a few writing assignments done as of late so maybe check it out.

Creating the perfect ambiance for writing involves a delicate balance of sounds that can transport you to a mental space conducive to creativity. Ambient noises and curated playlists can play a pivotal role in setting the tone for your writing environment. The subtle hum of raindrops, the distant chirping of birds, or the calming rustle of leaves—these ambient sounds can transform your workspace into a haven for inspiration…..

….. orrrrrr maybe you just wanna feel like a weary traveler trying to furiously write in a rambunctious tavern. When it comes to ambient noises, I tend to go for fantasy settings especially. I just want to feel like something is going on around me and ambient noises greatly help with this craving. I think it may be a partial side effect of living in a house with siblings growing up and having to get some writing or project done nonetheless.

Don’t mind me living out my Barbie’s 12 Dancing Princesses fantasy over here. This playlist is PERFECT for that or perhaps to be the backdrop of any regency/royal story you’re writing. It’s whimsical, magical, dreamlike- all the good things. Check it out if you’re delusional like me and am still living out that princess fantasy.

Aaaaand I think that just about does it! And now I shall attempt to wrap up this silly little sunday blog post of mine!

Ahem!

The joy of crafting creativity lies not only in the words we put on paper but also in the environment we cultivate. The subtle interplay between ambient noises and curated playlists enhances the writing experience, making it more enjoyable AND immersive. Remember, it’s about the journey NOT the destination. (or some drivel like that. Insert dramatic pause here so you have time to let that profound knowledge sink in).

So, the next time you embark on a writing adventure, consider the mood you desire to set. Whether you choose the gentle whispers of nature, that chatter of a tavern, or the curated tunes of a carefully crafted playlist, I hope the playlists I have shared can be a part of your fun little writing sessions. Happy writing!