I rarely listen to music as I write, but sometimes I have in my head ‘songs’ that represent scenes, relationships, characters, or even the entire book. Listening to these songs will pump me up or get me daydreaming about writing.
Requiem to date has more songs than any book I’ve written. I’ve listed the seven here, with videos with the lyrics. THIS CONTAINS SPOILERS. For example, we have songs that represent young Lukoan and also how he changes. With each song I’ve put a bit about how the music influenced my envisioning of the book. I’ve tried to find decent quality with not-annoying lyric typography, but some of the songs are old or the selection scarce.
Enjoy!
Requiem’s Theme
Life is Beautiful
by Sixx A.M.
To me, this song encapsulates the entire theme of the book and what Kaedra learns.
Kaedra and Lukoan’s Song
Bring Me To Life
by Evanescence
If the Sisters of Eternity had a musical mascot, it’s Evanescence. This song perfectly captures Kaedra’s early dependence on Lukoan.
Young Lukoan
Someday
by Nickelback
Young Lukoan views the world with optimism and hope. Even during early capture, he still thinks it will turn out in the end.
Post Change Kaedra and Lukoan
So Cold
by Breaking Benjamin
I feel like parts of this song come from Kaedra’s POV (you’re so cold but you feel alive) and others Lukoan’s (if you find your family), sort of a weaving of their inter-dependence and desperate hoping that it is, despite evidence, alright.
Lukoan’s Decline
Side of a Bullet
by Nickleback
We have a Nickelback song for young Lukoan, and I’m amused that it’s another Nickelback song my mind latched on to for what Lukoan becomes, a man full of anger and retribution.
Kaedra with Resistance
Easier to Run
by Linkin Park
Most of Kaedra’s life has been decided for her. While she’s with the Resistance she’s developing opinions of her own and starting to feel she must act, though she still does not have the courage.
Kaedra After Fleeing
What I’ve Done
by Linkin Park
Yet again we have another Linkin Park song for the transformation of Kaedra. This is who she becomes once she flees the Resistance.