"I" Tunes

I have been thinking a lot lately about how I use music in my business. I must admit, this is partially because I have been surfing other websites to see who is using what. I occurred to me that my "use" of music goes beyond advertising or marketing and is really fundamental to the work flow of my business.

I use music as a backdrop while I am working and consciously use it to push my brain one way or the other. I discovered a while ago that if I had to be creative in a non creative environment that hard core jazz was great for getting creative juices flowing and allowing a different perspective on my work. Now, if I am stuck and can't seem to get a fresh idea, I turn to jazz to re-set my brain.

I also listen to a lot of modern alternative music such as the Flaming Lips or Tim Seely. This type of fair seems to drive me to a rhythmic free flowing state that can be a little like a trance. I am very productive and focused while still very relaxed.

One category of music I wish I had more of: melancholy. Sounds strange, I know, but sometimes I just want a whole album of sad songs. It seems like I need to exercise my emotions sometimes and a good album full of melancholy does the trick. I certainly wouldn't call the whole album sad, bu my current single melancholy champion is Buddy Miller's "A Showman's Life". It is off of his (surprise, surprise) Midnight and Lonesome album. I save this album for my time spent with those dramatic black and white conversions.
~Will