2022-07-13
Michael Reyes
Design Dispatch, New York
Creatives from various fields often rely on music to spark their imagination and fuel their creativity. From indie folk to electronic beats, these artists have curated playlists that help them stay inspired and focused on their work.
The Soundtrack of Storytelling: Creatives Share Playlists That Keep Them Inspired
As we navigate the ups and downs of our creative journeys, it's easy to get caught up in the monotony of daily life. But what if there was a way to tap into the world of storytelling and find inspiration in even the most mundane tasks? To explore this idea, Yinka Ilori, founder of It's Nice That, has invited four creatives to share their personal playlists on the theme of storytelling – with work.
Tobi Bakare: The Power of Wordplay
First up is Tobi Bakare, a writer and poet whose words are as poignant as they are beautiful. His playlist is a curated collection of songs that reflect his love of language and storytelling. "I wanted to create a mixtape that would transport me to another world," he explains. "Songs with lyrics that play with word order, repetition, and rhythm always get me started on my writing projects." One of the standout tracks is Kendrick Lamar's "Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst", which Tobi attributes to its clever use of enjambment. "When I hear this song, I'm reminded that language can be both beautiful and brutal at the same time," he says.
Aisling MacNamara: The Art of Observation
Next up is Aisling MacNamara, a visual artist whose work is characterized by its attention to detail and love of observation. Her playlist is a sonic reflection of her fascination with the world around her. "I'm drawn to songs that have a strong narrative thread," she explains. "Something like Billie Holiday's 'God Bless the Child' always makes me think about the power of storytelling in art." Aisling also cites FKA twigs as an inspiration, particularly her song "Two Weeks", which features haunting vocal samples that evoke a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.
Joe Hirsch: The Therapeutic Benefits of Music
Joe Hirsch, a composer and producer, brings a unique perspective to the playlist theme. For him, music is not just about creativity, but also about self-care. His playlist features tracks that help him relax and unwind after a long day of working on his latest projects. "Ludovico Einaudi's 'Nuvole Bianche' always makes me feel calm," he says. "There's something about the simplicity and elegance of his music that helps me clear my mind." Joe also credits Max Richter with helping him stay focused, particularly his album "Sleep", which features a continuous 8-hour piece of ambient music designed to help listeners sleep.
Shivani Bhushal: The Connection Between Storytelling and Identity
Last but not least is Shivani Bhushal, a writer and performer whose work explores the complexities of identity and culture. Her playlist is a vibrant reflection of her love of storytelling and its connection to personal experience. "I wanted to create a mixtape that would capture the ups and downs of my own journey," she explains. "Songs like 'Bohemian Rhapsody' by Queen always make me think about the power of transformation and growth." Shivani also cites Lauryn Hill as an inspiration, particularly her song "Doo Wop (That Thing)", which features lyrics that explore themes of identity and self-discovery.
Conclusion
These four creatives have shared their playlists on the theme of storytelling – with work. From wordplay to observation, self-care to identity, each playlist reflects a unique perspective on the power of music in our creative lives. As we navigate our own journeys as artists, we would do well to take note of these playlists and find inspiration in the world around us. Whether you're a writer, artist, or simply someone looking for new ways to tap into your creativity, there's something here for everyone – so go ahead, press play, and let the stories begin.
