Like many writers, I often listen to music while I write. Movie soundtracks are usually my go to music for inspiration, but I know other writers who play everything from classical, rap or even punk rock as they pound the keys. But what about all the readers out there? Do you guys listen to music as you flip the pages (or tap the screens) of your favorite books?
Sam Carver, Director of The Orion Team, sure does. What exactly is The Orion Team, you ask? No, it’s a not a top secret super-spy organization – It’s a Goodreads Group that focuses on “Thrillers involving technology, spies, assassins, geopolitics, international settings, and terrorists.” If you’re a fan of authors such as Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, Tom Clancy, Barry Eisler, Ian Fleming, or even my Thomas Caine series, trust me: you have to check this group out.
I’ve met so many great readers and authors there, and my kindle is packed with their amazing recommendations. So many action-packed books to read, so little time!
Not only did Sam pen an incredibly detailed and thoughtful review for Red Phoenix, he also put together a YouTube playlist of suggested reading music – a dream soundtrack of sorts! There is so much great music here, and there’s something for everyone… anime soundtracks, techno-remixes, and even soulful southern rock. I’ll share a link to the playlist at the end of this post, but I wanted to highlight a few of my favorite selections here:
This was the first song Sam shared with me, and it blew my mind… the lyrics and mood are so soulful and appropriate. In my mind, this will always be the theme for the Red Phoenix movie playing in my head.
Talk about mood and atmosphere! Sam picked this song to represent Caine’s arrival in Beijing, driving through the hazy smog-covered streets. Somber, gritty, and high-tech.
DAVID BYRNE – THE LAST EMPEROR
This was my sole contribution to the list! This song was in fact on my writing playlist, and I always hear it in my head when I picture Caine visiting the beautiful Chinese hutong.
ROYAL DELUXE – I’M A WANTED MAN
Mood and atmosphere are great, but now it’s time to kick some ass – Sam picked this music for Caine’s all out assault to rescue a the son of an old friend.
I was always a huge Depeche Mode fan, so I was delighted to see this remake pop up to accompany the final battle and lead into the denouement…
This is just a taste of the amazing music Sam put together. I can’t thank him and the rest of The Orion Team enough. For the full playlist, click here… I hope it will enrich your reading experience!
Do you listen to music when you read? What tracks come to mind when you imagine your favorite books? Please let me know in the comments below!
Andrew, since I often travel, I purchased the Devil’s Due on Audible and LOVED it! I immediately went to Amazon and bought Book 1 (Tokyo?) and was preparing to buy Red Phoenix when I realized neither of these are on Audible. I still will purchase both but do you have any idea why I cannot get the others on Audible? SO sad since I love to listen to your books while traveling!
Tracy, thank you so much for your comment! The Tokyo Black audio book has been recorded! I am in the process of noting it, and it should be up within a few weeks. The process is a bit time consuming, so I usually run about a book behind the ebook releases. But rest assured, Red Phoenix will also make its way to audio eventually!
Hi Tracy… just wanted to let you know, the Tokyo Black audiobook is available now! You cvan grab your copy at Audible or Amazon! Please let me know what you think!!!