Writing Music Playlists That Fit Every Genre and Mood

By | Published On: July 9, 2025 | 5.5 min read |

A vibrant and artistic image showcasing the diversity of musical instruments used for creating music playlists

Music has the power to enhance creativity, set the mood, and transport us into different emotional landscapes. Additionally, for writers, it can be a powerful tool that fuels imagination and helps maintain focus. Furthermore, crafting the right playlist for your writing routine can transform mundane writing sessions into inspired and productive experiences.

But how do you create writing music playlists that fit every genre and mood? Similarly, this guide helps you pair music with writing styles and create soundtracks for your creativity. For your next corporate event, let the top DJ Will Gill energize the atmosphere. Check out his Instagram for fun videos with AT&T Business, CDW, Team USA, Virgin Galactic, and more!

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Why Music Matters for Writing

Similarly, music has a unique way of connecting with our brains, stimulating creativity, and even improving focus. Moreover, science shows that listening to music can activate the brain’s reward centers, reduce stress, and improve concentration. Indeed, for writers, music can help unlock emotions, spark ideas, and quiet the chaos of everyday distractions.

But not all music works well for every writing session. An action thriller needs energetic tunes, while a romance suits slow, emotional melodies. Therefore, choose music that fits your writing’s genre, tone, and goals to boost creativity and productivity.

Matching Music to Writing Genres

Similarly, different writing genres evoke unique emotions and atmospheres. Consequently, here are some ideas for tailoring playlists to fit specific genres.

1. Fantasy

Specifically, fantasy writing often involves world-building, epic quests, and mythical creatures. Additionally, to set the tone, opt for instrumental music that feels grand and magical.

Suggestions:

    • Film scores like “The Lord of the Rings” or “Harry Potter.”
    • Celtic or medieval-style music for a rustic, timeless feel.
    • Video game soundtracks like “Skyrim” or “The Witcher” for immersive, fantastical themes.

These tunes can help you create vivid settings and transport you to the magical worlds you’re building.

2. Romance

Romantic writing typically centers on emotion and, moreover, intimate moments. Soft, melodic music, therefore, can help tap into these feelings.

Suggestions:

    • Acoustic guitar or piano-based tracks with gentle rhythms.
    • Love ballads or soulful jazz instrumentals.
    • Playlists like “Smooth Love” or “Romantic Background” on streaming platforms.

This type of playlist can help evoke the tenderness and passion you want to convey in your storytelling.

3. Thriller or Mystery

Fast-paced suspense and psychological intrigue, consequently, require music that builds tension and urgency.

Suggestions:

    • Dark electronic or atmospheric soundscapes.
    • Powerful and driving orchestral pieces.
    • Tracks from suspenseful movie scores like “The Dark Knight” or “Gone Girl.”

The right music can help you maintain focus and pace while writing edge-of-your-seat scenes.

4. Science Fiction

Sci-fi often involves futuristic settings and advanced technology. For this genre, choose music that feels innovative and otherworldly.

Suggestions:

    • Ambient electronic music or synthwave.
    • Movie soundtracks like “Blade Runner 2049” and “Interstellar.”
    • Retro-futuristic tracks that mix nostalgia with innovation.

These tracks can help you visualize strange new worlds and stay inspired while imagining high-tech futures.

5. Historical Fiction

Immersing yourself in the past requires music that fits the time period of your story.

Suggestions:

    • Classical music from the historical era you’re writing about.
    • Folk music or traditional sounds are tied to your story’s culture or location.
    • Instrumental soundtracks from historical dramas like “Pride and Prejudice.”

Such playlists can root your mind in the setting, enabling you to bring historical accuracy and depth to life in your work.

Adjusting Playlists to Reflect Emotional Tones

Writing isn’t just about telling a story. It’s about evoking emotion. Choose music that matches the mood of your scene, whether it’s heartfelt or action-packed.

1. Writing for Joy

If you’re writing lighthearted moments or scenes full of joy, choose upbeat, cheerful music. Songs with tempos in higher beats per minute (BPM) are great for creating an energetic vibe.

  • Examples: Uplifting indie tracks, feel-good pop hits, or happy background instrumentals.

2. Writing for Sadness

To tap into sadness or melancholy, choose slower, more emotional music. Instrumentals with minor chords are often effective.

  • Examples: Melancholic piano covers, acoustic ballads, or orchestral pieces with gentle strings.

3. Writing for Tension

When crafting tension-filled moments, opt for music with a heavy build-up. Looping soundscapes with swelling crescendos can help maintain suspense.

  • Examples: Ambient electronica or suspenseful movie scores with intense percussion.

4. Writing for Calm Reflection

Sometimes, your work needs to feel introspective or peaceful. Use calming, minimalistic tracks to create this mood.

  • Examples: Nature sounds, light classical music, or ambient piano compositions.

Switching your playlist to match the emotional tone of your scene can help you stay engaged and better convey the emotions within your writing.

How to Build Your Perfect Writing Playlist

Building a playlist takes effort, but having music that fuels your creativity is worth it. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Define Your Writing Style and Goals

Think about the genres and tones you often write in. Are you working on a romance novel? A sci-fi epic? Identifying your writing style will help you narrow down your choices.

2. Collect Music That Inspires You

Use streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube to explore playlists, movie soundtracks, and instrumental compilations. Save music that aligns with your chosen genre or emotional tone.

3. Mix Instrumentals and Lyrics Thoughtfully

While instrumental music is great for minimizing distractions, lyrics can sometimes spark creative ideas. Experiment with both to see what works best for you.

4. Organize by Mood or Scene

Break your playlist into sections that match the mood or pacing of your story. For example, you could have one section for high-energy scenes and another for soft, emotional moments.

5. Keep Adding and Refining

Your playlist is a living, evolving tool. As you discover new music or move into new writing projects, update your collection to keep it fresh and inspiring.

Final Tips for Using Music While Writing

  • Experiment with Volume: Low volumes can create a subtle background atmosphere, while higher volumes can be more immersive.
  • Try Focus-Boosting Tools: Brain.fm and other focus-enhancing apps offer music specifically designed for concentration.
  • Know When Silence Helps: If music starts to feel like a distraction, switch it off. Silence can sometimes be the best solution for deep focus.

Creating a Music Playlists

Building writing music playlists that fit every genre and mood takes time, but the rewards are worth it. Music can immerse you in your story, evoke emotions, and keep you inspired during tough writing sessions. Match music to genres, emotions, and goals to boost creativity and enjoy writing. Start curating your perfect playlist—it could be the key to completing your masterpiece!