The Music that Built the Vibes of the Loop Duology
Some books are born in silence. Liminal Wake wasn’t.
I took a walk almost every day while writing this duology. Sometimes I listened to an audiobook, but most of the time I listened to music.
Music inspires and energizes, expanding the emotional contours of a scene. I would walk and let the the story marinate in the these songs as I mentally reviewed what I wrote that morning. These songs helped shape the plot’s slow-burn rhythm and the tense and moody atmosphere, and helped me connect with the emotions of my characters. Most of these tracks live in a hazy space between synth and indie rock—layered, atmospheric, sometimes anthemic, sometimes aching. You’ll notice I’m a sucker for a strong bassline. I build off basslines, too, only mine are ideas in tension instead of notes on bars.
So here’s what I heard in my head while writing Bennett’s grief, Colbeck’s wavering confidence, or Adelaide’s quiet uneasiness:
“Harmony Hall” – Vampire Weekend
Anybody with a worried mind can never forgive the sight of wicked snakes inside a place you thought was dignified I don’t wanna live like this/ but I don’t wanna die
Unsettlingly literal interpretation of core concepts. When I heard this song for the first time — well into the manuscript —I couldn’t believe my ears.
“Burning” – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Believer. Took me over like a fever… Whatcha gonna do when you get to the water
Charlotte and Bennett both confront the question—what are you going to do when you get to the water?
“Right Thing” – Bayonne
Any day now Something worth materializing Can’t tell if I’m doin’ the right thing.
What guilt feels like when it never fully speaks but always hums.
“Way to Go” – Empire of the Sun
Are you ready for a revolution to show the way… Doesn’t matter what’s trippin’ you out, there’s ways to go.
Joel McMillan’s relentless optimism as a leader of a fractured movement.
“Stumbling Still” – Nation of Language
Waiting for you, waiting for them
To finally come along
But it's just me in my own head
So Jesus what do you want
But I've watched the mercury fall
And the winter come
Waiting for something good
Calvin Colbeck’s shaky faith that his work will drag the Territory into a new age.
“Surefire” — Wilderado
I can feel it the future I can see it in the culture I see the moon as the sunrise See the stars with my morning eyes
The willful disorientation, and the hazy knowledge that the warm sun—that thing you rely on—is going to finally leave you in darkness.
All these songs come up on the same Pandora station (yes, I still listen to Pandora, and if you want to know what the station is called, drop a comment).
Liminal Wake drops June 12—just in time for Father’s Day. If you like these vibes, I think you’ll really like the book. Its epic conclusion comes later this summer.