Novel Playlists from Fantasy Novelists treats each fantasy novel like a feature film and encourages the author to put together their own dream soundtrack. So listen up as Rob Hayes takes us on a nautical aural adventure through his grimdark pirate adventure Where Loyalties Lie:
Everybody knows Drake Morrass is only out for himself. As the fires of a dying city burn on a distant shore, Drake sees an opportunity to unite the other pirate Captains under his flag and claim a crown for himself. If he is to succeed he will need allies and the Oracle named Keelin Stillwater, the best swordsman in the isles, as Drake’s right hand. With enemy ships sailing his waters and setting fire to his cities, and the sinister Tanner Black threatening to steal the throne before Drake has even sat in it, Drake must somehow convince the other Captains that his best interests are also theirs.
Blood Red Roses - C21 FX. It has a slightly haunting, piratical air about it and just felt like it fit with Elaina Black's character. Sort of like her theme tune. :D
Over the Hills and Far Away - any number of artists. Not really nautical, but it just feels like it fits with the feel of the world.
I Don't Think Now Is The Best Time - Hans Zimmer (Pirates of the Caribbean 3 Soundtrack). This is a great song when imagining a good ship to ship battle scene. Highs and lows, implicit peril, and a definite nautical air to it. Also, it's composed by the mighty Zimmer-man.
Drunken Sailor - Sea Shanty. Had to be a couple of shanties in here. YARR! Actually a lot of shanties are quite fun to listen to and can really help transport you to a ship... at least in your mind.
Angel's Demise - Caroline Gleave (video above). This one will probably sound a bit odd. It's not piratical in any way and I didn't listen to it while writing at all. I use certain songs as a sort of roll call when creating the look of my characters. I'll listen to a song and rotate a character in my head to get a good feel of how they look, what sort of clothes they wear, poses they'll strike, weapons they carry and how they carry them. That sort of thing. I find it a good tool to get to know a character before I actually put them onto a page.
Specters in the Fog - Hans Zimmer (The Last Samurai Soundtrack). I found this one to be a good 'lull between the storms' piece that helped me realise the growing community of Sev'relain. From the peace that those who live there find in returning, to the inherent dangers the island posses.
Blackheart - Two Steps From Hell (SkyWorld). Another good piratical air to this one, with some lighter moments and then leading up to a good reveal. I used this one as a world building track to help bring the Pirate Isles and the people that live there to life.
Skull and Crossbones - Pirates of the Caribbean 1 Soundtrack. Whatever your feeling about the films, they have some awesome piratical music and this one is great for a rolling battle scene.
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