Summoning Inspiration
A playlist for horror authors
As a horror writer, there is a special place in my black heart for a creepy track. Everything from Ice Nine Kills’ 2018 album The Silver Scream to Marilyn Manson’s brilliant cover of “This is Halloween” has found its way to my writing playlists. Of course, in the month brimming with jack o’ lanterns and monsters dancing along to “Thriller,” there is a plethora of ghost stories waiting to be discovered. If you’re one of the people that want to join the ranks of Stephan King and Shirley Jackson but need a little help with getting the creative juices flowing, hopefully the following gems summon the inspiration you need for your masterpiece.
Apollo (For What It’s Worth) –Think Up Anger ft. Malia J
Maybe being in the Lights Out trailer is enough of a selling point. If it isn’t, the song will definitely make you think of creepy ghosts lurking in the shadowy corners with the way it mimics an increasing heart rate. Overall, the track sounds like it belongs in a horror story’s climax, and is certain to help you envision a cryptid chasing your protagonist through dark hallways.
bury a friend – Billie Eilish
Being a bit of a creepy icon herself, of course this list wouldn’t be complete without Billie Eilish. Ebony eyed entities might just be knocking on the door, waiting for the protagonist to let them in. If you’re looking to build up the tension in your story’s atmosphere, this is a fantastic track to have playing in the background. Maybe light a flickering candle or two in your writing space to add to the ambience.
Du Riechst So Gut – Rammenstein
This song is what happens when a cryptid has the mindset of Joe Goldberg. The lyrics are basically “Every Breath You Take” on steroids and a vampiric twist, which is perfect if you have a stalker character hunting someone down. The music is high energy, too, so it is perfect for a chase scene.
Haunted – Evanescence Coming off the chase scene, of course Evanescence has the perfect track for someone trying to hide from a pursuer. “Haunted” taps into the primal fear of being stalked by someone, specifically a loved one, causing the overall atmosphere ooze with dread. Due to how this is Evanescence we’re talking about, “Haunted” would definitely fit in a Gothic horror. And honorable mention goes to their song “Tourniquet” as well. However, “Haunted” has the slow build to the horror, which is why I personally put it on the list first.
Monster – Meg and Dia
Fun fact: according to the All-Knowing Reddit post, this track was inspired by John Steinbeck’s East of Eden. “Monster” is a story in and of itself about the horrors of child abuse and isolation with a short story written by Dia to go with it. The lyrics depict a tale most tragic and horrifying with a supernatural twist that shows one of the most terrifying sides of humanity. You can read the story here!
Dollhouse – Melanie Martinez
Have a perception versus reality concept you’re playing around with? “Dollhouse” embodies it perfectly and is certain to help in getting the creative juices flowing. Is your protagonist living in a seemingly normal, suburban dream house that is riddled with vengeful spirits of the dead? Awesome. This song deserves a spot on your playlist. Let us know what the protagonist sees that no one else sees! (Is it a severed head in the kitchen??)
Hocus pocus, may this playlist help you focus. Please stay safe this Halloween, celebrate the full moon, the veil being thin, or just getting some good candy and decorations. Happy haunting and happier writing!
