Ask ten writers how music influences their writing and you’ll likely get ten different answers. Some might say they don’t listen to music at all. Some will say they can’t write without it. Might even tell you that entire books were influenced by a particular song or album.

I fall into the can’t-write-without-it-camp. Music not only helps me get into the right headspace to write particular scenes, but specific lyrics have helped me figure out the themes of entire books.

I thought since the latest book in my Sabina Kane series, GREEN EYED DEMON, comes out in the UK on February 3 (and March 1 in the US), I’d share my playlist for the book, as well as some notes about why each was included.

“The Witch Queen of New Orleans” by Tom Jones

Other than the fact this song is about voodoo and New Orleans–two huge elements in the story–how could I not have the cheesetastic, hip-grinding Tom Jones on this soundtrack?

“I Bleed” by the Pixies

I love me some Black Francis. Plus this song mentions both bleeding and vampires, both of which appear in spades in this series.

“Queen of Apology” by The Sounds

This is a classic Sabina song. She’s so pissed she’s feeling vulnerable. This song has a great attitude and kicky tempo.

“Hoodoo” by Muse

Atmospheric and mysterious, this song reflects the strong, dark vein (pun intended) of voodoo in the story.

“I Touch Myself” by The Divinyls

This may seem an odd choice, but once you read the book and meet Brooks, the faery drag queen, it will all make sense. Plus? Tell me you don’t love this song. I dare you.

“Dancing Queen” by ABBA

Another Brooks song. Plus it’s not healthy to write by angsty music alone.

“Happy Ending Story” by Hole

Sabina’s theme for the book. Courtney Love might be a hot mess, but no one else puts so much gritty rage into lyrics.

“Brother”  by The Organ

The baseline and tempo get your heart pumping. Great song for a fight scene.

“Shade and Honey” by Sparklehorse

Sigh. I adore this song. It’s a ballad but it’s also filled with darkly beautiful symbolism. Totally an Adam and Sabina song.

“The Path to Decay” by Sirenia

Dark, gritty and filled with attitude. Great mood music for when Sabina’s ready to kick some ass.

“God is a Bullet”  by Concrete Blonde

I briefly considered include Concrete Blonde’s more famous “Bloodletting” on this soundtrack because a) it mentions New Orleans and B)is about vampires. But it almost seemed too obvious a choice. “God is a Bullet” has far more urban fantasy attitude with its growling guitar and pounding baseline. “God is a bullet– have mercy on us, everyone.”

“Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones

I don’t want to know anyone who doesn’t like this song. Can’t you  just feel the humid, ozone-scented air? Brace yourself–the storm’s coming.

“Voodoo Child” by The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Oh come on! How could I resist this classic for a book set in New Orleans? It’s got such great raunchy swagger.

“Bloodsport” by Sneaker Pimps

“Love is just a bloodsport, son.” Ah, the thin, dark line between love and hate. What would fiction be without it? This is by far the sexiest song on this playlist.

“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Guns N’ Roses

I played this on repeat when writing the last few scenes of GREEN-EYED DEMON. I can barely listen to it anymore without tearing up. It’s the perfect song for a character who is condemned to live with her choices.

I’ve posted this playlist, as well as those for my other books,  on iTunes if you’d like to add any of these to your library: GREEN-EYED DEMON, THE MAGE IN BLACK, RED-HEADED STEPCHILD. Rock on!