The Weeknd - Secrets
No, I didn't choose this song just because he is ridiculously handsome... well, maybe a little ;) Seriously though, this song tended to be playing whenever I was writing a scene that involved the characters going to a bar or a pub. One scene in particular comes to mind though.. The night when Theo, Maria and the fierce, sassy women that Theo met as his audition in book one, go out for a night in Balham. It's such a great going out song and the soulful vocals sit perfectly over the driving beat.
John Legend - Tonight
No explanation needed for the reason I rinsed this song to death during the writing of Soho, but for anyone who is completely clueless as to what I'm referencing, I'm talking about the first X-rated sex scene between Theo and Kez. It is animalistic, intense, urgent and without a doubt the most explicit sex scene I have EVER written, So far.. John Legend's vocals are smooth, sexy and seductive and if you're not aroused by this song, you might want to check your pulse as I think you might be dead.
Ella Eyre - Comeback
This song featured heavily in my playlist during the writing of all three books. It perfectly summed up the infidelity, the lying and most importantly, the revenge Theo and Maria exact on their respective partners. To be completely honest there was a heck of a lot of Ella Eyre songs playing during my writing as I feel she represents the strong main characters.. She could sing about a paper bag and still make it sound sassy, sexy and attitude-filled. Thank you for bringing the fire Ella!
Jon Bellion feat Travis Mendes - Guillotine
Although relatively unknown, Jon Belion is an incredible artist who deserves worldwide recognition for his truly infectious songs. This track in particular, with its catchy chorus and it's unique lyrics was the perfect addition to my playlist for the second and third novel in the trilogy. This fast became the song I would dance like an idiot and sing until every one of my neighbours ( and probably the whole of the street ) could hear me when the dreaded writers block struck.
Madonna - Secret
Now, before anyone stereotypes me for selecting a Madonna song, take a listen first to this lesser known mid nineties gem. I unashamedly love this song and if I ever get the honour of turning my first book into a film, I would want this song to play over the opening credits as the camera pans over London. The line in the song ' My baby's got a secret ' is the biggest hint to the unexpected shock-revelation ending of Soho...So proud of THAT twist... ;)
Christina Aguilera - Fighter
Really? You're actually expecting me to explain why this is on my playlist!? Im just messing with you, but seriously though, it is an iconic song that represents Theo and Maria's strength and resilience in the face of adversity across the three books. Plus who doesn't love a shameless singing into a hairbrush diva moment. Also, it's a good song to highlight the shade of the book ( in contrast to the light ) Don't be fooled, there are parts of their journey that result in moments of true terror.
Justin Timberlake - Senorita
Guaranteed that anyone who knows me from my early singing years will be laughing right now... Just like Theo, this was my signature track to sing at a karaoke and just like Theo I used to sing it whenever I was trying to impress a guy. This song still makes me smile whenever I listen to it and somehow manages to still sound current. Not that Kez needed another reason to be impressed by Theo, but hearing him sing this to him, certainly didn't do any harm...
Rita Ora - Facemelt
Not sure if I listened to this song as much as I did because the filthy club vibe ( inexplicably ) put me in the mindset to write the revenge sections that permeate throughout the books or because I was permanently hating my then mentally abusive ex. If you've never heard this song before, get ready to hear Rita in a way that I'm pretty sure you've NEVER heard her before. It's explicit and grimy with a dirty bassline and whether you want to or not you can't help but screw your face up to it.
Angel - Beautiful
Soho, Book 1.. the double date bar scene. This song fits perfectly on an obvious level ( due to the line ' When you finally find what's beautiful, it's so wonderful ' but it also fits with the tone of the chapter. The scene is set in Grace Bar on Windmill Street and although I have only ever visited the establishment a couple of times, I instantly loved the decor and the vibe I felt when I walked in. Thats when I knew it was the perfect place for the two main characters to have their blind date.
Robin Thicke - Lost Without You
This time it's the turn of Maria and her first mutually enjoyable sex scene in So Good? ( when you read the book you' ll understand the use of the word 'mutually' ). This song was a no brainer for me because Robin Thicke's falsetto on this track conveys the silent euphoria Maria is feeling when she realises she is finally going to have the smouldering, suave, and sensual Dominico. This song definitely helped to build the sexual tension and closely rival Kez and Theo's previously mentioned scene.
MNEK - Don't Call This Love
For anyone who hasn't read the books, I don't want to give anything away, but this song was on constant repeat when I had to write one of the most heart wrenching scenes between Theo and Kez in So Good?Truthfully, every Saturday night for a month, I was writing the scene, rewriting it ( whilst drinking copious amounts of red wine ). Can't remember a time I cried so much whilst writing a scene...Yes, I am a total softy! ;) Seriously though, such a beautiful song and such an incredible artist.
Sia - Little Man
For fear of ruining the end of book 1, I'm not going to go into detail as to why this song is relevant. Instead i'm going to focus on the fact that, like Ella, Sia featured highly in my playlists throughout the whole writing process of the Theo & Maria Trilogy. I remember watching her perform in a small venue in Bristol before she was famous, and I remember how incredibly humble she was. She had the same humility that I wanted to covey in Theo's musical journey during the Trilogy. Breathtaking!
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