I’m a fan of instrumental music and often search out compositions for writing. Music is inspiring in multiple ways, but lyrics too often interfere with my ability to transfer thoughts onto the page. Yes, I’m quite linear in that way. Many instruments, common in other parts of the world, sound strange to my ears – which is excellent fodder for world-building – and over time I’ve discovered wonderful results. Try out these listens for a unique but rich experience:

Tyrkjaránid

Á Sprengisandi

Íslandsklukkur

If you enjoyed the sound of these samples, you can explore the full experience by picking up a CD or two at your favorite retailer. Here’s one I found on Amazon – and this one – and another. The contents aren’t all instrumental, and the wavering quality of the vocals might take some practice getting used to, but give it a try. Expand your horizons.

Listen up and then we’ll meet in Iceland and see if we can find the real thing. And we’ll try eating hakarl – a local cuisine made of fermented shark meat – because that’s what you do when you go places you’ve never been.

Right?

Okay?