Movies and music are almost inseparable. An incredible soundtrack can make a good movie great, and turn a great movie into a classic. But a single bad song can have the exact opposite effect: just imagine how amazing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II could have been without the addition of Vanilla Ice’s “Ninja Rap”?
OK, bad example, but you know what I mean.
I always imagined that if one of my stories became a movie, my dream would be to hand-pick the songs and come up with the most kick-ass soundtrack possible. Then earlier this year I received a call from Retribution Pictures in Los Angeles, and they optioned my urban fantasy book Vs. Reality to become a movie.
After I regained consciousness and picked myself up off the floor, my mind was reeling with possibilities. Would I help adapt the screenplay? Could I give my opinions on casting? And of course, what music would accompany the movie…and would I be allowed to help pick the songs?
Vs. Reality is currently in the early phases of pre-production (all the existing details are over at IMDB) so I have no idea how much say I’ll have about the soundtrack, if any. However, if it were up to me, this would be the playlist:
(Warning: some very, very minor book spoilers ahead)
“Not an Addict” – K’s Choice (1996)
With the theme of addiction running through the Vs. Reality series, it seems only appropriate. This song is not only one of my favorites of all time because of the beautiful melody and haunting vocals, but the lyrics are pitch-perfect…they echo my main heroine Dia’s sentiments exactly.
“Every Day Is Exactly the Same” – Nine Inch Nails (2005)
This song appeared in the movie Wanted back in 2008 and it was an amazing fit – it reflected the hopelessness of the main character as he felt shackled to a mundane, repetitive existence.
This would be an excellent fit as the hero of Vs. Reality, Cole, struggles to become the man he always thought he could be, but continually comes up short.
“Big Empty” – Stone Temple Pilots (1994)
This is one of my favorites from The Crow OST. It would be a perfect match towards the beginning of the movie as Cole and his best friend Jens rocket across town in an old Buick.
“Timebomb” – Kylie Minogue (2012)
When Cole and Jens arrive at the nightclub this would sound great blaring through the sound system as they walk through the doors. I can’t remember the last time I was this addicted to a song – it’s on my iPod and I probably hear it ten times a day!
“The Game” – Alyssa Reid (2011)
Another great, fast-paced song that would work nicely in the club scene.
“2wicky” Hooverphonic (1996)
Probably the sexiest song I’ve ever heard. At some point a movie needs to have this track playing before, during or after a steamy love scene.
Or ideally all three.
“Change (In the House of Flies)” Deftones (2000)
I always loved this track, but when it appeared during an action scene in an episode of Alias it became one of my all-time favorites. Watching Sydney Bristow shooting at bad guys in slow motion as this song played in the background gave me chills (I’m crazy, I know).
“Stinkfist” Tool (1996)
According to the band, this is a song “about choosing compassion over fear.” It has interesting implications about the single world government in Vs. Reality that is trying to create their vision of a utopian society. And it just sounds really cool.
“Creep” Radiohead (1993)
Another one of my faves, although I have no idea what part of the story it would best fit. It’s so freakin’ epic that I would just have to wedge it in somewhere. (side note: Kelly Clarkson sang Creep a number of times in concert recently – YouTube it!)
“Arise” Flyleaf (2009)
A beautiful song that is about overcoming addiction and becoming the person you were meant to be – a fitting way to end the story.
Hope you enjoy these songs! Any song suggestions from people who have read the book? Let me know!
You can pick up the original Vs. Reality at Amazon and the new sequel, Relapse, right here. Both are on sale for a limited time.
Giveaway:
- Kindle Fire
- (3 print) Vs. Reality
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Relapse (The Vs. Reality Series, #2)
by Blake Northcott
The sequel to the Amazon Kindle Bestseller continues.
At 8:51 am on August 26, 2011, a fifty-storey building in the north end of Manhattan exploded like an overfilled water balloon. Millions of gallons of water and fifty thousand tons of brick slammed into the surrounding streets, causing a series of tidal waves that washed away virtually everything within a one-mile radius.
The Mayor of New York City – James Kerrigan – has labelled the incident a terrorist attack, and has issued a global manhunt for two of the people he claims are responsible: Paige and Dia Davenport.
Now on the run, Cole, Jens, Brodie, Dia and Paige must fight for their lives as they try to escape the clutches of the New World Council. They travel the world piecing together The General’s end game – all while a dark secret emerges that could tear their group apart forever.
Blake Northcott
Author. Twitter-er. Slayer of vampires (only the ones that sparkle). I love reading, cooking, traveling and mixed martial arts. Dislikes include Wheel of Fortune and Ke$ha.
Book loving, zombie freak, stiletto wearing, twitter whore, coffee addicted Brunette with a purse fetish.
Collector of flamingo paraphernalia & zombie keepsakes… Frequenter of thrift stores... cRaFtY bitch... and I match my eye-shadow to my outfit - everyday.