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By: Julie Ann Walker


Biker Songs
(aka: Where I Seek My Muse)

For those of you who've read my books, you know music plays a large part in my life.  I reference it often in the Black Knights Inc. series.  I quote it in my novels - when I'm legally allowed.  And I rely on it to inspire my muse.  So I'm often asked, "What songs do you listen to while you write?"  The answer?  ALL THE SONGS!  I'm an equal-opportunity listener.  Rock, Pop, Alternative, Country, Bluegrass, Blues, Classical, Jazz… You name it; I listen to it.  But when I'm trying to get in the mood to write, I have a "go-to" playlist that inevitably helps me channel those badass biker boys.  Today, I'm sharing it with you.  Enjoy!  I know I always do.  ;-)    

Born to be Wild - Steppenwolf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UWRypqz5-o








Long Lonesome Highway - Michael Parks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYKQ3fwNb0c









Midnight Rider - The Allman Brothers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEfhQGwFgew









Slow Ride - Foghat








Wanted Dead or Alive - Bon Jovi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRvCvsRp5ho









Bad to the Bone - George Thorogood








Against the Wind - Bob Seger








Unknown Legend - Neil Young
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJNYjaZ_29k









On the Road Again - Canned Heat








Ballad of Easy Rider - The Byrds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNjzzDNIJWw








And I leave you with four words: Rock on! Ride on!


 ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Julie Ann Walker is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Black Knights Inc. romantic suspense series. She is prone to spouting movie quotes and song lyrics. She'll never say no to sharing a glass of wine or going for a long walk. She prefers impromptu travel over the scheduled kind, and she takes her coffee with milk. You can find her on her bicycle along the lake shore in Chicago or blasting away at her keyboard, trying to wrangle her capricious imagination into submission. Look for the first four books in her fast-paced series: Hell On Wheels (August 2012) In Rides Trouble (September 2012) Rev It Up (October 2012) and Thrill Ride (April 2013). For more information, please visit www.julieannwalker.com or follow her on Facebook www.facebook.com/jawalkerauthor and/or Twitter @JAWalkerAuthor.

To Purchase Thrill Ride

Comments

  1. Hi Julie Ann,

    songs can be very inspiring while writing a book or you can suddenly get a book idea while listening to music.

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  2. Music fuels the imagination. I can't wait to read Billy's story!!

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  3. My niece has a friend who, when she was little, wanted "Bad to the Bone" to start playing every time she entered a room, sort of like having her own life's sound track,lol. Whenever I hear that song, that's who I think of.

    spifferfish at gmail dot com

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  4. I love the fact that songs are referenced, I often download them to my ipod and it enables me to feel more of an emotional attatchment to the characters.

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  5. Nice list! I have several of those on my running 'kick ass' playlist! I'm sure I will now hear them in the background the next time I read a BKI novel! Anxiously awaiting the next ....

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  6. I can see how those songs would be inspiring! :-)

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  7. Oh, yes, ma'am...music is wonderful. LOVE your playlist. I've been accused of pimping country music in my books. I just smile and say "thank you". They are complimenting me, right? LOL

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  8. Good songs. I will admit, a couple of them I haven't heard, people who know me well would be surprised as some think I know every song ever made. :) I really like your books, although I only have the first 3 due to financial issues.

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  9. lOVE THE PLAY LIST./.... Bill is next my fav can't wait to read his book

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  10. I always think of Highway to Hell from AC/DC when thinking of bikers (Pretty sure they are the ones who sing it). I guess that's a little cliche but hey it works for me!!!! I can't wait to read Billy's story. Every time a new BK novel comes out, I have to go read the others again first. LOL.

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  11. A good rock song just makes you feel!!!!!!

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  12. Love the books! The music mentioned makes them so real. Can't wait for Bill and Eve's story.

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  13. Love your books and I seem to get stuck on a particular song type after finishing a Black Knights book. Thank you for all the adventures these alpha males bring to my everyday life. I look forward to reading and rocking on.. ;)

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  14. I love all these songs. I enjoy all the references to songs you put in your books. Some have even inspired me to go get them for my Ipod. Can't wait to read Born Wild!!

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  15. Julie Ann,
    Love the selection and you are so right! Music sets the mood to writing. But also, dancing, loving and imagining all those yummy bikers you conjure up. Even though I am too chicken to ride myself, I do like the bikes in your stories and LOVE every single one of the BKI bikers you write so damn well about. Can't wait to read about Bill and Eve. Cheers!

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  16. Music always helps make a story come to life! I love your books and am looking forward to the new one!

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  17. Julie Ann - i totally agree..music aids the creative soul...can't wait to read Billy's story...love the BKI series...those guys/gals ROCK!! and so do you!!!

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  18. Love the playlist! I have noticed when I'm reading a book, that certain songs that I hear make me think of the book I'm reading. Music definitely brings it all together!

    Thanks for stopping by Julie Ann, love this series and looking forward to BORN WILD!!!

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  19. You've got some great songs listed there :) Some others that come to mind Roll Me Away by Bob Seger, Highway to Hell by AC/DC, and This Life, performed by Curtis Stigers & The Forest Rangers (the Sons of Anarchy Theme Song):)

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  20. Those are all great songs. I think music can be inspiring for just about anything in life - writing, exercising, heck, I even have a play list on my computer for time when I'm doing data entry type work. It makes the work go faster!! Can't wait for Born Wild. Love the Black Knights!

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  21. Wendy (swimmrmom@yahoo.com)June 26, 2013 at 9:28 AM

    I can almost picture what kind of scene you're writing with each song choice! And now they're going to play in my head when I reread the stories. :-)

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  22. I love all kinds of music as well. And agree, it helps with whatever task I have, to have music accompanying me.

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  23. Great playlist! Love the BKI series and can't wait for Billy and Eve's book!!!

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  24. Love your list! Bought my hubby a turntable recently so he could listen to all of his old albums--even our sons are enjoying the music! Keep writing!

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  25. There is ALWAYS music in my head. When I was very sick once, the music was gone and it totally scared me!! My ex used to say I have musical Tourettes, because I, too, will burst into music (or movie quotes) quite unexpectedly. :) Music is a HUGE part of my life!!

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  26. Cant wait for your next book! You have got me Hooked!! My hubby is in the Military and a Harley man! Love It!!

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  27. Love all those! How about some Eagles and some Journey thrown in!

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  28. I can't live without music. . . I'm an 80's music lover. I am so glaf Bon Jovi is included in your playlist -my all-time favorite rock band!

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  29. Love the songs. Every time I here "Wanted Dead Or Alive" I think badass! I also sing like I am Jon Bon Jovi with every bit of my heart! It is hilarious to witness, just as my children. ;-)

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  30. Great songs! They sure bring back memories.

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  31. Ooooh, you guys are giving me some good ideas for additions to my playlist. Eagles? Check. Journey? Check. SOA Anthem? Check. AC/DC? Check. What else, BKI fans? Keep the suggestions coming!

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  32. Great play list!!!! My favorite band is Poison but I can't think of a 'motorcycle song' from them however....'Every Rose Has Its Thorn' is a great love song!!!! Looking forward to reading Born Wild!!!!

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  33. Makes you wanna jump on the bike and turn up the ipod and cruise, while looking badass. Love your books and cannot wait for the next one. Love looking at your pics from your adventure with Mr. Walker too.

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  34. I definitely agree with everyone, music does play a big part in people's lives. It sounds like you have some great inspiration when you write, but I'm sad to say that I don't know more than half of the songs. I'll definitely have to listen to them though.

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  35. I love your BKI Boys & can't wait for Bill & Eve's story! Thanks for writing such great characters!

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  36. I had to giggle to myself because I pretty much have ALL of those songs!

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  37. I always love seeing/hearing author's playlists for their books because it introduces me to new to me artists and songs...thanks for sharing!

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  38. Slow Ride by Foghat is like sex only in song. Dude.

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  39. Don't forget Kid Rock. American Bad Ass!!!

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  40. Love your list, and as a California girl, I also like to listen to California Love by Dr. Dre and friends when I want to bounce!

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  41. Great choices! You should add "Bad Company" to the list! Either the version by Bad Company or the Five Finger Death Punch one. They are both great!

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  42. I would throw in one more.....my fellow Canadian, Tom Cochran with "Life is a Highway"...... And I wanna ride it all night long....

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  43. Heck....didn't mean to leave you Tom Cochran' s Life is a Highway anonymously!!!!

    lets try this again!!!

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  44. My go-to "work" artist, believe it or not, is Meat Loaf. Depending on what I'm doing, I'll go to the older stuff for the high-octane moves or the newer work for more contemplative.

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  45. Hi Julie, the songs you mention always make the story more connectable. Thank you so much for sharing your talent and your gift with us all.

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  46. Love the songs in your books. So much fun when I can hum along in my head as I'm reading! :)

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  47. Hi Julie,

    Songs definitely motivate and move people and you can listen to some songs and picture an event. Sometimes they help add to the fantasy, which your books are great at invoking in my wild imagination. Can't wait to read Bill and Eve's story!!!


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  48. LOVE this series!!! Can't wait for Born Wild! Great song list, Wanted Dad or Alive is one of my all time favorite songs!

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  49. Thanks for checking in, BKI fans! You all rock!

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  50. Well you listed all my favorites!!! Can't wait for another book, love this series!!!

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