Writing the kind of books that not only resonate with and move readers, but change their way of thinking, takes a special kind of writer – the kind we get to know each month here at the Service95 Book Club. And the common thread that has become clear from all our conversations with authors is that creating these kinds of works also takes a certain kind of environment, one often formed and shaped through music.
This month, all Service95 Book Club eyes are on Roxane Gay, and the songs she listens to while writing – particularly for her generation-defining essay collection, Bad Feminist (discover her interview with Dua all about the book here). As you can imagine, the result doesn’t disappoint.
“It is taking all my self-control to not populate this playlist only with Beyoncé songs. Her catalogue is deep and I am an avowed fan,” says Roxane, in the first of many highly relatable moments from our conversations with the author. “In all seriousness, I have fairly eclectic musical tastes and my years-long playlist that I continue adding to has it all. These are songs I listened to while writing the essays in [Bad Feminist] that reflect the ethos and energy I’m always trying to represent with my writing.”
A little warning: you will feel ready to conquer the world after listening...
What’s On Roxane Gay’s Writing Playlist:
Age of Consent by New World Order
Little Earthquakes by Tori Amos
Little Plastic Castles by Ani DiFranco
Hold Up by Beyoncé
Tyrant by Beyoncé
Heated by Beyoncé
Bitter by Meshell Ndegeocello
Qué Lio by Marc Anthony (and Hector Lavoe)
Never Too Much by Luther Vandross
He Loves Me (Lyzell in E Flat) by Jill Scott
Lipstick Lover by Janell Monáe
This Woman’s Work by Maxwell
Karma Police by Radiohead
Like the Way I Do by Melissa Etheridge
Not Like Us by Kendrick Lamar
