Music plays a huge role in my creative process. It helps me get out of my head and into my heart. It gives me energy, yet it also calms me. It takes me away from everyday worries while keeping me grounded.
And I love so many genres—blues, rock, heavy metal, jazz, electronic, bluegrass, barbershop, and acapella, just to name a few. I’m not entirely sure how it works, but music has a way of getting my creative juices flowing and leading me down unexpected rabbit holes of inspiration.
So, with that in mind, I thought I’d share a few of the artists I’ve been listening to lately.
Ruthie Foster
The first is Ruthie Foster. I used to work with her way back in the early ‘90s at KBTX-TV in Bryan, Texas. We were in different departments, so I didn’t know her well, but it’s still fun to say I know a Grammy winner! She just won the 2025 Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album, and if you haven’t heard her music, you need to check her out. Her voice is pure soul. Listen here: https://www.ruthiefoster.com/.
Matteo Mancuso
Next up is Matteo Mancuso, a young Italian jazz/fusion guitarist whose playing is absolutely mind-blowing. He uses a unique finger-picking technique—no pick at all, just his fingers working in a flamenco/classical style on an electric guitar. The result is something you have to hear to believe. Check out his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MatteoMancusoofficial.
Home Free
And finally, an acapella group I’ve been following for quite some time—Home Free. I’ve seen them live, and they are incredible. The five members all sing, but one serves as the group’s beatboxer, adding rhythm and percussion with just his voice. While they’re known for covering a lot of country songs, their repertoire spans multiple genres, including Boyz II Men, Dire Straits, Don McLean, Johnny Cash, and gospel classics. Their versions of Ring of Fire and How Great Thou Art are next-level. Seriously, give them a listen.
Your Turn!
Now I want to hear from you! What songs, groups, or genres get you going? What are you listening to these days? Drop your favorites in the comments—let’s discover some new music together.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider sharing it with your networks. And if you’re feeling generous, you can support me by donating to my Buy Me a Coffee account. Cheers!
Copyright 2025 Scott Norris Creative
scottnorrisphotography.com
scott-norris.pixels.com
www.etsy.com/shop/ScottNorrisCreative
buymeacoffee.com/scottnorris
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/omg/pl.u-ovd1CGbYbr
If you ever come to Colorado, please plan on dropping by for a listening session and a local whiskey flight.. Listening room equipped with Decware Zen Triode Amp https://www.decwareproducts.com/se84ufo2 – Cambridge Audio CXN100 Streaming DAC https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en/products/hi-fi/cx-series/cxn100 – Klipsch Heritage, Forte IV speakers – https://www.klipsch.com/products/forte-iv-floorstanding-speakers. – Would be fun to hang and reminisce!
Hey Martin, I’d love to. Where in Colorado are you?
South Denver.. Centennial. Moved here to take care of the fam. Little shoe-box of a home but a dedicated listening space in the basement.. spend a lot of reflective time there.
If Scott happens by your place Imma invite myself too. I’m an hour north in Windsor Colorado, and haven’t seen Scott in several years. I’ll bring the whiskey!
Mostly I listen to instrumental, calm, peaceful piano, movie soundtracks and the like. I struggle to keep my focus when lyrics are involved. Olafur Arnalds is almost always on my playlist when I’m working.
Lauri, same.. need ambient music when working. Added Olafur Arnalds to the library and will look forwarded to listening.. To return the favor, a couple of favorite pianists.
Alan Pasqua, notably “Russian Peasant” album from 2000
Alexis Ffrench, “Truth” 2002
Excellent – thanks for sharing! I’ll check them out.
Love Home Free, very cool!
Thanks for the great recommendations Scott!
I love a variety of music from country to rock and lots of other stuff too. Over the last few years a few albums have stuck out for me including Drake White’s Spark (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxKHVMqMZqUQmI40WVmKSHzDJz0XdO_1j), Kacey Musgrave’s Golden Hour (https://strm.to/GoldenHourYD) and Jelly Roll’s Whitsitt Chapel (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbwj94INPbu2NVhsspjXlq1FdWSU4zyxh).
I’m sure there are more that I’ve missed, but these are all really good!
Cheers,
Wade