In the very open-ended stage when I’m first pulling together ideas for a new project, I find myself turning to old favorites and really relishing songs that I’ve listened to hundreds of times before. (For the last decade, Emmylou Harris has reigned at the top of my list.) Later in the process, when I know what I’m doing and am really scrambling to get everything ready for a show, I really enjoy listening to new music and discovering new artists.

Additionally, if I’ve gone too long without listening to (and losing myself in) music that I love, it definitely affects my own creativity and joy.