One of my earliest moments of creative inspiration was when, after seeing the original Star Wars movie in the theater, I got the record of the movie soundtrack. This was back when vinyl was “it” — you had records or you had tapes, and those were the only choices!

I was stunned at how my mind would relive the excitement of the movie every time I would hear the themes. How I could imagine a whole universe of adventures because of the magic of music.

Music still has that effect on me — I feel the excitement of the story from a theme, and music can put me into the mood to build, to create, to grow.

Here’s the playlist that puts me into the mood for building my own sci-fi universe. I hope you feel the same grandeur, the same mystery, the same joy as this music gives me.

Full Playlist

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Current tracks as of this post:

John Williams: “Here They Come” (Star Wars)

James Horner: Theme from Cocoon

Jerry Goldsmith: The Enterprise

John Williams: Flying (ET)

Stu Phillips: Battlestar Galactica

James Horner: Enterprise Clears Moorings

John Williams: The Visitors / Bye / End Credits (Close Encounters)

Bruce Broughton: Cody’s Flight (Rescuers Down Under)