As designers and creatives we are looking for inspiration in just about anything.

Often times it can come in the least expected places and from the least likely sources. Maybe you are like me and have sat in front of your computer and just stared off into space waiting for inspiration? Often times our eyes scan the room hoping that something catches our attention and brings about some ideas. Sometimes, we need to give our eyes a break and use our ears to gain some inspiration.

Music can bring about great emotion, feelings and inspiration. It can be a big part of your creative process, and can even lead to some great ideas. Below you will find five artist that you can gain inspiration from. There might be some artist that you have heard of, there might be some artist that you have never heard of.

These are a list of five artists that I have been listening to and gaining inspiration from.

1. Jonsi -”Go”

Jonsi is the lead singer of a band called Sigur Ros. His new solely CD is chalked full of inspirational music that seems to raise your emotional levels as you listen.

His CD is definitely worth taking a listen to and getting some work done.

2. Zach Williams -”Story Time”

This has been one of my favorite finds over the past year. Zach Williams has an amazing story of discovery and difficulty. I found out about Zach from a friend of mine who actually was Zach roommate in college. He kept telling me that I needed to check out his friend and his new CD.

I finally decided to give it a listen and was blown away. Not only is Zach voice awesome, the story behind the CD is even better. Zach wife was diagnosed with cancer a couple of years back and was told by the doctors that the best thing for his wife was for him to talk to her. His wife loved when he sang to her and so Zach decided to sing to his wife, daily. Most of the songs on the CD are inspired by his wife and the stories from childhood.

This CD never gets old.

3. Civil Twilight – “Civil Twilight”

This is another recent discovery that has been on repeat. Their music carries with it a heaviness that seems to grow with each song. Each song is very creative and well organized.

One of their songs “Letters From the Sky” is a perfect example of the way each song builds and builds until it is so big and epic that you feel like you can go and conquer the world let alone create that Sunday morning sermon graphic.

4. The Felix Culpa – “Commitment”

If the last three bands are a little “light” or not your style then the Felix Culpa will definitely change that for you. The Felix Culpa, which means “the fortunate fault” or “blessed fall” is one of the best kept secrets out there.

The thing that I love about Felix Culpa (besides the fact that a couple of the guys went to my college) is the creativity that they bring to each song. For all the drummers in the crowd today, the drummer for Felix is unbelievable creative. Each song flows very well together and is 12 tracks of pure emotion and energy.

5. Matisyahu – “Light”

Matisyahu is a Jewish rapper. Didn’t know that was possible (or allowed)? Matisyahu blends reggae with rap and it becomes a beautiful marriage. One of my favorite albums of all time is Matisyahu “Live at Stubbs.” Seriously, this is the best album (and very creative) that you will listen to and the creativity that he brings to each song is a breathe of fresh air.

These are the five albums that I have been listening and gaining inspiration from.

What music are you listening and creating with?