Thread: Music and roleplay : what's ok, what's not?

First, I apologize if the subject has already been discussed, but I did a forum research and couldn't find anything.

I'm a new player, I play a Minstrel on one of the RP servers (Estel). I recently got interested in the ABC songs system, so I've been downloading some songs here and there as well as transcribing MIDI files. I've never seen such an elaborate music system in a game and I love it! So far I've been practicing hidden in my house, but now I'd like to incorporate it in my RP and serenade everyone in Middle-Earth

The problem is, I don't know what is or isn't considered "RP-approved" when it comes to playing music in-character, and I don't want other roleplayers to cast me aside or send me angry tells because I broke their immersion by playing something "wrong".

So... what can I play? I guess music from the game and LOTR movies is ok and famous contemporary songs aren't, but what else? What about traditional music from different cultures (celtic, yiddish etc), or songs/themes from other fantasy movies and videogames?
Is there any information in the official lore and Tolkien books regarding the existing genres of music in Middle-Earth?

Thanks for taking the time to read

Perhaps first getting together with a group of others to do a concert would give you a feel for what is appropriate and acceptable. I'm sure there will always be several others willing to do that.

In my experience, it all depends on the type of rp or event you're doing. If it's serious, heavy Rp scenarios then Enter Sandman miiiight not be the best idea. Our kin put on a Harvest Festival a while back and we had everything from Celtic folks songs to Irish jigs, it was very laid back. Another factor is whom you're playing with as well- I know personally I wouldn't rag much on what people decided to play, unless they crashed a ceremony or wedding with something that could potentially kill the entire event.

I would suggest sitting in the Pony or out on the streets of Bree and just observe what sorts of music people tend to be playing while you down a few pints, and note the reaction they seem to be getting for it. Should give you a good feel for which way the wind is blowing, so to speak.

Unless you're playing over the music of another player who was there first, anyone who'd complain that your (OP) music was not "RP enough" is a moron. Who's to say what music is or is not suitable for RP? It's a matter of taste (the vast majority player music is lousy anyway, so the complainers really would not have a leg to stand on).

Unless you're stepping on the toes of someone who was there first, or it's some kind of "event," play what you want, where you want.

Considering that Lotro is a pseudo-medieval setting any music from the the early days of music will do well for Elves, Dwarves and Highborn Men. Lute, recorder or harpsichord tunes work wonderfully.

Folk music will be great for peasants and Hobbits, with a few of the highborn tunes thrown in (minstrels would have entertained at the Halls and sang for their supper in common Inns too )


A good mix of Hornpipes, jigs and ballads go down well. With the Lyrical plugin you can even "sing along" with the songs.

Or...

...Slow down a rock tune and make new words to make it lore appropriate.

Thanks for the advice! I don't know if there are any dedicated bands on my server but I'll try to find interested folks and ask them directly, as well as dropping an ear here and there when I can.

Unless you're playing over the music of another player who was there first, anyone who'd complain that your (OP) music was not "RP enough" is a moron. Who's to say what music is or is not suitable for RP? It's a matter of taste (the vast majority player music is lousy anyway, so the complainers really would not have a leg to stand on).

Unless you're stepping on the toes of someone who was there first, or it's some kind of "event," play what you want, where you want.

Well yes I understand that no other player is the ultimate judge of what is acceptable or not for others, but I just wanted to know if there's any kind of consensus first. Also I know that serious roleplayers can be a bit "sensitive" so to speak, and I've heard more than once that some folks on my server like to report people for the slightest reason - and that Turbine tend to enforce the RP rules rather strictly on the RP-tagged former European servers. I just don't want to get a sanction because one of them stumbled upon me playing a Cat Stevens song

Vestrinexx, those are great suggestions, thanks! I guess the hardest part will now be to actually find that kind of music, I don't have much knowledge in this area besides yiddish folklore. Slowing down rock tunes is a great idea too, I wouldn't have thought about it! And I'll definitely check that plugin.

There are some wonderful Yiddish tunes that would work brilliantly. I heard baym rebns sude played a while back and it sounded fantastic.

Folk music is always a good bet, especially on an RP server. Have a look on the Music system part of the forum for hints and tips for getting tunes into game.

Also remember there are sites dedicated to the Lotro music system, one of which is The Fat Lute where you will find a wide range of tunes from classical to pop.

Don't let being new to the music system add stress, it's supposed to be a relaxing part of the game. It takes time to get to know but is worth it....and addictive too. I often sit playing with LotRO MIDI Player and ABCPlayer ... but then I've always been a Band-geek *grin*

Almost anything being played on the lute sounds lore-appropriate. Even some Linkin Park songs sound really good.

...Or am I misunderstanding the question?

Originally Posted by Liliaceae

Well yes I understand that no other player is the ultimate judge of what is acceptable or not for others, but I just wanted to know if there's any kind of consensus first. Also I know that serious roleplayers can be a bit "sensitive" so to speak

IMO, the more "serious" a self-styled RPer is, the less interested they are in RP (or whatever it is they do), versus just being a jerk. When I encounter RP I do not like (which is most of it), I just ignore it (which includes silencing player-generated music). But just 'cause I don't like it doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to do it hassle-free.

and I've heard more than once that some folks on my server like to report people for the slightest reason - and that Turbine tend to enforce the RP rules rather strictly on the RP-tagged former European servers. I just don't want to get a sanction because one of them stumbled upon me playing a Cat Stevens song

I don't know what kind of "evidence" a GM requires before taking action regarding RP "violations," but I'd be surprised if the kind of music you were playing would warrant any kind of action.

Who knows? Maybe you're a minstrel who just happened to invent the tune of "Barracuda"

As noted by others in this thread, what music is considered RP will depend on the circumstances. I've been sorting my music into three basic types; concert, dance and/or background. Concert music would be complex, intricate tunes that use the best features of an instrument, often performed as part of a group. Dance music has a steady beat throughout, allowing folks to follow easily. Background music is what I often play when other folks are doing RP.

I've gotten good results with folk tunes from all cultures (usually Celtic flavour), New Wave music (i.e. Police, Depeche Mode, etc.), obscure theme music (nicely bombastic or fantastic), the occasional 'classic' piece (Beethoven, DeBussey, etc.) and new tunes from LOTRO musicians (e.g. Ghingeriel). Finding out which tunes are which category is a matter of practice, instrument choice and occasional public failures.

Best wishes on your musical career!

I get up listen to Slipnot and scream in front of the mirror. Before going to bed I listen to Barbara Streisand. I think Tolkien would've approved.

Middle-earth only exists during an imaginary time period far in the distant past, long before the existence of any known civilization. None of the cultures that gave us the music we have today existed. Therefore anyone who seriously wants to be strict about it, could not play any music except perhaps music that was composed specifically for Middle-earth. Even then, all composers are so influenced by their own cultures and the composers they admire that, could anything composed today really be considered fit for Middle-earth? Best not to play anything at all.

But enough of me making fun of all the silly, pedantic people.

I believe that anything is appropriate once it's played on the instruments in game. And that anyone who listens to me playing and says to themselves "That's The Beatles! It's not appropriate for Middle-earth! Argh!" is breaking their own immersion.

Still, you're concerned about making a good impression and not bringing down any ire from the hardcore people. You'd better stick to medieval/renaissance, cultural and LOTR specific music then. It's all that's really safe from the immersion nazis.