Six SFF Short Stories About Music and Musicians

I listen to everything from Hindustani classical music to sparkly jazzhop beats, and, lost in the rhythms, the crescendos, the alaaps and the sargams, I often think about how music is the closest thing we have to magic—other than, of course, telling stories. Here’s a list of some favorites that combine both…

“The Lay of Lilyfinger” by G.V. Anderson

The young Pom and his renowned master have been invited to perform the Lay of Lilyfinger, a long and complex traditional song, at the coming-of-age ceremony of a noblewoman’s daughter. The Lay has a complicated history that’s connected directly to the people of the land, especially those who were involved in the revolution. Over time, each of the peoples who live there have interpreted the song in their own ways. When the master and apprentice have to play in a diverse group, each member insisting on their own rules for how the song should be played, can they manage to stage a performance without inviting the wrath of their hostess? A lyrical, emotional, yet optimistic read.

“The Guitar Hero” by Maria Haskins

Jackie, Bella, and Alice were hoping to become musicians. Then they accidentally exorcised a demon—killing Bella in the process—and discovered that they had a knack for dealing with everything from the fae to malevolent spirits that feed upon humans. Tonight, they’ve got the famous rock star (and host to a supernatural entity) Slim Rick to deal with. But it’s not easy to confront a manipulative demon when you’re also star-struck, and when, deep down, you still have a profound craving to sing and make music of your own… 

“The Perfect Instrument” by Barbara A. Barnett

General Jantus has made it mandatory for everyone to serve his cause in order to expand his territory, and any activity that detracts from that goal is not only banned but also punishable by death. Eshell, Tallis, and Seric were musicians before all arts were banned and all musical instruments destroyed. As Tallis lays dying, Eshell plays the lyre for him in secret. Soon, he and Seric, with help from other underground musicians, will leave the city and find a place where their art will no longer be forbidden. Except, General Jantus isn’t so easily fooled. What would you choose—staying alive or risking death for your art? Does the choice even exist?

“The Truth of Their Tunes” by Dawn Vogel

Not everyone can hear people’s heartsongs. Those who can either get overwhelmed by the music, or, like our narrator, can help others understand what their music means. Today, a heartsong has brought the narrator to a tavern full of adventurers. But whose song is it, and will they be willing to answer the call of their innermost truths?

“The Bronx’s First Spiritual Hip Hop Party” by Sarah A. Macklin

Lakeishanna and her family can see spirits. They’ve always used singing to deal with them, soothing troubled shades with song. Unfortunately, when she leaves the South to spend the summer in New York, she finds that the Bronx has too many of them. Then she encounters a DJ who charms the spirits at a party using the power of hip hop. Shanna can’t handle all the spirits alone, and neither can he… But perhaps they can join forces? This is a story best enjoyed with some lo-fi in the background.

“Duet” by Joshua Fagan

With their father’s passing, Camyron and Elina are now the only ones who know the song that will restore the Tree of Memory. The last time, the song brought with it destruction, and so every time Camyron sings it, people are filled with fear. For the Tree to be restored, he needs other people to sing it with him. Everyone thinks he should forget the past and move on—and never sing that song again. Can Camyron convince his sister to trust him and help in healing the Tree?