This study explores how contemporary composers and songwriters conceive of their sources of inspiration and the role these sources play in the creative process. The mythology of the ancient Greek Muses and its evolution are used to contextualise these reflections, connecting to metaphysical inspiration identified in some practices. Both external and internal sources of inspiration are highlighted, emphasising the diversity of influences in contemporary music creation. The study comprises 38 interviews with composers and songwriters, along with a collaborative compositional project offering direct insight into the creative process. A mixed-methods approach, including self-reflection, thematic analysis, and autoethnography, is used to examine these insights and personal perspectives.