Ambient

Ambient music is a genre that has been in existence since the mid-1970s and has since then played a significant role in the music industry. It is a genre of music that is perceived by listeners to evoke a sense of calmness, peacefulness, and relaxation. It differs from other genres of music in that it's typically more low-key, focusing on creating an atmosphere of space and textures, rather than a specific beat or melody. The history of ambient music can be traced back to a few artists who began incorporating ambient sounds into their music. One of these artists was Brian Eno, who is widely considered the father of ambient music. At the time, Eno was best known as the keyboard player and founding member of the rock band Roxy Music. However, in the mid-70s, Eno became increasingly interested in creating music that was less focused on traditional rhythm and more focused on creating atmospheres and textures. Eno's first ambient album, "Discreet Music," was released in 1975. The album consists of two tracks, both of which are instrumental and rely heavily on synthesizers. The album was an experiment in composition, with Eno letting a small, simple melody repeat itself and then gradually adding layers of sound on top of it. The result is an album that could be listened to as background music or as something to focus on more intently. Two years later, Eno released "Music for Films," which was a compilation of instrumental tracks that Eno had composed for various films. The album was similar in tone to "Discreet Music," but featured more complex compositions. This album helped establish Eno as a leading figure in the ambient music scene. Other artists soon began to experiment with ambient music as well. One of these was Tangerine Dream, a German electronic music group. They released a number of albums in the late 70s that were heavily influenced by ambient music, including "Phaedra" and "Rubycon." Another influential ambient artist from this period was Klaus Schulze, also from Germany. Schulze's music was heavily influenced by the space exploration of the time and often featured synthesizer sounds that evoked the vast, empty expanse of space. His albums "Moondawn" and "Timewind" are considered classics of the ambient music genre. The 80s saw the rise of new age music, which was heavily influenced by ambient music. New age music is often more acoustically driven than ambient music, featuring instruments like flutes and acoustic guitars. However, the emphasis on creating a relaxing, calming atmosphere is still there. Some notable new age musicians include Vangelis, Yanni, and Kitaro. Ambient music continued to evolve in the 90s and into the 21st century. One of the defining features of modern ambient music is the emphasis on environmental sounds. Many ambient musicians now incorporate sounds like waterfalls, birds, and wind into their music, creating a more immersive listening experience. Some notable modern ambient musicians include Brian McBride, William Basinski, and Tim Hecker. McBride's music is heavily influenced by classical music, while Basinski's music often features decaying loops of sound. Hecker's music is often more abrasive and experimental, but still falls under the ambient music umbrella.

Brian Eno: A founding father of ambient music, Brian Eno created landmark albums like "Discreet Music" and "Music for Airports." His music is known for its spaciousness and ethereal qualities, often featuring electronic textures and manipulated melodies. Aphex Twin: Widely regarded as one of the most influential electronic musicians of all time, Richard D. James (a.k.a. Aphex Twin) has explored multiple genres of electronic music since the '90s, including ambient. His ambient recordings showcase his impressive skill in sound design and his boundless creativity. Tim Hecker: Tim Hecker's music blends noise, drone, and ambient music, creating a unique sonic universe that is both challenging and deeply atmospheric. His albums like "Harmony in Ultraviolet" and "Virgins" are acclaimed for their stunning soundscapes. Gas: The music of Gas (aka Wolfgang Voigt) is defined by its use of looping textures and hypnotic melodies. His albums like "Pop" and "Zauberberg" are considered classics of ambient music, evoking a sense of introspection and otherworldliness. William Basinski: William Basinski's work is centered around tape loops and decay, creating haunting soundscapes that feel both nostalgic and ethereal. His masterpiece "The Disintegration Loops" is often regarded as one of the most important ambient records of the 21st century. FKA Twigs: While FKA Twigs is better known for her pop music, her most recent album "Magdalene" showcases her versatility as a songwriter and her interest in experimental soundscapes. Tracks like "fallen alien" and "mirrored heart" are arresting and emotionally potent. The Caretaker: The Caretaker (aka James Leyland Kirby) creates music that feels like it is drenched in memory and nostalgia. His albums like "An Empty Bliss Beyond This World" use samples from old records and manipulate them to create a deeply atmospheric and emotionally resonant experience. Steve Roach: Steve Roach has been at the forefront of ambient music for decades, producing an impressive body of work that spans nearly 40 years. His music is characterized by its expansiveness and its use of diverse instruments and textures. Grouper: Grouper (aka Liz Harris) creates music that feels like a dream, using her ethereal vocals and subtle textures to create an otherworldly atmosphere. Her albums like "Ruins" and "AIA: Alien Observer" are celebrated for their haunting beauty. Biosphere: The music of Biosphere (aka Geir Jenssen) is characterized by its field recordings and its use of diverse sound sources, creating a rich and immersive sonic universe. His albums like "Substrata" and "Cirque" are considered classics of ambient music.

1. Music for Airports by Brian Eno 2. Substrata by Biosphere 3. Selected Ambient Works 85-92 by Aphex Twin 4. Lifeforms by The Future Sound of London 5. Geogaddi by Boards of Canada 6. Ambient 1: Music for Four Seasons by Harold Budd and Brian Eno 7. Untrue by Burial 8. The Pearl by Harold Budd and Brian Eno 9. In Sides by Orbital 10. Selected Ambient Works Volume II by Aphex Twin 11. The Campfire Headphase by Boards of Canada 12. Chill Out by The KLF 13. Ambient Works Volume III by Aphex Twin 14. Equinoxe by Jean Michel Jarre 15. Apollo: Atmospheres and Soundtracks by Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois, and Roger Eno 16. 76:14 by Global Communication 17. Dawn of Midi by Dysnomia 18. The Tired Sounds of Stars of the Lid by Stars of the Lid 19. Discreet Music by Brian Eno 20. Reflection by Brian Eno 21. Ambient 3: Day of Radiance by Laraaji 22. Selected Ambient Works 2.85-92 by Aphex Twin 23. Balance 005 by James Holden 24. Selected Ambient Works Volume II by Aphex Twin 25. Music for Films by Brian Eno

One of the most notable books on ambient music is Brian Eno's "Music for Airports," which is credited as one of the first ambient albums ever released. In his book "A Year With Swollen Appendices," Eno explains his intention behind creating ambient music, stating that it is "as ignorable as it is interesting." He goes on to describe the genre as music that is "intended to induce calm and a space to think." Another important figure in the ambient music scene is Steve Roach, whose 1995 book "Structures From Silence" delves into the art and science of ambient music production. In the book, he discusses his approach to creating atmospheric pieces and speaks on the importance of using sounds and instruments that create a meditative experience for listeners. In "The Ambient Century," author Mark Prendergast explores the history of ambient music, its origins, and its evolution over time. He discusses its significant influence on other genres, including new age, chillout, and electronic music. Prendergast states that ambient music is more than just background noise; it is a unique art form that stands on its own. Noted music critic Simon Reynolds has written about the impact of ambient music on popular culture in his book "Energy Flash: A Journey Through Rave Music and Dance Culture." Reynolds argues that ambient music paved the way for the emergence of genres like techno and rave, which utilized similar ambient sounds and techniques. "Ocean of Sound" by David Toop is another notable book on ambient music. Toop examines the genre's impact on various aspects of culture, including fashion, visual art, and film. He connects the dots between ambient music and other forms of creative expression, demonstrating the far-reaching influence of this genre. Ambient music has also left an impact on several musicians, including Radiohead's Thom Yorke, who has credited Brian Eno and his ambient work as a significant influence. Yorke has said that ambient music has the power to transport listeners to another world, making them forget about their immediate surroundings. Notable quotes about ambient music include Tim Saccenti's description of the genre being "like stumbling across an opening into a vast dream world," and Brian Eno's statement that "ambient music is intended to induce calm and a space to think." Steve Roach has spoken on the transformative properties of ambient music, stating that "by bringing these sounds and rhythms into your consciousness, it's like touching a part of your own being that is always present, but often overlooked."

Several cultural factors contributed to the rise of ambient music. At the time of its inception, western societies were experiencing a growing demand for spirituality and mindfulness. People were not only consuming music as a source of entertainment but also as a way to enhance their spiritual experiences. Musicians like Brian Eno, who are commonly regarded as the pioneers of the genre, were seeking new ways to express themselves and create music that could be used in various situations and contexts. Thus, the cultural shift towards mindfulness and a more introspective lifestyle was well aligned with the philosophy of ambient music. Moreover, technological advancements such as the introduction of synthesizers and samplers facilitated the creation of ambient sounds. Musicians could manipulate electronic sounds to produce new and unique patterns that were not possible before. Additionally, the advent of new recording technologies made it possible to create multi-layered soundscapes that could be used for various purposes, including as background music for meditation and relaxation. The development of new audio technologies was particularly beneficial for some record labels that specialized in ambient music. These labels helped to popularize the genre by releasing music from various artists that were experimenting with ambient sounds. One of the most notable labels was Virgin Records, which released Brian Eno’s seminal Ambient 1: Music For Airports in 1978, which is often cited as one of the first official ambient albums. Other significant players in the genre’s history include the Japanese label, Warner Music Group, and British based label, Warp Records who played a key role in the proliferation of ambient sounds across borders and markets. Journalists also played a critical role in popularizing ambient music. In the late 1970s, music journalists began to take an interest in the genre and started writing about it in various music publications. This helped raise awareness about the genre and introduced it to a wider audience. Some of the most notable journalists include David Toope and Paul Morley, who were some of the earliest advocates for ambient music and helped to bring the genre into the mainstream.