History
New Age is a genre of music that has its roots in the 1960s and 1970s, and it has since evolved and diversified. New Age music is characterized by its peaceful and soothing qualities, intended to evoke feelings of relaxation and tranquility.
The roots of New Age music can be traced back to the 1960s and 1970s, when artists began exploring different forms of music, including a range of Eastern and Western influences. This period was marked by a desire for spiritual and cultural exploration, and music was one way in which individuals expressed this.
In the early 1970s, a number of musicians began to experiment with a new kind of music that was intended to be a spiritual practice as much as a musical one. Some of the most notable figures in this movement included Paul Winter, whose unique blend of jazz and world music became known as “earth music,” and Steven Halpern, who began incorporating the sounds of nature into his music in an effort to create a more peaceful and meditative listening experience.
By the 1980s, New Age music had gained enough momentum to become a recognizable genre, and it began to spread beyond its initial audience of spiritual seekers and meditation enthusiasts. Some of the most successful New Age artists of this era included Yanni, Enya, and Vangelis, all of whom produced atmospheric and melody-driven music that was designed to evoke a range of emotions.
Throughout the 1990s, New Age music continued to evolve and diversify. Some artists began to incorporate elements of rock, electronic music, and other genres into their work, while others explored more traditional forms of world music.
But despite this diversity, many critics dismissed New Age music as nothing more than background music or “elevator music” – something that was pleasant enough to listen to but lacked any real substance. Others dismissed the genre as little more than a commercial enterprise, designed to exploit the desires of a new age consumer culture.
Despite these criticisms, New Age music remains popular with a diverse range of listeners, and it continues to evolve and innovate. To some, it represents an important source of spiritual nourishment and emotional healing, while to others, it simply provides a pleasant and calming backdrop to their daily lives.
Notable artists
Enya: A pioneering New Age artist, Enya is known for her ethereal vocals, lush harmonies and dreamy instrumentation. Her 1988 album "Watermark" sold millions of copies, launching her career as an internationally renowned musician.
Yanni: Yanni's unique blend of world instruments and electronic synthesizers sets him apart in the New Age genre. His live performances, often held at ancient world sites, are famous for their awe-inspiring visuals and musicianship.
Kitaro: Kitaro's fusion of traditional Japanese music with New Age electronic sounds has earned him a devoted global fanbase. His music has been called transcendental and deeply meditative, and his album "Silk Road" is a cornerstone of the New Age canon.
George Winston: A pianist with a unique style of fingerpicking and intricate melodies, George Winston's albums often incorporate seasonal and nature themes. Best known for his album "December," Winston has released over a dozen albums throughout his career.
Peter Kater: With over 60 albums to his name, Peter Kater is a prolific and accomplished pianist within the New Age genre. His improvisational style and use of indigenous instruments has earned him 12 Grammy nominations.
Loreena McKennitt: A multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, Loreena McKennitt incorporates traditional world music, folk, and classical elements into her music. Her album "The Visit" became an international hit and has since been certified Gold in the US.
David Arkenstone: Known for his diverse range of musical styles, David Arkenstone's discography includes rock, jazz, and New Age elements. His work has been featured in films, television, and video games.
Michael Hedges: Though primarily known as a guitarist, Michael Hedges' approach to the instrument was anything but conventional. He incorporated percussive techniques, tapping, and alternate tunings into his music, garnering attention and acclaim for his innovative style.
Vangelis: Best known for his iconic film scores, including "Chariots of Fire" and "Blade Runner," Vangelis has also released numerous solo albums within the New Age genre. His use of synthesizers and classical elements has earned him praise and a devoted fanbase.
Deuter: A pioneer in the New Age movement, Deuter's music incorporates Eastern instrumentation and meditative elements. His album "East of the Full Moon" is considered a classic of the genre, and his prolific output has earned him a devoted following.
Broader context
In "Music and Mind in Daily Life," Eric Clarke explores New Age music as a genre that often facilitates relaxation and introspection. He notes that New Age compositions are intentionally designed to evoke calmness, with their serene melodies and atmospheric textures creating an auditory space for mental reprieve. Clarke acknowledges that critics might dismiss New Age music as simplistic, yet he emphasizes that its purpose is to provide solace, making it inherently valuable to those seeking tranquility.
Philip Tagg, in "Everyday Tonality," comments on New Age music's propensity to emphasize mood over formal structure. He argues that the genre places less importance on harmonic complexity and narrative development, focusing instead on fostering particular emotional states. This characteristic, according to Tagg, aligns New Age music with ambient sounds, which also prioritize atmospheric impact.
Steven Feld, in "Sound and Sentiment: Birds, Weeping, Poetics, and Song in Kaluli Expression," draws attention to the experiential nature of New Age music. Feld suggests that this genre, often listened to privately and introspectively, offers a platform for personal reflection and emotional exploration. He posits that New Age music creates a sonic space where listeners can engage with their inner selves without the pressures of external judgment.
"New Age Music: A Guide to the Best Albums," a book by Suzanne Doucet and James Borges, underscores the transformative potential of New Age music. The authors emphasize that the genre aims to inspire listeners to connect with their inner spirituality, offering a sonic vehicle for self-discovery and personal growth. The book showcases how New Age music, with its contemplative melodies, is harnessed as a tool for meditation and emotional healing.
While New Age music is often appreciated for its therapeutic attributes, critics have expressed reservations about its artistic depth. Kyle Gann, in "Music Downtown: Writings from the Village Voice," characterizes New Age compositions as "minimalism without the rigor." He critiques the genre for its lack of harmonic complexity and its tendency to recycle simple motifs, asserting that it fails to achieve the depth of expression present in other minimalist music.
In "Listen to This," Alex Ross, a renowned music critic, discusses the genre's potential for inducing relaxation. Ross notes that New Age music has become associated with New Age spirituality, holistic practices, and relaxation techniques. He acknowledges that while the genre's aesthetic and cultural associations have led to its dismissal as "background music," it still holds a significant place in the lives of those who seek solace in its tranquil melodies.
Ultimately, New Age music exists as a genre that elicits diverse reactions. Whether viewed as a vessel for introspection, a tool for emotional healing, or a form of minimalistic expression, its significance cannot be easily dismissed. It has established itself as a genre with a distinct purpose—to provide listeners with a sonic sanctuary where they can find respite, contemplation, and a connection to their inner selves.
One of the major social factors that contributed to the emergence of the New Age genre was the countercultural movement of the 1960s and 1970s. This movement was a form of resistance to mainstream values and beliefs and emphasized self-discovery, spirituality, and personal transformation. The New Age genre was closely tied to this movement, with many musicians seeking to create music that reflected these values. The music often featured unconventional techniques, dreamy soundscapes, and Eastern-inspired sounds that spoke to the countercultural ideals of the time.
Another significant cultural factor that contributed to the emergence of the New Age genre was the increased interest in holistic medicine, spirituality, and alternative forms of healing. The 1970s saw a rapid increase in the number of people seeking alternative forms of healing and self-improvement, which was reflected in the music of the time. The New Age genre provided a soundtrack to this movement, with many of its artists incorporating themes of spirituality, healing, and personal growth into their music.
Technological advancements also played a key role in the development of the New Age genre. The advent of affordable electronic instruments, the rise of multi-track recording technology, and the increasing availability of home recording equipment enabled artists to create complex and nuanced soundscapes that were previously impossible. This technological advancement was fundamental to the development of the genre, as it allowed artists to experiment and push the boundaries of traditional music.
During the 1970s, several record labels championed the New Age genre, including Windham Hill, Narada Productions, and New Earth Records. These labels played a crucial role in the popularization of the genre, providing a platform for emerging artists and facilitating the creation of high-quality recordings. Windham Hill, in particular, played a key role in popularizing the New Age genre, with notable artists including Will Ackerman, George Winston, and Alex de Grassi. The label's success paved the way for other New Age record labels, and before long, the genre had gained global recognition.
In addition to record labels, journalists and other notable figures also played a vital role in promoting the New Age genre. Journalist and author Peter Reisman wrote extensively about the genre in his book, "The New Age Music Guide," which helped to introduce the genre to a mainstream audience. Similarly, spiritual figures such as Deepak Chopra and Ram Dass helped to popularize the genre through their association with New Age spirituality and their involvement in various multimedia projects. These individuals played a pivotal role in the growth and popularization of the New Age genre, helping to make it more accessible to a wider audience.