Exploring the rise of streaming ambient music and its impact. Delving into the origins and misconceptions surrounding ambient music. The commercialization of meditation and sleep music. Exploring the future of ambient music. Answering listener questions. Opinions on albums and the scoring process at Pitchfork.
The rise in popularity of ambient music can be attributed to its soothing qualities and ability to provide an escape from the chaos of the world, resonating with the increase in isolation and atomization due to the pandemic.
Ambient music offers a range of emotions and experiences, with some tracks being soothing while others are dissonant and disorienting, challenging traditional expectations of the genre and requiring full immersion to appreciate.
Deep dives
The Rise of Ambient Music: A Reflection of Our Times
In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the growing popularity of ambient music and its relevance in the current cultural climate. They attribute the rise of ambient music to its soothing and relaxing qualities, which provide an escape from the chaos and stresses of the world. The hosts also note that ambient music works well in a solitary, headphone-listening setting, which resonates with the increase in isolation and atomization due to the pandemic. They mention Brian Eno's contributions to ambient music as well as its association with genres like New Age. Furthermore, they explore contemporary artists making experimental and innovative ambient music, highlighting the unique combinations of sounds and the emotional impact of the genre. They delve into the challenges faced by artists in the streaming era, where playlists and marketability impact the perception of ambient music. Finally, they reflect on the future of ambient music, emphasizing the potential for continued exploration and experimentation within the genre.
The Complexity of Listening: Understanding and Appreciating Ambient Music
In this podcast episode, the hosts delve into the intricacies of listening to and appreciating ambient music. They discuss the subtlety of movement within ambient pieces and how it can evoke different emotions and reactions in listeners. They highlight the delicate composition and potential confrontation within ambient music, noting that some tracks can be soothing while others can be dissonant and disorienting. The hosts provide examples of artists who create ambient music that challenges traditional expectations of the genre, featuring glitchy and experimental elements. They emphasize the importance of fully immersing oneself in the listening experience to fully appreciate and understand the nuances of ambient music. They also touch upon the concept of ambient music as an accompaniment to daily tasks and environments, drawing parallels to architectural design and creating an atmosphere. While acknowledging the potential risk of artists being boxed into certain playlists, they celebrate the coexistence of passive and immersive listening experiences.
The Impact of Streaming on Ambient Music: Blessings and Challenges
In this podcast episode, the hosts examine the impact of streaming platforms on the ambient music genre. They note the market incentive created by streaming platforms for soothing and minimal music, contributing to the popularity of ambient tracks in mood-based playlists. They discuss the potential benefits for artists in terms of visibility and exposure. However, they acknowledge the financial challenges artists face due to low streaming royalties. They highlight the risk of misrepresentation and oversimplification of artists' work through mood-focused playlists and its potential negative impact on audience perception. The hosts also discuss the involvement of mainstream artists in creating sleep remixes and songs for meditation apps, reflecting on the transition from spirituality to commercialism. They conclude by expressing hope for the continued creation of exciting and challenging ambient music that may not fit within mainstream playlists but can push the genre forward.
Puja Patel and Jeremy Larson talk to contributing editor Andy Cush about the recent explosion of streaming ambient music, and then we open the mailbag to answer your burning questions.
