Chilling with Ambient New Age Music
November 11, 2009 by marcome
Filed under New Age Music
Sometimes, I wonder if “New Age” has passed its prime, and we should just refer to the genre as ambient or new world. But, then I think that new age music still holds special qualities that should be celebrated and honored. Even though there may be some preconceptions with the term “New Age,” the style has evolved quite a bit since the 1960s when it first emerged on the scene.
To recognize the maturity of this genre and honor its roots, I believe that “ambient new age music” accurately describes today’s sounds. Yes, you’ll still hear experimental sounds and textures featuring synthesizers, acoustic and electric instruments. But listening to this music is not the same as it was 30 or 40 years ago.
Chilling with Ambient New Age Music (image from Just a Temporary Measure on Flickr)
New Age music has been referred to as “cosmic,” “ambient” and “new age.” In fact, some of my favorite new age musicians are also my favorite ambient artists, including Sarah Brightman, Loreena McKennitt and Enya. Yet, there is a long history worth exploring.
New Age music generated with this progressive rock album from Mike Oldfield in 1973. Take a listen to his “Tubular Bells” and see if it matches your ideas about new age:
New age really took off in the late 1970s. Artists like Jean Michel Jarre, Brian Eno and Klaatu created songs that became the soundtrack to the New Age music movement. People enjoy the genre while practicing healthy lifestyles, including meditation and yoga and spirituality. It also helped them connect to a sense of general well-being.
New age spirituality has definitely influenced the way I live my life – or perhaps my core personal values directed me to this musical style in the first place!
Its a New Age for New Age Music (image from Patrick Pappi Pearse on Flickr)
When you think of “new age music,” who comes to mind? For many people, the famous singer-songwriter Enya is one of the first.
Enya burst onto the scene in the 1980s with her hit new age CD “Watermark,” which featured the song “Orinoco Flow (Sail Away). Enya’s layered vocals are both ethereal and pop-influenced, helping her cross into mainstream music and introducing millions to the sound of new age.
Through the evolution of new age music in the 1980s and into the 90s, exotic vocals and background harmonies were added to synthesized sounds, which gave the songs depth and also added a more personal, human element.
Ambient new age music is truly a musical artist’s playground. Mixing electronic sounds, traditional instruments and dreamy vocals is the thrill of the sound engineer. The results can be simply astounding. Favorite new age CDs can be re-mixed to match emotion and venue – whether you are enjoying a massage, or going to a dance club.
Relax and chill with new age music (image from Photo Denbow on Flickr)
By the 1990s, new age music had found its place in the mainstream. Pop radio stations frequently played songs from Enya and Enigma. John Tesh and Yanni were playing to sold-out crowds all over the world.
Enigma’s use of Gregorian chants in their popular album “MCMXC a.d.” hinted at the future evolution of new age into world music:
My own new age CD collection includes Sarah Brightman, Deep Forest, Jah Wobble, b-Tribe and Loreena McKennit, whose songs contain new age elements, new world, and ambient. The three styles are unique, but also connected.
One of my own favorite ambient new age music creations is Breathe from my Seven Seas Re-Mixed album:
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to see A Sampling of Spiritual Music and Finding Musical Inspiration.
Before I understood or used the word “New Age”, I started listening to a 3 man group called “Tangerine Dream”. Brilliant music without words. I truly think that “New Age” was a good term to use in the late ’70s through 2000. I believe it’s time to re-evaluate the term to perhaps, what you spoke of…”New World”, “New Generation”, or something that will grab hold of another generation of writers, performers, and listeners.
I can also remember the connotations that were held with the term “New Age” by those that could not comprehend the way the music could be uplifting without treading into the spiritual. Or maybe…that is the thing. I, like many, WERE moved to a higher level of thinking and feeling with the music. Music like Mason Williams “Classical Gas” retooled by artist Vanessa Mae, John Teshs early works, “Adiemus” fist breakout hit, conductors/composers like Murray Gold and Ben Foster, or works of Mannhiem Steamroller and David Arkenstone. Maybe “Higher Level” could be used in place of “New Age” to disscribe this music that brings together people to think, react, and enjoy the music at a “High Level”.
Tks Joel, I totally relate to your experience of music genre. I feel the same about re inventing a name for this music. I don’t know who will decide but nobody seems to care! How do you get major labels to start the trend??? Music biz is going through major changes not to say crisis and now revolves a lot around each individual musicians and indie groups.
Sometimes I think it’s a false concern, that Mozart did not care about how his music was labeled, he did it, day in day out… The sole importance nowadays is for search engines. If you want to be found on the web as a music artist, you have to work with keywords and that’s where you need to use those. Otherwise, honestly, when I sing, I don’t question what genre it fits in! Tks for sharing! Have a good new day, Marcomé
Love the story of Tubular Bells originally being rejected by labels as “unmarketable”. Also appreciate 16 track analog tape to HDCD remastering with quirky album notes:
“This stereo record cannot be played on old tin boxes no matter what they are fitted with. If you are in possession of such equipment please hand it into the nearest police station.”
Wow that’s a funny line! Brian Eno had some instructions like those with the FripperTronics if I well recall. Even an explanation of how to hook up your speakers! Tks for sharing! Happy new year sweet Musical Soul! Marcomé xx
Your blog, is nice, fresh, and excellent. I like your music.Thanks for all. Best wishes for you. Paulino Aguilera Malagón.
Tks very much for taking the time to inspire me! I really do appreciate your feedback. May the next days bring you more strength and courage! Love, Marcomé