Ambient Music: Not Background Music

Outside of its creators and fans, “ambient music” is often thought of as mere background music (for example, meditation or yoga).  In a worst case scenario, some people may bring to mind elevator Muzak when considering the meaning of ambient music.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.

So, what is ambient music?

The term ambient, connotes more than a background or backdrop.  It literally means “to surround,” from the Latin word, “ambire.”  Read more

Ambient Music: The Ideal Soundtrack For Our Hectic Lives

Sit down, listen in and chill out…with ambient music playing..

First, let us say that my current taste by all standards is leaning heavily towards ambient music. Second, I had somewhat of a music epiphany over the weekend… On a cold and lazy Sunday afternoon, I decided to take a dive into my physical music collection (consisting of thousands of vinyl LPs, 45 RPMs and compact discs). One thing was evident though.  How did I arrive at Air, Massive Attack, Morcheeba, Bjork, Thievery Corporation or DJ Cam? It was a bold reflection of my evolutionary path colliding with my passion for music. Tucked away in these cherished 12 inch cardboard jackets, plastic jewel cases and worn out paper sleeves, is a large part of who I was and where I came from. Even to some extent, where I am heading. Memorable moments in time reanimated by a glance of an album jacket and by pressing ‘play’ on my music player. Read more