Are new age songs ambient
What a great question!
New Age music and Ambient music share some similarities, but they are not exactly the same thing. Here's a breakdown:
New Age music:
- Emerged in the 1970s and 1980s as a response to the commercialization of classical music
- Characterized by calming, soothing, and often spiritual or meditative qualities
- Typically features acoustic instruments, such as piano, guitar, and flute, as well as synthesizers and electronic elements
- Often used for relaxation, meditation, and stress relief
- Examples of New Age artists: Enya, Loreena McKennitt, Andreas Vollenweider, and Clint Mansell
Ambient music:
- Coined by Brian Eno in the 1970s to describe his own music
- Characterized by its use of atmospheric soundscapes, textures, and timbres to create a sense of space and depth
- Often features electronic and digital elements, such as synthesizers, drum machines, and field recordings
- Can be calming, but also can be more experimental and challenging
- Examples of Ambient artists: Brian Eno, Tim Hecker, William Basinski, and Stars of the Lid
While both genres share some similarities, such as their focus on atmosphere and texture, New Age music tends to be more melodic and harmonically driven, whereas Ambient music is often more experimental and focused on sound design.
That being said, some New Age artists have been influenced by Ambient music and have incorporated Ambient elements into their work. For example, Enya's music often features lush, atmospheric soundscapes that are reminiscent of Ambient music. Similarly, some Ambient artists have explored more melodic and harmonically driven approaches, blurring the lines between the two genres.
In summary, while New Age music and Ambient music share some similarities, they are distinct genres with different characteristics and goals. New Age music tends to be more melodic and harmonically driven, while Ambient music is often more experimental and focused on sound design.