New Age music has evolved over time, it has become a unique genre in its right since the early 1960s. The genre is often associated with a wide range of musical styles that emphasize mood and atmosphere over traditional song structures.
From its early origins, New Age music has been associated with a range of artists and styles that have influenced its development and growth. Here, we will explore the evolution of New Age music, from its early beginnings to its current form.
Ambient music can be considered an early form of New Age music. It rose in popularity in the 1970s and was characterized by its slow and repetitive rhythms, extended track lengths, and an overall dream-like quality. Artists like Brian Eno, Tangerine Dream, and Klaus Schulze were instrumental in developing this style.
Eno’s album, “Music for Airports,” is considered a classic example of ambient music. The album featured a collection of long, slow-moving tracks, with the intent of creating background music that would create a calming and meditative atmosphere. This album became the inspiration for many other ambient music recordings.
New Age Pop
During the 1980s, New Age music morphed into a more commercial form dubbed New Age pop. It was characterized by pop sensibilities, catchy hooks, and commercial appeal. Yanni and Enya were among the most popular artists of this era. Enya’s ethereal and cinematic compositions created a musical landscape that was a blend of classical, Celtic, and pop music.
Meditative Music
The 1990s saw New Age music morphing into a more relaxing and meditative sound. Meditative music typically features soothing melodies, ambient sounds, and rhythms, often with an Eastern influence. Some of the popular meditative musicians include Deva Premal, Steve Roach, and Crystal Voices.
World Music
As the New Age genre continued to evolve, it incorporated sounds from other cultures, which gave rise to the genre of world music. Musicians like Deep Forest and Enigma incorporated Western instrumentals and rhythms with ethnic sounds from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The result was a blend of traditional, indigenous music with modern production techniques.
The latest trend in the New Age genre is Zen music, with elements of nature sounds like rain, ocean waves, and bird songs designed to enhance relaxation. It is focused on meditation and mindfulness, and the primary instruments include flutes, pianos, and acoustic guitars. Zen music aims to induce a state of deep relaxation, mindfulness, and mental clarity.
Conclusion
The evolution of New Age music has been fascinating, from its roots in ambient music to the more upbeat, commercial New Age pop. The genre has evolved to incorporate elements of world music, meditative, and Zen music. One thing that has remained constant, though, is that New Age music is all about creating a relaxing and meditative atmosphere. It’s an excellent genre for connecting with our inner selves and finding a moment of peace amid our busy day-to-day lives.
