Category:Ambient

Ambient is a genre of electronic music that emphasizes atmosphere, texture, and tone over traditional rhythmic structures. Emerging in the 1970s with influences from minimalism, new age, and avant-garde music, ambient is often used to create immersive soundscapes. The genre is known for its slow-moving compositions, lack of distinct beats, and emphasis on mood and environment.

Characteristics

• Emphasis on atmosphere and texture, often with layered synthesizers and field recordings.
• Minimal or no rhythmic structure, creating a free-flowing, meditative sound.
• Slow-moving and evolving compositions, with gradual shifts in tone and harmony.
• Use of reverb, delay, and modulation effects, enhancing spatial depth.
• Inspiration from nature, space, and environmental sounds, leading to an immersive listening experience.

Artists and Labels

Ambient music has been championed by various artists and labels, including:

• Editions EG
• Fax Records
• Kompakt

Notable artists in the genre include:

• Brian Eno (credited with defining ambient music)
• Aphex Twin (notably for his ambient works)
• Gas
• William Basinski