The wave of ambience music

(Intro) Why did Andre 3000 put out such an experimental sound in his recent album, New Blue Sun, released on November 17, 2023? Personally, I think it has something to do with the cyclical nature of the human experience. It has been 56 years since Earth, Wind & Fire first appeared and their sound feels like they invited Gods and spirits into the studio with them. There is a lot of noise and narrative in today’s music. People using music as therapy. An impactful example of this for me is The Weeknd (and of course Taylor Swift but I have long opted out of listening to her talented diary entries.) The Weeknd put out After Hours on March 20, 2020, and let me say- whatta fever dream of a year that was- and whatta ride for artists like The Weeknd and Meg the Stallion that were able to take advantage of the space in the public eye. We were all watching this red suit spiral into his darkest shadows.

(Personal story share) POV: I am getting a stimulus check, making more money than I have ever made in my life. Break up with my first adult boyfriend who then moves out and I quickly get into a toxic relationship with my friend from high school who was recently divorced. LOL

This album framed the emotional rollercoasters I was riding at the time- this album was my Six Flags. So I spent the two years listening to After Hours fully engulfed in the throws of passion. My friend and I situation-shipped on and off as the album describes. We even participated in a “thr-ouple” for a bit- until I broke it off and spent a year watching tarot card readings about how we were in separation mode and his greatest desire is to come back to me (whilst trying to repair my relationship with my ex who moved back in) LOL

Then Dawn FM comes out, and I listen to it from my colorful perspective listed above. . .

and I hear a man truly choosing to roll around in his own doody. ahahaha, like absolutely soak in it. OK. The album concept was so cool, “a state of purgatory— a journey towards the "light at the end of a tunnel", and the Jim Carey feature is INCREDIBLE because of Carey’s star quality but! also his own connections to the content. Jim Carey has commented on his depression and strong desire to distance himself from a caricature that he created during his acting career. So back to the The Weeknd, I can see how the year (or two) of being in the red suit may have been a struggle to come out of emotionally after choosing to lean into it. The two stars both seemed to know what hitting bottom is like so this collaboration is artistically golden. However, I truly could not stomach the things he was admitting to and coming to terms with. His shadows are very much present in this album was and truly made me afraid to consume and digest it. I wondered what it may be doing for other men that felt this way- were they choosing to grow or getting comfortable in their limiting beliefs and self sabotage? It hurt me to think about. I feel the same way about SZA, I choose not to engage with her work. Also, Ariana Grande saying, "Hope you feel alright when you're in her,” rings in my disturbed ears. I am devastated by the audacity in this sentiment. Maybe I am unable to sit with the complexity and layered emotions that is grief, jealousy, and anger- or maybe I just do not like to do it when I am vibing out to some music. Or! maybe I had my time in the dark night of the soul and I am not trying to hangout there no more.

There is something transcendent about live instrumentals that leaves room for people to feel what is in their hearts without giving it a story, passing a judgement, or having to justify what it is they are feeling. It relies on the sounds and language of the instrument to untangle the listener from whatever it is they are holding on to- using music to release us. This is important to me- it is important to feeling creative- that I share the benefits I have experienced while listening to people play instruments without singing their narratives to you all the time, (still acknowledging the freedom that comes from hearing someone put words to a feeling).

“What are you referring to?” Define Ambient music

There is a large category of ambience tunes out there, I tried looking up a playlist on Apple Music and it sounded more like music you play to lull a baby to sleep.*Honestly, that may be some of the appeal for me, I find myself restless and buzzing often times soft music is the only thing that slows my thoughts/pace.

Here are my references:

This one is great for my night time stretches, gives me a place to tune into my breath and allow the emotions of the day to spill off me. I also use this eye mask that you can heat up in the microwave for my dry eyes, and I think that the combination of the warmth on my eyes, the deep breathing, and the music, really aid me in being able to experience my inner world. It’s really good for a mediation too.

Algorithms can be so violent sometimes, like when you are going through a breakup or feeling chronically single; However, this time it is serving me these lovely tunes.

NOTE: Superstore Season 6 after Jonah and Amy break up, Cheyenne tells Garrett,“I caught him listening to this music in his car... it didn't even have a beat. It was just, like, a guitar and a man. Like, what?” LOL so I might just be in this place emotionally. Like my heart doesn’t beat like it used to and neither does my music. lolololol

Honestly, I cannot stop laughing about the line from Superstore. I feel so seen. My recent breakup really felt like a bomb going off and my ears are still ringing from the blast- I am trying to be the lighthouse in the storm right now. This music is reminding me to be creative with my expression. There are ways to enjoy the process(ing) of emotion, even when it feels heavy.

Anyhow, I have enjoyed instrumentals before this moment in my life but this was more in the lines of dubstep (Click Here for playlist) and other soundboard sounds (Click here for playlist) stuff- via living in Orlando circa 2014-2017 going to see Carnage in concert. The stuff I am bumping to now is a little more chill than that.

February, Tinzo with Book Club Radio will be in Atlanta and I am going to the show! I love music that creates ambiance the way songs like “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears and “Take Me Home” by Phil Collins does. You can get swept in the vibe or allow it to paint the background of the memories you are creating with others.

Book Club Radio performers truly value the ‘making memories’ aspect of enjoying music with others as they posted this along with the information for the show:

“1. Come for the music.

2. Be open to unfamiliar music and sounds.

3. Respect one another.

4. Face each other instead of the DJ.

5. No phones allowed on the dance floor.

6. Dress to express yourself.

7. Dance your heart out.”

That’s it. I just like it.

Thank you for reading.

Your participation is valuable.

What are you listening to? Speak freely in the comments.