What makes good ambient music?

Question

I listen to some ambient stuff from different artists, and can tell when something is effective (emotive) and different. But I have no idea why I like some types and not others. Is this like a rorschach test, or is there an underlying structure that makes some so beautiful?

Yes Pat Methany is great. One of my introductions to what I consider ambient was his "As falls Wichita, so falls Wichita Falls".

But I am looking for an explanation of why that album for instance, is SO compelling.

Answer 1

I would say it's largely subjective. What you like in ambient music, I may dislike intensely, and vice versa. I think you have take into consideration life experiences and memories that the music invokes. While the droning sounds or slow heartbeat tempos may be soothing and relaxing for some people, it may give others headaches. Some of the repetitive music bores me to tears, but may be very moving for others.

Wikipedia defines ambient music as a loosely defined musical genre that incorporates elements of a number of different styles - including jazz, electronic music, new age, rock and roll, modern classical music, reggae, traditional, world and even noise. It is chiefly identifiable as having an overarching atmospheric context.

It is sometimes characterized as possessing a sense of resonant sonic space, and of being designed to function equally effectively for both passive (background music) and active listening.

Answer 2

In the first place I don't think you know what ambient means. In the true definition it is: a sound in a given room that gives air or naturalism to what you hear. In a sense that is an answer to your question. I don't know who the artists are that you are referring to but as a recording engineer I think perhaps more attention was given to placing the microphones farther from the instruments thus taking advantage of the room's natural sound rather than close microphone technique which emphasizes the instrument and not the surroundings.

Answer 3

I love Pat Metheny. He is a sensational jazz guitarist and his songs are ambient and melodic. He also has a cd called "one quiet night" that is all accoustic. It is awesome.

Answer 4

i could use Garageband from the iLife '09 Suite. you'll opt for an adapter to plug your keyboard in yet Garageband will record it and once you've it recorded, you may edit it, upload loops and do all kinds of staggering stuff with it.