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Within the last couple years, ambient music has gained popularity for its relaxing, almost mundane qualities. Ambient music is a collection of instrumental and electronic sounds with no lyrics or steady beats, so what's the appeal? A quick Spotify search of just the word ambient surfaces hundreds of results in playlists and songs. Upon first impression, it is not easy to understand why so many people have connected with music with few distinguishable qualities. After listening to some of these sounds, I began to understand the appeal. The best way to describe ambient music is that it is truly experienced in waves; the listening experience starts with a simple understanding which can then transform into a vast soundscape. These sounds leave an echoing impression on the mind, almost unfolding a new dimension to one’s consciousness. Thus, meaning can be derived from the fictitious spaces created by these noises. Although it may seem counterintuitive, the lack of different quality and lyrics makes ambient music so appealing to the current needs of humans. People are constantly bombarded by information and sound, so ambient sounds provide an escape, allowing the listener to create a barrier between their uncontrollable consciousness and reality. Ambient sounds will enable us to contextualize our actions better and attach purpose to the execution of daily engagements. Attaching simple sounds to mundane tasks adds back a key performative aspect of completing a task, making it more fulfilling and resonant. Japanese composer Hiroshi Yoshimura explains it best: ambient music is meant to “accompany life.” In a world filled with mundane noise, ambient sounds pave the way for a new mindset toward listening, not just hearing.
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