Are We All Actually Ambient Artists?

You say to yourself, “No, I’m a rapper,” or “I’m an indie-folk songwriter.” You might even say, “Actually, Daniel, I’m a total moron.” I won’t verbally disagree with you if that identity keeps you moving, but inwardly, I think we’re all ambient musicians.

Space is completely and utterly critical when it comes to sound. Sound is defined by space, and doesn’t exist without it, actually. We could finish up with the whole "space is ambience, and since sound is dependent on space, sound is ambience. Everyone who makes sound is an ambient musician.” But that would be moronic! You were right earlier, sorry.

I’d say half of this equation makes sense. But not everyone who slaps an instrument is a musician— it requires intent. And when musicians intend to make music? They also intend to fill a space with sound. Or an absence of sound, at critical moments. When music speaks and then stops, the room breathes. Ambience. Ambient musicians?

Anyways, I had something profound and philosophical at the root of this, but now my brain is tired, so you’ll have to wait for the sequel.