5 Albums of Ambient Music to De-Stress Your Ears
I spend my days with dynamic people in dynamic settings. And I love it, it’s my lifeblood.
That said, I deal with music on such a critical plane, that when I'm outside of the studio, quite often it becomes difficult to see the forest for the trees. As discussed in my guide 5 Peak Productivity Hacks for Music Producers, the stressors that come along with being a music producer are very real, and often, not-so-easy to mitigate.
That said, I deal with music on such a critical plane, that when I'm outside of the studio, quite often it becomes difficult to see the forest for the trees. As discussed in my guide 5 Peak Productivity Hacks for Music Producers, the stressors that come along with being a music producer are very real, and often, not-so-easy to mitigate.
As a music producer, one challenge I consistently run into is effectively decompressing after an intense day at the studio.
More recently, instead of trying to force a circle into a square, I’ve learned to work with this reality.
One highly effective technique I’ve found for taking the pressure off my ears, is to listen to ambient or calming music when I'm outside of the studio. Subjectively, I find that good ambient music has a healing and transient quality that both settles my nerves after a long day, and energizes me for the next.
Here is a list of my top 5 ambient albums for decompressing from the pressures of studio life.
Nils Frahm – All Melody
Nils Frahm’s 2018 full length is an immaculate contradiction; both delicate and intense, sprawling and concise. However what is most striking, is just how human it feels. There is a confidence and unmistakable compass that is present throughout each dusty press of the key; a certain textural significance.
I find this album perfect for thinking and cooking; it’s excellent music to accompany reflection and deep thought.
Loscil – First Narrows
Loscil makes the perfect music for an audio hangover. It is gelatinous and vibey, serene and lovely. If compressing drums for 14 hours has turned your brains into mushed carrots, “First Narrows” is your prescription.
Bibio – Phantom Brickworks
Comprised of textured tape loops orchestrated by the Warp Records stalwart, Phantom Brickworks is Bibio’s hauntingly hazey foray into ambient soundscapes. From the moment of introduction, there is a warm stillness that is felt as much as it is heard. The works are visceral and lush, and though mostly a harmonious listen, in moments, the tension is palpable.
The vintage tape-y textures and thoughtful, overtly-human composition make for a soothing and complex listen, ideal for relaxing after heavy sessions.
A Winged Victory For The Sullen – A Winged Victory For The Sullen
A less cerebral but equally epic listen, A Winged Victory For The Sullen’s self-titled album is a gorgeous example of deftly-orchestrated ambient-leaning piano and string music. There is an earnestness to the compositions that I find refreshing; once again, with a very human quality.
I find this album to be the perfect accompaniment for chill mornings, before I head off to the studio.
Frederico Mompou – Frederico Mompou
A lesser known disciple of Debussy, Mompou’s works are more meandering in nature than that of the lengendary French Impressionist, but share many of the same dreamstate-inducing qualities. This collection in particular has almost 50 movements, making it a great listen if you enjoy falling asleep to music. I find myself returning to it over, and over, and over and over…
Comprised of textured tape loops orchestrated by the Warp Records stalwart, Phantom Brickworks is Bibio’s hauntingly hazey foray into ambient soundscapes. From the moment of introduction, there is a warm stillness that is felt as much as it is heard. The works are visceral and lush, and though mostly a harmonious listen, in moments, the tension is palpable.
The vintage tape-y textures and thoughtful, overtly-human composition make for a soothing and complex listen, ideal for relaxing after heavy sessions.
A Winged Victory For The Sullen – A Winged Victory For The Sullen
A less cerebral but equally epic listen, A Winged Victory For The Sullen’s self-titled album is a gorgeous example of deftly-orchestrated ambient-leaning piano and string music. There is an earnestness to the compositions that I find refreshing; once again, with a very human quality.
I find this album to be the perfect accompaniment for chill mornings, before I head off to the studio.
Frederico Mompou – Frederico Mompou
A lesser known disciple of Debussy, Mompou’s works are more meandering in nature than that of the lengendary French Impressionist, but share many of the same dreamstate-inducing qualities. This collection in particular has almost 50 movements, making it a great listen if you enjoy falling asleep to music. I find myself returning to it over, and over, and over and over…
There you have it. 5 albums of ambient for Music Producers to help you decompress from the pressures of the studio. I hope you enjoy!
Did I miss anything? Hit me up if so! I’d love to hear from you – producersbrain@gmail.com
Sincerely,
Producers Brain
Did I miss anything? Hit me up if so! I’d love to hear from you – producersbrain@gmail.com
Sincerely,
Producers Brain