I have a question for considering, because I have had it on my mind for a while and it appears to possibly be of some use for many of you as well (functional questioning!)
What do you call 'ambient' music when it crosses over into the active listening domain? Some of my work has been right 'on the edge of ambient and something more-ness.' I often see the term 'ambient' haphazardly thrown ontop of anything that doesnt fit into the other 'categories,' and it seems to me that this is an abuse of the term. After all, from what I understand, there was an 'intent' behind ambient music whereas most of what we see that's called 'ambient' now, is labeled so as an afterthought or even a reflex.
As I understand: Ambient music was/is a passive experience. As it becomes 'busier,' we actively listen- because we have no choice. How is ambient defined? Is it by the perceived 'weight'? The lack of activity in the foreground? I would say such music would require a spaciousness and openness for the term to be considered properly. What is the function of music in our society? Should function be the primary consideration of titles (as opposed to form?) As artists, that struggle exists in perpetuity, and it is in our best interest to choose to react before a reaction is thrust upon us.
As loopers, we are often the first to implement the term, and often the first to abuse it (too many overdubs/etc.) Maybe we should be the first to consider an alternative, or a solution. Terms such as 'modern classical' often fit, but they lack any kind of description. Maybe lack of description is what is required of such a term? A ambiguity can be functional as well- especially in art. There are most likely several solutions, but what they are may require a shift in understanding or perspective.
Any insight would be well regarded.
