Ambient

Ambient is a genre of electronic music that emphasizes atmosphere and texture over traditional rhythmic structures. It often lacks a strong beat and focuses on creating a calming, spacious, and atmospheric soundscape.

Ambient music emerged in the 1970s, pioneered by Brian Eno, who coined the term 'ambient music' to describe music that could be actively listened to or ignored, providing a subtle backdrop. Eno's 'Ambient 1: Music for Airports' (1978) is considered a seminal work. Early influences included musique concrète, minimalist music, and drone music. The genre expanded in the 1990s with artists incorporating elements of techno, dub, and other electronic styles.