In aid of my project I decided conduct some research into some similar musical endeavours in the hope that i could utilise some similar theories within my own work. I came across ‘Mr Ambient’ Brian Eno’s 1978 album, Ambient 1: Music For Airports.

“Eno picked a building similar to a hospital, the location of ambient music’s conception. Both hospitals and airports are centered on mechanized rituals that are simultaneously in the service of, and often numb to, basic human needs. Eno thus aimed to make a music that would “get rid of people’s nervousness.” (Singer, 2004)

The concept behind Brian Eno’s Music for airports stemmed from Brian waiting on a delayed flight in Cologne Airport, an architectural beauty let down by a poorly selected background music playlist. Eno, saw an opportunity to attempt to write music for public spaces that required the diffusion of stress like airports or hospitals. He wanted to create music that didn’t interfere with human communication and simply sat as background music played back at a low volume. In his mind this would Lull the airports customers into a stress free and relaxed environment, reduce nervousness and ease the perceived length of long delays or check in’s.

“One of the things music can do is change your sense of time so you don’t really mind if things slip away or alter in some way. It’s about getting rid of people’s nervousness.”  (Eno, 2009)

Although the theory behind this was completely solid, the execution was not as well received as intended. Although many now regard ‘Ambient 1: Music for Airports’ as a classic album, its brief installation in the Marine Air Terminal in New York’s LaGuardia showed negative results in its customers. Some complained that it caused them to feel unhappy and therefore more un-easy about the concept of flying. Although the installation wasn’t an overall success I still plan on using some of the theories and techniques Eno adopted as a part of some of the more ambient sections of my project. For example: by changing some of the instrumentation to half speed it tends to give a softer sound, creating more of a slow movement that tends to be desirable in ambient music. I hope to utilise these theories and techniques in an attempt to change the concept of time within the ‘Reserve Lounge’, hopefully luring its customers into a more relaxed and stress free state.

Finally, a short interview with Brian Eno on the theory behind ‘Music for Airports’. Enjoy:

Sources:

Singer, L. 2004. Brian Eno / Harold Budd: Discreet Music / Ambient 1: Music for Airports / Ambient 2: The Plateaux of Mirror / Ambient 4: On Land. [online] Available at: http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/11731-discreet-musicambient-1-music-for-airportsambient-2-the-plateaux-of-mirror-with-harold-buddambient-4-on-land/ [Accessed: 9 Mar 2014].

Eno. B. Interviewed by: Sheldon, N. 2009. Brian Eno: A Sandbox In Alphaville By Lester Bangs. [online] Available at: http://www.noahsheldon.com/news/archives/643 [Accessed: 9 Mar 2014].