I don’t make best-of Ambient lists, but I know a lot of people search for music that way and some end up here on ASIP wanting an introduction to what others may deem the ‘best’ Ambient music out there or even better, good albums to start with in the genre. I also get a few people asking me for recommendations without much context about what they like. A broad mix full of a range of styles, artists and labels is always a good place to start. So with that in mind, we wanted to point you in the right direction…
Neither Scene Nor Heard (Article + Playlist)
First, this evolving playlist on Spotify originates from the Neither Scene Nor Heard article which describes my personal journey with ambient music. Over 400 unique artists (and counting) in an ambient adjacent world to explore. Now, it is kept updated and evolving with additions - both old and new. Follow the playlist on Spotify, then find your favorite artist on Bandcamp and buy their music!
ASIP Reflection Mixes (end of year mixes from 2010>)
Next, consider all of our annual Reflection mixes together in one place as a good introduction to Ambient music and its many facets.
Since 2010, each year they have taken the shape of mixes, as part of our ‘Reflection on…’ series, which is an annual feature we create that combines some of (my) favorite Ambient music of the year and related styles in one long mixed journey. For you to not only explore many different artists in one place but to enjoy without interruptions. Within these, you’ll find plenty to listen to, crossing all genres related to ambient music, including drone, chill out, experimental, modern classical, IDM, electronic, dub-techno, and many more surprises that bring the mix to life, plucking select tracks from albums that have been on high rotation that year.
Jump over to this dedicated page with all the features or check the Soundcloud playlist.
ASIP Portals features
This series of in-depth articles and features many different aspects of ambient music, from a dedicated reconstruction of the KLF’s seminal Chill Out, to an overview of Power Ambient, and a full classic Trance Loops mix made up of nothing but beatless Trance samples.
View all of the features here, or listen to the mixes on Soundcloud.
I would also recommend these other great publications and blogs to kick-start your journey with Ambient music, who have all stood the test of time and regularly post ‘ best of’ albums and lists: Headphone Commute, Igloo Magazine, A Closer Listen, Textura to name a few to get started.
Still need more? Check out our label of course, which goes across the ambient music spectrum.
