As the mercury climbs and the days stretch longer, finding ways to stay cool becomes a top priority. While air conditioning and cold beverages are the go-to solutions for many, there’s a subtler, yet effective method that often goes overlooked: the power of New Age music! Our beloved genre, characterized by tranquil melodies and ambient soundscapes can be a refreshing balm for the mind during the sweltering summer months.
In this guide, we will explore how you can use the cooling powers of New Age music to enhance your summer experience. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, working from home or simply seeking a quick escape from the heat, New Age music can be a sanctuary. Let’s get to it!
A refreshing wind blows through Clifford White‘s two Ice Age albums. They take the listener on a beautiful and cooling trip back in time to the last Ice Age. A warm room will feel refreshed, even if the AC is not working. The music is characterized by its intimate, subtle and contemplative nature. This varied approach allows listeners to experience the full spectrum of an ancient, icy environment, from the delicate crystalline structures to vast, expansive plains. The albums’ soundscapes evoke a sense of serenity, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in a world of glacial beauty and calm.
These albums, part of White’s extensive discography of ambient and New Age music, feature tracks with evocative titles like The Melting, Crystal Vision, and Expanse, creating a mental imagery of vast, icy environments. Refreshing, isn’t it?
Kevin Keller’s first few albums were heavy on the synthesizers, but much of his recent music has been “acoustic,” even orchestral in one case. Ice Worlds is something of a throwback, then, to his beginnings. Made entirely with a vast array of synthesizers and samplers, Ice Worlds casts Keller in the role of a more melodic Klaus Schulze, the cool sheen of his keyboard timbres reflecting a snowy landscape.
Vintage gear abounds (Moog, ARP, Roland), with even an Olympia typewriter and a Bissell vacuum cleaner listed among the album’s instruments, leading one to describe this music as not merely “electronic”, but more aptly, electric. And wow, does that sound cool down the environment!
Terry Oldfield‘s Out of the Depths, which features the famous De Profundis opening track, is a haunting and evocative composition that showcases the artist’s mastery of the flute and his ability to create immersive soundscapes. The title is reflected in the music’s profound and introspective nature.
As a respected figure in the New Age music genre, Terry Oldfield’s Out of the Depths exemplifies his ability to craft music that resonates on a deep emotional level, inviting listeners to explore their inner depths through sound. It will cool you down guaranteed – and take you back to the surface too!
Diane Arkenstone‘s Cool Waters of Life is a soothing New Age composition that can provide a refreshing auditory experience during hot summer days. The album, released in 2022, features gentle melodies and nature-inspired sounds that evoke the sensation of cool, flowing water. With lyrics like “Cool Waters of life, flowing down, over me” and “Sapphire emerald, all the colors of life,” the song creates a vivid mental image of serene aquatic environments, helping listeners feel cooler and more relaxed.
Some music has the power to transport your mind to another world. Simply by clicking the play button you get a glimpse into another dimension. The album Secret World by Doug Hammer and Améthyste Spardel has this rare quality. It might not qualify as easy listening, but it is as beautiful as it is unique.
I am, like many others, fascinated by the theremin. If it’s because of Jean Michel Jarre or Sheldon in the Big Bang Theory remains unsaid, but it has such a delicate and refined sound – and Améthyste Spardel is a highly skilled theremin player. On this album she is backed by Doug Hammer on piano, who is brilliant as usual.
With so much fantastic – and cooling! – music available, I want to say a few words about mindful listening. It involves fully immersing yourself in the music. When listening to the above music, find a quiet space, close your eyes, and let the music wash over you. Pay attention to the different instruments, the flow of the melodies, and the subtle nuances in the compositions. This practice can help divert your mind from the heat and create a sense of inner coolness. You can enhance the calming effects of New Age music by pairing it with relaxation techniques such as:
Meditation: Use the music as a backdrop for meditation sessions to deepen your state of relaxation.
Deep Breathing: Practice deep breathing exercises in sync with the music to lower your heart rate and reduce stress.
And most importantly: Incorporate New Age music into your daily routine, for instance in the
Morning: Start your day with a calming playlist to set a peaceful tone for the hours ahead.
Evening: Wind down with soothing tracks in the evening to help your body and mind transition into a restful state.
In conclusion: By integrating New Age music into your summer routine, you can create a cool oasis of calm, helping you navigate the hottest days with greater comfort. Whether through mindful listening or setting the right ambiance, the soothing power of New Age music can transform your summer experience. So, turn down the thermostat, press play and let the music guide you to a cooler state of mind!
If you want music with a warmer sound, check out our New Age music for the summer feature.
Above picture copyright Undrey – Bigstockphoto
