New Age

New age on vinyl: music to breathe out to

In short: New age emerged in the seventies and eighties as calm, meditative music with synthesizers, piano and nature sounds. Long dismissed, it is being rediscovered today – especially Japan’s “kankyō ongaku”, an environmental music for spaces and everyday life. The Vinyl Room currently has 15 new age records.

What is new age?

Music that leaves room: the compilation “Kankyō Ongaku” brings together Japanese environmental music of the eighties, and Hiroshi Yoshimura is represented with “Green”.

Spiritual roots are shown by Alice Coltrane with “Kirtan: Turiya Sings”, voice and organ from her time at the ashram. Plus Steve Roach with “Quiet Music 3”, the Japanese quartet Unknown Me and Carlos Niño with his friends.

What to look for

Some new age recordings first came out on cassette or in Japan and are now appearing on vinyl for the first time or again; label, catalogue number and year of release help you tell which edition you have – it’s noted with each copy.

From our stock

First pressings

New in

→ Alice Coltrane · Ambient · Drone · Electronic on vinyl · How to spot a first pressing · Grading explained

FAQ

What is new age? Calm, meditative music with synthesizers, piano and nature sounds, born in the seventies and eighties.

What is “kankyō ongaku”? Japanese environmental music of the eighties, made for spaces and everyday life.

What is the difference from ambient? The boundaries are fluid; new age often has a spiritual or relaxing aim.

Which artists are associated with new age? Here, among others, Hiroshi Yoshimura, Steve Roach and Alice Coltrane.