How André 3000's 'New Blue Sun' Reminded Me Of The Healing Power Of Black Ambient Music
If there’s one thing that I can say about the state of my mind, it’s that I’m overstimulated.
The world around us is, in essence, the loudest it's ever been, with distractions coming in all directions. From our phones to the news, social media, and the stress of everyday life, you’d almost wish for an “off” button. However, since life doesn’t come with a volume dial, it’s left me in a state of mental paralysis where even listening to music can be overwhelming.
As someone who loves listening to music, lately, it’s felt like a chore for my ears to take in all the lyrics, beats, and trending sounds played on a loop. Maybe it’s a sign of “aging out” of certain genres, but it has me longing for music that rescues me from the chaos of the world and restores a sense of calm back into my rotation.
And ambient music has become that savior.
Ambient music (also known as New Age) is a genre that centers atmosphere, mood, and tone over conventional musical structures and melodies. This amorphous and shapeless music style is often referred to as "background music" because it establishes an immersive and sonically rigid environment rather than being the primary focal point of the listener's attention. However, its ability to allow audiences to zone in or out at any moment is worth noting.
Many fans of ambient music retreat to this unique genre because of its prolonged tones or chords that produce minimalistic melodies that are repetitive yet unpredictable. And one artist in particular has reignited the genre in a whole new way.
Enter, André 3000. And his 'New Blue Sun.'
In November of last year, André 3000, one-half of rap duo Outkast, released his first album in 17 years, New Blue Sun. The project, which is a stark departure from his usual lyricism, is set by the New Age, ambient genre and showcases no words, no rapping: just the sound of his flute sidekick and gentle percussion.
"Maybe I haven't found a music that's inspiring enough for me to want to write raps to. Maybe I gotta find a new way to rap," he told CBS News. "Maybe I exhausted a thing… and sometimes you have to kind of try something else."
While fans — and even André — have grown accustomed to his infectious lyrics that guide the listeners into a trance of curiosity and eager expectation, being a vessel to this scared wind instrument is what’s come naturally to the “Prototype” rapper, and thus, became the compass to creating new music.
"I've gotten so used to it,” he says, referring to his flute. “I kind of have a muscle memory of holding it. So when I don't have it, like I'm trying to find something to do with my hands when I end up putting them in my pockets, you know, but because I'm used to kind of like fiddling around.”
He continued, "I don't even know what notes I'm playing. So everything, every move for me is new, which is kind of crazy, but it feels great to do it because when you find things, you're like, 'Oh, it's like a reward for searching.'"
As a first-time listener to New Blue Sun and ambient music as a whole, one may not know what to expect. André opens up his album with a song lengthily titled, “I swear, I Really Wanted To Make a ‘Rap’ Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time.” The 12-minute soundscape is airy, breathy, and celestial, in a way that is approachable for those new to the genre.
As the project continues, you may even catch your mind floating along with each melody, not knowing when one song ends and another begins — a common trait that’s shared among songs within the ambient category.
Ambient music, at times, feels psychedelic, yet jazzy and spiritual; with frequencies that paint colorful strokes with each note. The beauty of this genre is that it allows listeners to engage without getting answers to the questions they are seeking. Wordless music provides a special space to trace off and wander without thinking we’ll arrive at some conclusions by the end of a three-minute song.
It leaves room for pauses, zoning out, and coming back to the moment — and sometimes, that’s all our minds need in these hectic times.
The world is stressful as it is, but ambient music provides a lifeboat for moments when you want to drift away. It can be your background or your meditation, for processing or daydreaming.
So, if you’ve always wanted music that meets you where you are, ambient music just might be the perfect place to land.
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Aley Arion is a writer and digital storyteller from the South, currently living in sunny Los Angeles. Her site, yagirlaley.com, serves as a digital diary to document personal essays, cultural commentary, and her insights into the Black Millennial experience. Follow her at @yagirlaley on all platforms!
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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When discussing the topic of raising children, discipline is often the first thing that comes to mind. Children need discipline. Full stop. But what is discipline? And how do we draw the line between discipline and revenge?
The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:
Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
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Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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