Meaning: The quote "But that's fine, because I like to have control of the ambience" by Harold Budd, the renowned composer, reflects an artist's desire for autonomy and influence over the atmosphere and mood of their work. Harold Budd was known for his pioneering work in ambient and minimalist music, and this quote encapsulates his approach to creating music that is deeply evocative and immersive.

Harold Budd's statement hints at the importance of creating an environment that complements and enhances the emotional and sonic experience of his compositions. As an ambient composer, Budd's music often sought to evoke a sense of place and emotion through the interplay of sound and space. His desire to control the ambience reflects an artist's commitment to ensuring that every aspect of the listener's experience is carefully crafted and intentional.

In the context of music composition, having control of the ambience can be interpreted in several ways. It could refer to the manipulation of sonic elements such as reverb, spatialization, and texture to create a specific atmosphere. Budd's music often featured spacious, ethereal soundscapes that enveloped the listener, and this quote suggests that he valued the ability to shape these sonic environments according to his creative vision.

Furthermore, the quote can also be seen as a reflection of Budd's approach to collaboration and production. As a composer who often collaborated with artists from diverse musical backgrounds, Budd's desire for control over the ambience may have been a way of asserting his artistic vision within collaborative projects. This sentiment aligns with the notion of the composer as a curator of sonic space, responsible for shaping the environment in which the music exists.

Beyond the realm of music, Budd's statement can also be interpreted more broadly as a commentary on the creative process. The desire for control over the ambience speaks to the artist's yearning to shape and mold the environment in which their work is experienced. This could extend to visual artists, filmmakers, and writers, all of whom seek to control the atmosphere in which their creations are encountered, whether through the use of lighting, framing, or language.

In the realm of live performance, this quote takes on added significance. For an artist like Budd, who often performed in unconventional spaces such as art galleries and churches, the control of ambience becomes an essential aspect of the performance itself. The manipulation of light, acoustics, and spatial layout all contribute to the overall sensory experience of the audience, and as such, having control over the ambience becomes integral to the presentation of the music.

In conclusion, Harold Budd's quote "But that's fine, because I like to have control of the ambience" encapsulates the essence of his artistic philosophy and approach to creating music. It speaks to the artist's desire for autonomy, intentionality, and influence over the atmosphere in which their work is encountered. Whether in the realm of music composition, collaboration, or live performance, the quote reflects Budd's commitment to crafting immersive sonic environments that transport the listener to evocative and emotive realms.