Meaning:
Enya, an Irish singer, songwriter, and musician, made this statement in reference to the unexpected success of her album "Watermark." Released in 1988, "Watermark" marked a turning point in Enya's career, propelling her to international fame and establishing her as a prominent figure in the new age and Celtic music genres. Enya's comment reflects her initial surprise at the commercial success of her music, which she had always regarded as a deeply personal and artistic endeavor rather than a commercial venture.
Enya's musical style is characterized by its ethereal and atmospheric sound, often featuring multi-layered vocals, lush instrumentation, and melodies inspired by Celtic and Irish folk music. Her approach to music is deeply rooted in her personal experiences, emotions, and cultural heritage. This personal connection to her music is evident in her quote, as she expresses her surprise at the commercial success of "Watermark," which may have initially seemed at odds with her deeply personal artistic intentions.
Despite Enya's reservations about the commercial aspect of her music, "Watermark" resonated with a broad audience, selling millions of copies worldwide and earning critical acclaim. The album's lead single, "Orinoco Flow," became a global hit and solidified Enya's position as a unique and influential artist in the music industry. The success of "Watermark" not only brought Enya widespread recognition but also challenged her preconceptions about the commercial viability of her music.
Enya's quote also sheds light on the tension that many artists experience between their artistic integrity and the commercial demands of the music industry. While Enya had always viewed her music as a personal form of expression, the unexpected success of "Watermark" forced her to navigate the complex intersection of art and commerce. This dilemma is a common struggle for many musicians and creative individuals who seek to maintain their artistic vision while also reaching a wider audience and achieving commercial success.
In the years following "Watermark," Enya continued to release albums that further showcased her unique musical style and artistic vision. Her subsequent works, including "Shepherd Moons," "The Memory of Trees," and "A Day Without Rain," maintained her signature sound and garnered both commercial success and critical acclaim. Throughout her career, Enya has remained true to her artistic instincts while embracing the opportunities and challenges that come with commercial success.
Enya's quote serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of the music industry and the diverse motivations that drive artists to create and share their music with the world. While she initially viewed music as a deeply personal and non-commercial endeavor, the unexpected success of "Watermark" prompted her to reconsider the complex relationship between art and commerce. Ultimately, Enya's quote encapsulates the transformative impact of commercial success on an artist's perception of their own work and the broader implications of reaching a global audience with deeply personal music.
In conclusion, Enya's quote reflects her initial surprise at the commercial success of her album "Watermark" and highlights the tension between artistic expression and commercial viability in the music industry. Her experience serves as a compelling example of the complex interplay between personal artistic vision and the demands of the commercial music market. Enya's enduring career and continued commitment to her unique musical style further underscore the significance of her quote in the context of the broader music industry landscape.