Meaning: Bill Laswell, a prominent musician and producer, offers an intriguing perspective on the experience of listening to ambient music in this quote. He suggests that deep ambient records, characterized by their static and minimalistic nature, have the power to captivate listeners long after the music has ceased. Laswell's observation highlights the immersive and contemplative qualities of ambient music, which often eschews traditional song structures and rhythmic patterns in favor of creating an atmospheric sonic environment. This quote invites us to delve into the profound impact of ambient music on our perception and sensory experience.

The term "deep ambient records" refers to a specific subgenre of ambient music that prioritizes tranquility, spaciousness, and sonic textures. Unlike more dynamic and melodically-driven forms of music, deep ambient records often feature prolonged periods of stillness and minimal musical development. Instead of demanding immediate attention or engagement, these records invite listeners to immerse themselves in the sonic landscape and engage with the subtleties of sound and space.

Laswell's mention of "listening for hours to the sound of the room" underscores the meditative and introspective nature of the ambient music experience. When the music itself recedes into the background, the listener becomes attuned to the environmental sounds and acoustic characteristics of the space they inhabit. This heightened awareness of ambient sounds fosters a deeper connection with the surrounding environment, blurring the boundaries between the music and the physical space in which it is being heard.

The quote also speaks to the enduring effect of ambient music on the listener. While some genres of music may leave a more immediate impression, Laswell suggests that the impact of deep ambient records lingers long after the music has ended. This phenomenon can be attributed to the introspective and contemplative nature of ambient music, which has the ability to resonate with the listener on a profound and enduring level.

In a broader sense, Laswell's perspective on ambient music aligns with the concept of active listening, a practice that encourages deep engagement with the nuances and subtleties of sound. Rather than serving as mere background noise, ambient music invites listeners to actively participate in the sonic experience, attuning their senses to the intricate details and evolving textures within the music.

Furthermore, the quote underscores the transformative potential of ambient music, as it has the capacity to shape the listener's perception of time and space. By immersing oneself in the contemplative soundscape of ambient music, one may experience a heightened sense of timelessness and a deeper connection to the present moment. This temporal and spatial distortion contributes to the immersive and therapeutic qualities of ambient music, offering a refuge from the frenetic pace of everyday life.

In conclusion, Bill Laswell's quote provides a thought-provoking insight into the profound and enduring impact of deep ambient records. By highlighting the meditative, transformative, and immersive qualities of ambient music, the quote invites us to reconsider our relationship with sound, space, and the passage of time. It underscores the transcendent power of music to shape our sensory experience and offers a compelling perspective on the contemplative potential of ambient music.