Brian Eno is a musician, producer, vocalist and visual artist who is widely known as one of the most influential pioneers of ambient music. Eno is also know for thinking outside the box, and finding influence in modern technology. For example, Eno was one of the first artists to use the tape recorder as an instrument, and paved the way for looping which continues to trend in popular music to this day.
Interestingly, Eno accredits Sly Stone as one of his musical influences. “Sly Stone is one of the formative influences of the 70s, in how he reshuffled all the instrument roles. He started using rhythm interments in a vocal fashion and conversely often using the voices in a rhythmic fashion.”
There are two bodies of work in Brian Eno’s catalog that bear nearly as many differences as they do similarities, but were influenced tremendously by Eno’s genius. “The Incredible Fire” by U2 and “Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends” by Coldplay are separated by nearly 25 years, but both records resulted in critical and commercial success that changed the careers of everybody involved. Both albums were the fourth studio release for their respective bands. Although these two bands have been compared to one another countless times by modern critics, they were in very different places in their careers at the time these albums were released. U2 was coming off the heels of the politically driven, emotional and anthemic “War” album, and were hoping to introduce a more ambient sound with “Fire”. This desire lead U2 straight to Brian Eno, who helped them create their most experimental record up to that time. “Viva La Vida” was Coldplay’s most experimental record up to that time in their career as well, thanks to Eno. On the contrary, it was a more aggressive and politically charged record that Coldplay were in search of. Coldplay hoped to match their commercial success with critical success with “Viva La Vida” and they were able to do just that, thanks in part to Brian Eno.
One thing that is very unique about Brian Eno is his attention to detail in every project that he does – no matter how big or small. For example, Eno was commissioned to score the 3 1/4 second start-up music-sound of the Windows 95 operating system. Very few people know that Eno was the mastermind behind this piece, but very few people in the world haven’t heard it. The perfect project for Eno. He scored nearly 100 versions before coming up with the perfect 3 1/4 second clip – an experience that he claims made a 4 minute piece feel like an ocean of time. Ironically, Eno scored the Windows 95 operating system piece on a Mac.
Brian Eno encompasses passion and creativity. He is as unique as he is mysterious, yet he brings a very down-to-earth authenticity to everything that he does. This is, in part due to his childlike innocence and eagerness to learn and experiment. None of these characteristics are overshadowed by ego, which is very rare and refreshing in his industry.
In contrast to many of his contemporaries, Eno appears to think of himself as normal. Just like you and me. He was never a musical prodigy. He struggled with technique, and he accredits his early success to a stroke of luck.
“As a result of going into a subway station and meeting Andy Mercy, I joined Roxy Music, and, as a result of that, I have a career in music. If I’d walked ten yards further on the platform, or missed that train, or been in the next carriage, I probably would have been an art teacher now”.
– Brian Eno
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