Harold Budd was an American composer and poet renowned for his unique contributions to ambient music and his collaborations with other seminal artists in the genre. Born on May 24, 1936, in Los Angeles, Budd's foray into music started with a foundation in jazz and a fascination with the works of John Cage, ultimately leading to his signature style that melded minimalism with a sense of spatial acoustics and poetic sensibility.

Throughout his career, Budd's discography showcased a penchant for creating soundscapes that were both ethereal and grounded in emotional expressiveness. His work often featured piano textures interwoven with electronic and acoustic elements, resulting in serene, contemplative compositions. Notable collaborations include those with Brian Eno, with whom he produced classic ambient albums such as "The Pearl" and "Ambient 2: The Plateaux of Mirror," and the Cocteau Twins' Robin Guthrie, with whom he created several albums, including the luminescent "Before the Day Breaks." Harold Budd passed away on December 8, 2020, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer in the ambient genre and a body of work that continues to inspire and resonate with listeners. His influence is felt not just in music but in the broader realms of art and meditation, where his compositions offer a serene backdrop for reflection and creativity.

Genres

Ambient

American Contemporary Classical

Compositional Ambient

Drone

Fourth World

Minimalism

Related Artists

Brian Eno

Ryuichi Sakamoto

Max Richter

Roger Eno

Tim Hecker

Daniel Lanois

Stars Of The Lid

William Basinski

Loscil

Robin Guthrie

Moby

Jon Hassell

Latest Release

Another Flower

Robin Guthrie•

Harold Budd

Album - 9 Tracks - Released December 4, 2020