The Dark Side of New Age Music

People think that new age music is all soft, low-key and harmless. And that is, for the most part, true. I admit that. This is a quality in new age music we all love and cherish.

But the genre has a darker, more complex side too, which often can be found in the movie/soundtrack department. These titles show that new age music can be just as hard hitting, just as powerful as gangster rap.

Don’t you believe me? Well, think of Mike Oldfield’s Exorcist theme and you’ll know what I am referring to. That first minute with gentle piano sounds on Tubular Bells has scared movie viewers for over 30 years. Another soundtrack that is both dark and violent, is Jan Hammer’s soundtrack to the documentary about the so called Cocaine Cowboys. Hammer’s synth soundtrack fits perfectly into the blood-dripping story – that is actually based on true events.

Cocaine Cowboys (2006) is directed by Billy Corben (IMDB link). It gives a firsthand perspective of the Miami drug war of the 1970s and early 80s. The documentary is now airing on Showtime and on various channels all over the world. See it if you have the chance – because this is the story that inspired the creators of both Scarface and Miami Vice (the last title had, as you know, a song by Hammer as theme).    

Jan Hammer’s soundtrack to Cocaine Cowboys was released as an EP in 2008. The EP is not even 20 minutes long, but what’s there is truly explosive stuff. The first song, Big Bust, contains Jan Hammer’s analogue synth trademark. The 80s sound and the guitar riffs are simply perfect, and is used extensively in the documentary. It gives energy to the story. But it is the title track that takes you on a trip like no other. Around 1 minute into the song a very powerful synth segment is heard. Also the songs Shipment Stolen and Dadeland are awesome in a dark, destructive way.

No, new age music is not all soft, low-key and harmless. So blow out those lavender-scented candles and get rid of that spa feeling; put on Cocaine Cowboys and start inhaling.

It will not be a healing experience. But, wow, what a ride! 

Samle the EP on CDbaby.

Written by BT Fasmer.