Ambient music has become one of the most influential musical movements of the past fifty years, yet much of its history remains undocumented. Many of its most important artists work independently, outside of traditional institutions. Their creative processes, philosophies, and contributions are rarely preserved in a meaningful way. Without intentional documentation, an entire generation of artistic knowledge risks being lost.

What We're Building

Your support helps create a growing public resource that includes:

In-depth video interviews with ambient artists and organizers in our video series "In a Silent Way" in Chicago
Recorded lectures and educational materials
Artist profiles and biographies
Transcripts and searchable text
Archival photographs and ephemera
A searchable online database freely available to everyone.

We believe ambient music deserves the same level of documentation that exists for jazz, classical music, contemporary art, and film. The archive will continue growing year after year through new interviews, recordings, publications, research, and community contributions. Everything will remain publicly accessible for decades to come beyond the precarities of streaming platforms and changing algorithms.

Acknowledgment

$50+

Supporter

Name listed on the Archive Donor Wall (with permission) and an annual Archive Impact Update.

$200+

Archivist

All Supporter benefits, plus an AMA hat.

$1,000+

Preservation Partner

All Archivist benefits, plus an invitation to visit the In a Silent Way filming location during production (subject to scheduling).

$2,500+

Founding Steward

All Preservation Partner benefits, plus recognition as a Founding Steward on the Archive website and a special thanks in the end credits of every In a Silent Way episode produced during the campaign period (with permission).

What Your Donation Supports

Your contribution directly funds:

Artist honoraria
Professional video production and editing
Transcription and accessibility
Website development and long-term archive maintenance

About AMA

The Atmospheric Music Alliance (AMA) is a program of StretchMetal, the first nonprofit arts service organization dedicated exclusively to supporting ambient music and the artists who create it. Founded in Chicago and supporting programs across the country, AMA expands public engagement with ambient music through live performances, educational programs, artist grants, publishing, and long-term documentation.

What is Ambient Music?

Ambient music is a genre of music that creates a sense of atmosphere. Just as ambient lighting affects how we feel in a space, ambient music uses sound to shape an environment or accompany everyday life. Rather than following traditional song structures, it often explores slowly evolving sounds, sustained tones, and found sounds. Ambient music invites listeners to slow down, reflect, and engage more deeply with the world around them.

The Ambient Music Archive

Help Build the First Dedicated Archive for Ambient Music