Brian Eno’s 40 Year Career

There are tons of people with influence in the music industry and all of them have done incredible things. However Brian Eno stands out with an elite few in what I would call the “Legendary” category. His touch has been seen on a wide variety of recorded music for the length of his 40 year career. Eno’s influences come from all over, from classical to Rock and Roll and everywhere in between he pulls from a wide variety of music. One of Eno’s most significant influences both musically and in the studio is John Cage. After some controversy regarding the invention of tape delay, Brian Eno was actually quoted calling John Cage “The most influential Theorist”. Fripp & Eno’s No Pussyfooting and Coldplay’s Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends are two entirely different monsters. Eno has always had an interest in ambient music and No Pussyfooting was the Ambient album that spearheaded a collaboration between Eno and Robert Fripp. The album was recorded over the length of 3 days during a year long period and used several iconic recording techniques. Such as tape delay utilizing 2 tape machines. The first track on No Pussyfooting is a 21 minute long piece entitled “The Heavenly Music Corporation”. Not to mention it was recorded in only two takes. Coldplay’s Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends was game changing for modern pop music. The album also meant a change for Coldplay as a band. The songs they began writing in the studio with Eno were much less straight forward than before. They took on a newer more abstract approach and the lyrics improved as well. I would say this was a direct result of Eno’s work with the band. During the recording process Eno inspired the band to take instruments and equipment to locations such as a church to experiment with new sounds, some of which were used on the record. One thing that sets Eno’s work aside from other producers is his use of the studio as a tool during the writing process. This is evident right from the beginning; on No Pussyfooting the tape delay on Fripp’s guitar makes up a majority of the guitar sound. Another quality that sets Brian Eno aside from other producers is his versatility in the entertainment business. Eno is accomplished in more than just music; Art and Video work are also a specialty of his. Eno’s work is no doubt legendary and I feel inspired when listening to his music.