About this episode
Brian Eno’s music opens up worlds I love to step into during trying times. And this conversation with Eno did the same thing.Eno is a trailblazing musician and producer who’s worked on seminal records by U2, David Bowie, the Talking Heads and Coldplay, among others. But Eno isn’t just a great collaborator with other artists; he’s also a great collaborator with machines. He’s been experimenting with music technology for decades. Long before we started worrying about ChatGPT replacing human creativity, Eno was tinkering with generative systems to pioneer ambient music – a genre that has deeply influenced how we listen to music today. Eno’s use (and playful misuse) of technology has expanded the possibilities of what music and sound can be.Many of you emailed in asking for a break from the news. Here it is.This episode contains strong language.Mentioned:What Art Does by Brian Eno and Bette AdriaanseEast West Street by Philippe SandsSilence by John CageBook Recommendations:Printing and the Mind of Man edited by John Carter and Percy H. MuirA Pattern Language by Christopher AlexanderNaples ’44 by Norman LewisMusic Recommendations:The Rural Blues“The Velvet Underground” by the Velvet UndergroundThe ConsolersThoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ezrakleinshow@nytimes.com.You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of “The Ezra Klein Show” at nytimes.com/ezra-klein-podcast, and you can find Ezra on Twitter @ezraklein. Book recommendations from all our guests are listed at