Is Enya really New Age?

beechcott · 01-08-2012, 09:43 AM

A lot of music with a particular sound is labeled as New Age for the sake of convenience, even if it really isn't. For reasons pertaining to my personal beliefs, I avoid true New Age music, ie, music made with a New Age philosophy. I'm not criticizing those who do listen to such or anything, I'm just saying that I personally do not want to listen to such music.

Now, Enya's music is often classified as New Age, but it appears that she does not agree with that label. But I have a few lingering questions.

In an interview, Enya said:

Quote:

"Actually, I'm more spiritual than religious. I was raised Catholic, but at this stage I derive from religion what I enjoy. I'll pray -- but I mostly enjoy going into churches when they're empty. It's calming just to sit there. Again, it's like going for a walk. You just seem able to sort your priorities out."

"More spiritual than religious." It's hard to tell exactly what that means. Could it mean that she's New Age? However, Nucky Ryan said:

Quote:

"I think we've shaken that off. Initially it was fine, but it's really not new age. Enya plays a whole lot of instruments, not just keyboards. Her melodies are strong and she sings a lot. So I can't see a comparison."

And Enya's sister, Maire Brennan, who has released some Christian albums, says:

Quote:

Q.Your music with Clannad often gets classified as New Age. What do you think about that?

A. When I was on tour with Clannad, a lot of Christians and non- Christians thought I was a Druid. But Clannad never really thought of itself as New Age. New Age has stolen a lot under the label `Celtic'. They've taken real things from Christians. I'm talking about oils and symbols that are in the Bible. Jesus used oil. Are we going to sit back and let them take that?

These statements seem to imply that she's not New Age.

But the reasons that I still wonder are these:

Enya's song "May it Be" from the "Lord of the Rings" soundtrack contains the words "May an evening star shine upon you". Venus, the "evening star", figures heavily in astology and in New Age beliefs.

Her cryptic comment about being "more spiritual than religious".

I read where someone has said that some of the Gaelic lyrics to one of her songs translates into English as "It's Halloween, It's the first day of the New Year", which sounds rather Druid/New Age.

So, do you think Enya's music is truly "New Age" or not? Again, I'm not criticizing anyone's beliefs or tastes, I just want to know for my own sake.