Era: The Pioneers of Symphonic New Age Music
Era is a French musical project masterminded by composer and producer Eric Lévi, known for blending classical, operatic, and electronic sounds into a globally successful new age genre. Emerging in the mid-1990s, the project achieved remarkable international sales, moving over 12 million albums worldwide and securing multiple platinum certifications across Europe and beyond.
Early career
Era was formed in 1996 by French musician Eric Lévi, who assembled a collective of vocalists and musicians to realize his unique sonic vision. The project's foundation was built on merging classical and Gregorian chant influences with contemporary pop production and electronic rhythms, a concept developed before entering the studio.
Breakthrough
The project's self-titled debut album, Era, was released in 1997 under Mercury Records. Its lead single, "Ameno," became a phenomenal global hit, topping charts in numerous European countries and driving the album to multi-platinum status, selling over 6 million copies internationally.
Key tracks
Ameno — This debut single defined Era's signature sound with its ethereal Latin vocals and driving beat, becoming a worldwide dancefloor and radio staple.
Mother — Featured on the second album, this track showcased a more cinematic and rock-oriented side of the project, expanding their musical palette.
Don't Go Away — A key track from the 2009 album Reborn, it demonstrated Era's evolution towards a more guitar-driven and anthemic style.
Divano — From the 2000 album Era II, this song exemplifies the project's successful formula of blending operatic soprano vocals with powerful orchestral arrangements.
Misere Mani — A deep cut from the debut that remains a fan favorite for its pure Gregorian chant atmosphere and minimalist production.
Following the massive success of the first two albums, Era continued to release new music, including The Mass in 2003 and Reborn in 2009, each exploring variations on their core symphonic sound. Eric Lévi has also composed film scores, and Era's music has been licensed for major sporting events, television programs, and movie trailers, amplifying their reach.
Fans of Era's epic, atmospheric sound also enjoy the music of Enigma, which similarly fuses ancient chants with modern electronic music. Era also shares stylistic ground with Gregorian, known for its choral renditions of pop and rock songs. The cinematic scope of Two Steps From Hell appeals to those who enjoy Era's more dramatic compositions.
Era's distinctive catalog is a staple on classic new age and ambient radio stations, as well as on specialized online radio streams that focus on instrumental and cinematic music. Their tracks frequently appear in programming blocks dedicated to relaxation, study music, and epic soundtracks across the digital radio landscape.
Listeners can explore the sweeping, vocal-driven music of Era on the curated radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to onairium.com to discover stations that regularly play Era's iconic tracks alongside other pioneering artists in the symphonic new age genre.
