In today’s fast-paced world, finding effective ways to relax and achieve restful sleep is more important than ever—and often challenging. One innovative approach gaining attention is generative music—a form of composition that continuously evolves, creating soundscapes that never repeat.

BetterSleep is thrilled to present an exclusive, ambient piece by Alexey Seliverstov—A.K.A. @grayskiesforever—a Los Angeles-based experimental composer renowned for his immersive performances.

What Is Generative Music?

The term was popularized by Brian Eno in the 1990s, though its roots trace back to earlier experimental compositions in the 1970s and 1980s. Eno, an influential musician and producer, described generative music as ever-changing soundscapes that are beyond the control of the composer.

Unlike traditional music, which follows a fixed structure, generative music relies on processes such as tape loops, algorithmic patterns, and randomization to create organic, non-repetitive soundscapes. One of the most famous examples of this technique is Eno’s Music for Airports (1978), which used loops of varying lengths to create a meditative and continuously shifting sonic environment.

Eno was ahead of his time—laying the foundation for a genre that would flourish with advancements in digital music technology (hello, 2020s). Today, artists like Alexey Seliverstov merge technology with their own creativity to craft powerful soundscapes that help you relax, focus, and sleep.

What Is Generative Ambient Music?

Generative ambient music applies the principles of generative composition to relaxation and sleep-focused soundscapes. Unlike structured songs or albums, generative ambient music shifts and evolves organically, never repeating exactly the same way twice. This music often incorporates:

• Field recordings: Capturing nature sounds like rustling leaves, ocean waves, and distant birds.
• White noise elements: Soft static-like layers that help mask disruptive background sounds.
• Binaural beats: Frequencies that can influence brainwave activity, promoting deeper relaxation and focus.

Incorporating generative ambient music into your bedtime routine can help you feel more relaxed and fall asleep faster. Because the soundscapes continuously shift, the brain remains engaged without overstimulation, making it easier to drift into deep, peaceful sleep.

How Can Generative Music Help You Sleep Better?

Sleep experts and sound designers recognize the power of music to influence brain activity, heart rate, and overall relaxation. Sleep benefits include:

• Non-repetitive and ever-evolving: Unlike looping tracks, generative music prevents listener fatigue by continuously changing. For those who wake up throughout the night, it provides a seamless backdrop that gently guides them back to sleep.
• Mimics natural environments: The shifting textures resemble real-world soundscapes, such as flowing water or forest sounds, which can have a soothing effect on the mind.
• Reduces stress and anxiety: The immersive quality of generative ambient music promotes a sense of calm, helping to lower stress levels and encourage deeper sleep.
• Supports mindful meditation: Many find that these ambient soundscapes enhance focus and mindfulness, making them a valuable tool for pre-sleep meditation.

It’s this delicate balance of engagement and relaxation that makes generative music such a powerful tool for reducing stress and promoting deep sleep.

Meet Alexey Seliverstov

Born in Moscow, Alexey Seliverstov is a Los Angeles-based composer and experimental sound artist working at the intersection of the digital and analog worlds. He’s found a dedicated following on Instagram and TikTok, posting under the handle @grayskiesforever and mesmerizing millions of viewers around the globe.

His videos are typically shot at a bird’s eye view, and he uses a blend of field recordings, reel-to-reel tape loops, and vintage synthesizers to craft deeply textured and organic ambient pieces that evolve in real-time. The comment section of his videos is filled with reactions of delighted viewers. One user wrote, “Love this! Instant stress relief” on a performance that mixed synthetic and natural bird sounds. Another user on Instagram Reels described Alexey’s Sonic Streams performance as “floating through the clouds.”

An Interview with Alexey Seliverstov

What inspires Alexey’s approach to sound design? How does he merge the unpredictability of self-generating compositions with the warmth of the natural world? In our interview with Alexey, he shares insights into his creative process, his influences, and the philosophy behind his ever-evolving compositions.

Alexey Seliverstov’s New Music: Exclusively on BetterSleep

Alexey’s latest composition “Dripping Trees,” created specifically for BetterSleep, showcases the beauty of generative ambient music. This exclusive release offers an immersive, meditative experience designed to guide listeners into a state of deep relaxation and restorative sleep. His ability to seamlessly blend analog and digital sound sources results in a piece that evolves naturally, mirroring the organic fluctuations of the environment around us.

BetterSleep’s Audio Designer, Bryan Greenfield, shares what it was like to work with him. “Learning about Alexey’s compositional techniques was inspiring. From his immersive soundscapes to developing his own software, Alexey blends the analog and digital in a natural and seamless way. I loved listening to his artificial bird sounds sing within environmental field recordings.”

The Power of Generative Music in Daily Life

Beyond sleep, generative music is being used in several other areas to enhance well-being and productivity. Its evolving nature allows it to be seamlessly integrated into different aspects of daily life, providing a backdrop that supports relaxation, focus, and creativity. Many listeners find that incorporating these soundscapes into their routines helps foster a sense of calm and balance, whether during moments of stress or as part of a mindful practice:

• Meditation and mindfulness: You can find generative soundscapes on the BetterSleep app to stay present, unwind, and transition into deeper relaxation.
• Focus and work productivity: Put on generative music in the background to help block out distractions and stay focused.
• Creative flow and artistic inspiration: If you’re feeling inspired by Alexey, his music can help you unlock your creative side as well. Many artists and writers use these compositions as a backdrop to spark creativity.

No matter how you choose to listen, an ambient soundscape can serve as an adaptable backdrop that enhances your environment—helping you find focus, inspiration, or a moment of stillness in your day.

Listen Now on BetterSleep

Experience the magic of Alexey Seliverstov’s generative ambient music, available exclusively on BetterSleep. Whether you’re looking to calm your mind, enhance focus, or drift into deep sleep, this unique composition provides a one-of-a-kind soundscape that evolves with every listen.

So press play, close your eyes, and let the ever-changing soundscapes carry you into deep relaxation.