What is lo fi music

In the modern world, quality has become an important component of our lives, penetrating all its aspects and constantly raising the bar of expectations. We are accustomed to the fact that each new product should be better and more perfect than the previous one, and this pursuit of the ideal has become an integral part of public consciousness. The concept of High Quality, where quality is the main thing, be it technology, food or clothing, dominates everywhere.

In audio technology, the high-quality standard received a separate name – Hi-Fi. To define and maintain these standards, GOSTs, IEC and DIN were developed, as well as new formats such as Hi-Res, DSD and WAV, which provide maximum clarity and accuracy of sound.

However, in parallel with this trend, another culture was developing that questioned the need for such high standards. Supporters of this movement asked the question: is it really necessary to strive for such a level of perfection, when everything sounds good without it? This is how the history of Lo-Fi was born – an alternative view of sound, where ideality is not important, but soulfulness and authenticity.

Cause and Effect

In the middle of the last century, the music world was structured much like it is today: there were those who enjoyed music and those who created it. There were people willing to spend money on expensive stereo systems and those who were content with what was at hand. There was also a division among musicians: some saved up money and waited for their turn to record an album in a professional studio, while others had enough of a simple garage.

A lot has changed since then, but perhaps the technical aspects of the sound industry have stepped forward. In the 50s and 60s, genres such as rock and roll, punk, rock and pop were actively developing. The spirit of rebellion permeated the times, and music became one of the main means of expressing views on important social and political events. Every new idea that reached the masses immediately caused a counter-confrontation.

It was at this time that Hi-Fi standards began to gain popularity and cultural significance. The desire for perfection and impeccable quality of recordings became the norm. But this approach did not go unnoticed by rebels who saw something artificial and unnecessary in this race for perfection. The Lo-Fi movement (English Low Fidelity – “low quality”) arose, which challenged the standards of high definition and purity of sound.

Lo-Fi did not try to hide its shortcomings, on the contrary, they became its calling card. If in the studios engineers and producers diligently sought the ideal sound, then the adherents of Lo-Fi went the opposite way. They recorded their tracks on the simplest recorders, considering this sufficient to convey their creativity and mood. It was important to convey the idea, and not to wrap it in a flawless, but often soulless, shell.

The ideas of Lo-Fi turned out to be viable and still find a response. In a sense, this direction became a genuine expression of love for music, where the main thing is not the external gloss, but the essence itself. Yet, Hi-Fi standards also played a role, creating the bar from which Lo-Fi could build upon to create its own unique aesthetic.

Origins and Popularization

It is now almost impossible to trace the exact origins of the Lo-fi culture. In the early years of this style, its representatives remained in the shadows, and music critics preferred not to pay attention to such “rebellious” trends. Until the 70s, Lo-fi was associated mainly with garage rock, punk and folk, which was performed mainly by little-known groups. But by the end of the 70s, the situation began to change, when recognized musicians began to turn to this style.

One of the first notable albums recorded in the Lo-fi style was “Smiley Smile” by the Beach Boys. Although it is difficult to find the original version of this album now, it is known that in 2001 it was remastered. This remastering shows that the struggle between Hi-Fi and Lo-fi continues to this day. On the one hand, remastering allows creations to find a new life, but on the other hand, the original spirit and atmosphere created by the musicians can be lost forever.

Incidentally, speaking about the recording conditions, the founder of the Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, in one of his interviews talked about the atmosphere and mood in which the album “Smiley Smile” was created. This album, like several others recorded in the Lo-fi style, received cool reviews from critics, but was enthusiastically received by fans. Their example inspired other musicians, many of whom are still known and loved.

In 1967, Bob Dylan released his eighth studio album “John Wesley Harding”, which, despite cool expectations from critics, took first place in the British charts and eighth position in the American ones. It is interesting to note that, although the album was recorded in the studio, it demonstrated elements of Lo-fi, which can be considered a kind of triumph of this style, which penetrated even into professional recording studios. A similar trend was evident in some tracks on The Beatles’ “White Album”, where Lo-fi was present, perhaps as a result of a conscious choice, or perhaps due to circumstances. This album gained popularity not only in the West, but also in the Soviet Union, where the song “Back in the USSR” became a cult hit among young people. Thus, step by step, Lo-fi was moving beyond its original audience.

Paul McCartney did not lag behind, and in 1970, after the breakup of The Beatles, he released his debut solo album, which was in the spirit of Lo-fi. Despite criticism, the album became a bestseller, proving that the most important thing is the response of the listeners, and not the assessment of experts.

In the 80s, with the advent of the “new wave” and indie pop, Lo-fi became popular among other genres. At this time, recording studios began to appear that specialized in creating an authentic Lo-fi sound. This period can be considered the time when the Lo-fi aesthetic gained mass popularity and spread throughout the music world, penetrating DIY projects, bedroom pop and other genres. Particular attention during this period is drawn to the figure of Robert Stevie Moore, who is often called the “great-grandfather” or “pioneer” of Lo-fi. His home recordings on a reel-to-reel tape recorder won wide recognition, although Moore himself did not consider himself part of any culture and did not attach much importance to the use of Lo-fi techniques. However, he accepted the title of “pioneer of Lo-fi” with gratitude, leaving a significant mark on the history of this genre.

Digitalization

With the advent of digital technology, many musical styles were forced to adapt to new conditions, but Lo-fi remained true to its principles. For its adherents, it did not matter what medium the music was recorded on, because the main thing was the garage atmosphere, genuine sincerity and immediacy of the sound.

Lo-fi became an important part of the music scene in the 90s, when bands like Nirvana gained worldwide popularity thanks to their unique style that rejected excessive polish and commercial sound. Lo-fi was ideal for conveying a raw and honest sound that resonated with the spirit of the time.

In 1993, when the term “Lo-fi” first appeared on the cover of The New York Times, the style received a new round of recognition. It began to penetrate popular culture, becoming the subject of many books and articles that attempted to understand its phenomenon and popularity. Despite the increased attention and attempts at systematization, Lo-fi continued to develop naturally, mastering new genres and directions. From indie pop to soft punk, this style remained true to its essence, slowly absorbing new ideas and influences. Today, Lo-fi continues to live, remaining an important part of musical culture and inspiring new artists to experiment and search for their own unique sound.

Peaceful Underground

Today, Lo-fi is not just a recording style, but a full-fledged musical genre that has taken its place on the modern scene. Probably, many of you have already heard of lo-fi hip-hop – this unique music began to gain popularity after 2000, just as the original Lo-fi took its first steps in the 50s. On platforms like YouTube and other video hosting sites, you can find many playlists called “music for relaxation”, “music for study” or “music for work”, presenting modern compositions in the spirit of the “bedroom”.

This genre is a kind of continuation of downtempo – one of the directions of electronic music. But the work of musicians in Lo-fi hip-hop is rarely limited to one genre, which gives rise to many variations: Chillhop, Lofi chill, Jazz hop, Sleep Lofi Beat, Chillhop Vibes, Guitar Lofi Beat. All these directions are modern incarnations of that very Lo-fi. As in the beginning of the history of Lo-fi, no one knows exactly where modern Lo-fi hip-hop originates from and who its founder is. However, it is generally accepted that one of the first representatives of this genre was the Japanese musician Jun Seba, known under the pseudonym Nujabes. Initially, his work became popular in Japan, but thanks to the development of the Internet, Lo-fi hip-hop found its fans all over the world, and the community of lovers of this genre continues to grow rapidly.

Later, George Kusunoki Miller, an Australian of Japanese descent, known under the pseudonym Joji, had a significant influence on the development and popularization of the genre. His work in the style of Lo-fi hip-hop became a kind of continuation of the genre, while acquiring new features and moving away from the roots of the original Lo-fi.

Joji, like other modern artists, uses intentionally reduced quality samples, creating a unique atmosphere of coziness and warmth in his tracks. Unlike the original Lo-fi, where protest and challenge to standards were key, modern works of this genre immerse the listener in a state of peace and tranquility.

Lo-fi hip-hop has acquired its own subculture – it is a kind of “closed club” available to everyone. Many online broadcasts with this music on YouTube gather millions of viewers. Chats under such broadcasts have become a place of communication, where people share their thoughts or simply support each other. The Japanese-style animations that accompany these broadcasts have become a hallmark and symbol of modern Lo-fi hip-hop, emphasizing its connection with Japanese traditions and culture.

A Brief History of Lo-Fi Music

To better understand the development of lo-fi music, it’s helpful to trace its evolution over the past few decades. The genre, which is hugely popular today, has come a long way from its humble roots to mainstream status. Let’s take a look at how lo-fi has evolved from its inception to the modern day.

2000s: The Birth of Lo-Fi

While lo-fi music has exploded in popularity relatively recently, its origins can be found in the early 2000s. The genre was pioneered by several prominent hip-hop artists who began experimenting with sounds, laying the groundwork for lo-fi to come. J Dilla and Nujabes are often cited as the founding fathers of the distinctive lo-fi sound, while MF Doom and Madlib also played significant roles in shaping the style. These artists brought elements to hip-hop that would later become the basis for lo-fi music: rough, unfinished sounds, atmospheric samples, and chill beats.

2010s: Explosion of Popularity on YouTube

Lo-fi music exploded in popularity in the 2010s thanks to YouTube. The platform became a place where fans of the genre could enjoy endless streams of lo-fi tracks 24/7. One of the pioneers of this movement was the channel ChilledCow, which began broadcasting in 2017. Over time, ChilledCow rebranded as Lofi Girl and gathered a huge audience of over 11 million subscribers. Other channels followed, offering their viewers endless playlists of “chill study beats” and similar relaxing music. Another popular channel was Chillhop Music, which attracted over 3 million subscribers. 2020s: Lo-fi Goes Mainstream.

With the rise of lo-fi, the genre has become an integral part of the global music scene. Many lo-fi artists have achieved international success. For example, Joey Pecoraro’s track “Finding Parking” was featured on Adele’s multi-platinum album “30”, indicating that lo-fi has entered the mainstream. Japanese singer and former YouTuber Joji, who began her career creating lo-fi music, now has over 30 million listeners on Spotify. Other famous lo-fi artists such as Eevee, Idealism, j^p^n, and Jinsang have also contributed significantly to the popularization of the genre.

Today, lo-fi is not just a style of music, but an entire culture uniting millions of listeners around the world.

How to Use Lo-Fi Music

Lo-fi music, with its characteristically relaxing sound, has become a popular choice for those who want to add a cozy and calming atmosphere to their content. This genre is great for a variety of different types of videos.

Creating a Relaxing Atmosphere

Lo-fi music is ideal for videos that aim to create a relaxing and calming atmosphere. For example, it is often used in content related to meditation, yoga, or a healthy lifestyle. Such a background allows viewers to better focus and relax, creating the right mood. Additionally, lo-fi tracks can be used in vlogs and live streams on platforms like Twitch, where they help create a relaxed atmosphere for interacting with the audience. An example is the Pick Up Limes channel, which complements its vegan recipe videos with this type of music.

Supporting Stylish and Creative Content

Lo-fi beats are often chosen for stylish videos where the emphasis is on visual and emotional aspects. They are suitable for a variety of topics, from exploring new places to showing off fashionable looks. Lo-fi perfectly complements such videos, adding softness and depth to them. Travel bloggers like Sam Calder often use lo-fi beats in their videos, where stunning shots of exotic places are perfectly combined with atmospheric music. Thus, lo-fi is a versatile tool that can be used to create different moods in your video content, be it calm and relaxation or style and sophistication.