Sometimes imperfections feel perfect. Lo-fi (also spelled lofi or low-fi; short for low fidelity) music is a type of music in which elements that are usually considered flaws in a recording or performance are audible, sometimes as a deliberate aesthetic choice, but on YouTube channels like ChillHop music or DreamyCow, those “mistakes” become an intentional part of the listening experience. Listeners from all around the world listened to the Livestream for hours on end, and the channels grew in popularity as the pandemic progressed.
Lofi hip-hop is here to stay. Lofi hip-hop is a friendly arena for aspiring musicians due to its low barrier to entry, high accessibility, and repeat value. Powfu, a Canadian singer and songwriter, burst into lofi with his TikTok hit “Death Bed (Coffee for Your Head),” which received over 4.1 billion plays in March and has been featured in over 5.5 million videos this year.
The term “low-fi” was coined in the 1950s when a new generation of amateur musicians began creating recordings on a shoestring budget. Somewhere along the line, the lo-fi aesthetic became highly associated with youth and artists intentionally began to record songs using low-quality material to appeal to younger audiences. The term “lo-fi” was coined in the 1980s and 1990s to describe a subculture of underground indie rock bands that began recording their songs at home using four-track equipment.
Lo-fi aesthetics were at the heart of the chillwave and hypnagogic pop music genres in the late 2000s, and more recently, the chill-hop music genre that has captivated audiences. The anime look and the nostalgia associated with it became inextricably linked to the Lo-fi genre. This new “chillwave,” which is paired with vintage anime images, leverages nostalgia as a compelling aesthetic that can keep you wondering for hours.
So why is lo-fi music so popular? There are numerous reasons why fans of the genre are drawn to it. The ability to “see” and “feel” is essential to be a good listener or a great artist, because creativity comes from deeply felt emotions. Lo-fi is a comforting response to a world that is nervous and burned out. As a result, music could be better comprehended via the lens of empathy. This music is best used to arouse the minds while for cognitive development. Students use this music to keep up studies during all-nighters.
Many people are looking for music to provide a soundtrack to their lives. They want music that expresses how they feel, how they live, and what they experience. Sometimes imperfections feel perfect.
Written by Malhar Kulkarni
Image Credits : Pinterest
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