How to Enjoy Lo-Fi Music: A Guide for Beginners
Lo-fi music is a genre of music that uses low-fidelity sounds and production techniques to create a warm and nostalgic atmosphere. Lo-fi music is often used for relaxing, studying, or working, as it can help reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance focus. In this article, I will show you how to make your own lo-fi music, introduce you to some of the best lo-fi artists, and explain the benefits of listening to lo-fi music. Let's get started!
How to make lo-fi music
Making lo-fi music is not as hard as you might think. You don't need expensive equipment or professional skills to create your own beats and melodies. All you need is some basic software, a microphone, a MIDI controller keyboard, and some creativity. Here are the steps to follow:
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Using the right equipment
The first thing you need to do is download digital music software for your computer. You can use any program that allows you to record, edit, and mix audio tracks. Some popular programs to choose from include FL Studios, Garageband, Logic Pro, and Ableton. Pick a program that suits your budget and preferences.
Next, you need to get a USB microphone if you want to record vocals or live instruments. Get a good quality microphone that can plug into your computer through the USB port so you can sing or play over your music. Pick a microphone that has multiple settings, such as cardioid and omnidirectional so you can record sounds in different ways.
Finally, you need to use a MIDI controller keyboard to play the notes yourself. MIDI controllers are keyboards that plug into your computer so you can record directly into your song files. The controller and software allow you to program sounds and record samples to use in your music. Aim to get something with at least 30 keys so you can play in different octave ranges.
Making a beat
The beat is the backbone of your lo-fi song. It sets the tempo, rhythm, and mood of your track. To make a beat, you need to use the drums instrument in your software and open the piano roll. The piano roll is where you can create and place notes on a grid that corresponds to different drum sounds.
A typical lo-fi beat has a slow and relaxing tempo between 70-100 beats per minute (BPM). You can adjust the tempo on your software by using the metronome function. Once you set the tempo, don't change it while you're working.
To make a simple lo-fi beat, you need to add snares on every second and fourth beat of each measure. Then add kicks on every first beat and on some third beats for variation. You can also add hi-hats on every eighth note or every other eighth note for more groove. You can experiment with different drum sounds and patterns until you find something that sounds good.
Writing melodies
The melody is the main tune of your lo-fi song. It usually consists of chords and notes played by instruments such as piano, guitar, synth, or saxophone. To write a melody, you need to use the MIDI controller keyboard and choose an instrument sound from your software.
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A common feature of lo-fi melodies is that they use simple chords and scales that evoke positive emotions and nostalgia. For example, you can use make your melody sound more natural and human. Third, use some dissonance and tension in your harmony. Dissonance is when you use notes that clash with each other, creating a sense of conflict and drama. Tension is when you use notes that are not part of the chord, creating a sense of anticipation and resolution. You can use dissonance and tension sparingly to add some spice and interest to your melody.
Adding effects
The final step in making lo-fi music is adding effects to your tracks. Effects are modifications that alter the sound quality and character of your music. Some common effects used in lo-fi music are reverb, delay, distortion, compression, and EQ.
Reverb is an effect that simulates the sound of a space, such as a room, hall, or cathedral. It adds depth and ambience to your music, making it sound more spacious and realistic. You can adjust the reverb settings on your software to change the size, decay, and color of the space.
Delay is an effect that repeats the sound after a certain time interval, creating an echo effect. It adds movement and rhythm to your music, making it sound more dynamic and lively. You can adjust the delay settings on your software to change the time, feedback, and modulation of the echo.
Distortion is an effect that adds noise and saturation to the sound, creating a gritty and lo-fi quality. It adds warmth and character to your music, making it sound more vintage and nostalgic. You can adjust the distortion settings on your software to change the amount, type, and tone of the noise.
Compression is an effect that reduces the dynamic range of the sound, making it more consistent and balanced. It adds loudness and punch to your music, making it sound more powerful and professional. You can adjust the compression settings on your software to change the threshold, ratio, attack, and release of the compression.
EQ is an effect that boosts or cuts certain frequencies of the sound, making it more clear and pleasant. It adds brightness and color to your music, making it sound more polished and refined. You can adjust the EQ settings on your software to change the gain, frequency, and bandwidth of the EQ.
Best lo-fi music artists
Now that you know how to make lo-fi music, you might want to listen to some of the best lo-fi artists for inspiration and enjoyment. Lo-fi music has a long and rich history, dating back to the 1980s when artists such as Daniel Johnston and R. Stevie Moore recorded their songs on cassette tapes using cheap equipment. Since then, lo-fi music has evolved into various subgenres and styles, such as indie rock, hip hop, ambient, vaporwave, and chillhop. Here are some of the best lo-fi artists you should check out:
Daniel Johnston
Daniel Johnston was one of the pioneers of lo-fi music in the 1980s. He was a singer-songwriter who recorded his songs on cassette tapes using a boombox and a toy keyboard. His songs were raw, honest, and emotional, often dealing with themes such as love, loneliness, mental illness, and spirituality. He influenced many artists such as Kurt Cobain, Beck, Tom Waits, and Lana Del Rey. Some of his best songs are "True Love Will Find You in the End", "Walking the Cow", "Some Things Last a Long Time", and "Life in Vain".
R. Stevie Moore
R. Stevie Moore was another pioneer of lo-fi music in the 1980s. He was a multi-instrumentalist who recorded his songs on cassette tapes using various instruments and devices. His songs were eclectic, experimental, and humorous, often blending genres such as rock, pop, folk, jazz, and electronic. He influenced many artists such as Ariel Pink, John Maus, Mac DeMarco, and Animal Collective. Some of his best songs are "I Like to Stay Home", "Chantilly Lace", "Why Should I Love You?", and "Play Myself Some Music".
The Microphones
The Microphones was a lo-fi indie rock project by Phil Elverum in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He recorded his songs on analog tape using guitars, drums, keyboards, and various objects. His songs were atmospheric, poetic, and epic, often exploring themes such as nature, memory, death, and love. He influenced many artists such as Mount Eerie, Sufjan Stevens, Bon Iver, and Fleet Foxes. Some of his best songs are "The Moon", "The Glow Pt. 2", "I Want Wind to Blow", and "I Felt Your Shape".
Joji
Joji is a lo-fi hip hop artist who rose to fame in the mid-2010s. He was formerly known as Filthy Frank, a YouTube comedian who created absurd and offensive videos. He switched to making music under the name Joji, producing his songs on his laptop using keyboards, samples, and vocals. His songs are melancholic, soulful, and catchy, often dealing with themes such as love, heartbreak, loneliness, and depression. He influenced many artists such as Billie Eilish, Post Malone, Lil Nas X, and Clairo. Some of his best songs are "Slow Dancing in the Dark", "Yeah Right", "Sanctuary", and "Run".
TV Girl
TV Girl is a lo-fi pop duo that emerged in the early 2010s. They consist of Brad Petering and Jason Wyman, who make their songs on their computers using keyboards, samples, guitars, and vocals. Their songs are upbeat, nostalgic, and witty, often sampling old songs from the 1960s and 1970s and adding clever lyrics about modern romance and culture. They influenced many artists such as Still Woozy, Gus Dapperton, Boy Pablo, and Dayglow. Some of their best songs are "If You Want It", "Birds Don't Sing", "Lovers Rock", and "Cigarettes Out the Window".
Benefits of lo-fi music
Besides being fun and enjoyable to listen to or make lo-fi music also has many benefits for your mental and physical health. Lo-fi music can help you:
Improve your mood
Lo-fi music can make you feel happier and more relaxed by stimulating the release of dopamine and serotonin in your brain. These are neurotransmitters that regulate your mood, motivation, and pleasure. Lo-fi music can also reduce the levels of cortisol in your body. This is a hormone that causes stress, anxiety, and depression. By listening to lo-fi music you can boost your mood and well-being.
Reduce your stress
Lo-fi music can help you cope with stress by lowering your blood pressure and heart rate. These are indicators of your physiological arousal and nervous system activity. Lo-fi music can also calm your mind by distracting you from negative thoughts and emotions. By listening to lo-fi music you can relax your body and mind.
Enhance your focus
Lo-fi music can help you improve your focus by blocking out distracting noises and creating a consistent background sound. This can help you concentrate on your tasks without being interrupted by external stimuli. Lo-fi music can also stimulate your brain waves by matching the frequency of your alpha waves. These are brain waves that occur when you are alert but relaxed. By listening to lo-fi music you can increase your attention span and productivity.
Boost your creativity
Lo-fi music can help you unleash your creativity by inspiring you with new ideas and perspectives. Lo-fi music can also challenge you to think outside the box by exposing you to different genres and styles. Lo-fi music can also encourage you to experiment with different sounds and techniques by giving you a low-pressure and fun environment. By listening to or making lo-fi music you can expand your imagination and expression.
Conclusion
Lo-fi music is a genre of music that uses low-fidelity sounds and production techniques to create a warm and nostalgic atmosphere. Lo-fi music is often used for relaxing, studying, or working, as it can help reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance focus. You can make your own lo-fi music by using the right equipment, making a beat, writing melodies, and adding effects. You can also listen to some of the best lo-fi artists such as Daniel Johnston, R. Stevie Moore, The Microphones, Joji, and TV Girl. Lo-fi music has many benefits for your mental and physical health, such as improving your mood, reducing your stress, enhancing your focus, and boosting your creativity. Lo-fi music is a great way to enjoy music and express yourself.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about lo-fi music:
What are some popular lo-fi playlists?
There are many lo-fi playlists available on streaming platforms such as Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, and SoundCloud. Some of the most popular ones are:
Lo-Fi Beats: A playlist of instrumental lo-fi hip hop beats for relaxing and studying.
Lo-Fi Cafe: A playlist of chill lo-fi pop songs for coffee breaks and work sessions.
Lo-Fi Dreams: A playlist of dreamy lo-fi ambient songs for sleeping and meditating.
Lo-Fi Indie: A playlist of indie rock lo-fi songs for nostalgia and inspiration.
Lo-Fi Jazz: A playlist of jazzy lo-fi songs for groove and sophistication.
How can I find more lo-fi artists?
There are many ways to discover new lo-fi artists online. Some of the best ways are:
Browsing online communities such as Reddit, Discord, Facebook, and Twitter that are dedicated to lo-fi music. You can find recommendations, reviews, discussions, and links to new lo-fi artists and songs.
Following online radio stations such as Lofi Girl (formerly ChilledCow), Chillhop Music, College Music, and Steezyasfuck that stream lo-fi music 24/7. You can listen to curated mixes of lo-fi artists and songs from different genres and styles.
Using online tools such as Last.fm, Pandora, Spotify Radio, and YouTube Music that generate personalized recommendations based on your listening history and preferences. You can discover new lo-fi artists and songs that match your taste and mood.
What are some other genres similar to lo-fi?
Lo-fi music is a broad genre that encompasses many subgenres and styles. Some of the most similar genres to lo-fi are:
Vaporwave: A genre of electronic music that samples and manipulates old songs from the 1980s and 1990s, creating a nostalgic and surreal sound. Vaporwave often uses aesthetic elements such as glitch art, retro-futurism, and Japanese culture.
Chillhop: A genre of hip hop music that combines smooth jazz elements with downtempo beats, creating a relaxing and groovy sound. Chillhop often uses aesthetic elements such as anime, nature, and urban life.
Ambient: A genre of electronic music that focuses on creating atmospheric soundscapes rather than rhythmic structures, creating a soothing and immersive sound. Ambient often uses aesthetic elements such as space, nature, and spirituality.
How can I share my lo-fi music with others?
If you want to share your lo-fi music with others online, you have many options to choose from. Some of the best options are:
Uploading your lo-fi music to streaming platforms such as Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, and SoundCloud. These platforms allow you to reach a large and diverse audience of music lovers and creators. You can also monetize your lo-fi music by enabling ads or subscriptions on your streams.
Submitting your lo-fi music to online labels such as DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby. These labels allow you to distribute your lo-fi music to various streaming platforms and online stores. You can also earn royalties and keep the rights to your lo-fi music.
Joining online contests such as Splice, Looperman, and Indaba Music. These contests allow you to showcase your lo-fi music to other musicians and industry professionals. You can also win prizes and recognition for your lo-fi music.
What are some challenges of making lo-fi music?
Making lo-fi music can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, but it also comes with some challenges. Some of the most common challenges are:
Finding the right balance between low-fidelity and high-quality. Lo-fi music is supposed to sound imperfect and authentic, but not too noisy or distorted. You need to use the right amount and type of effects to achieve the desired lo-fi sound.
Staying original and creative. Lo-fi music is a popular and saturated genre, with many artists and songs sounding similar to each other. You need to find your own style and voice to stand out from the crowd and avoid plagiarism.
Getting feedback and exposure. Lo-fi music is a niche and underground genre, with limited mainstream appeal and support. You need to find the right platforms and communities to share your lo-fi music with others and get constructive feedback and exposure.
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to enjoy lo-fi music. Lo-fi music is a genre of music that uses low-fidelity sounds and production techniques to create a warm and nostalgic atmosphere. Lo-fi music is often used for relaxing, studying, or working, as it can help reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance focus. You can make your own lo-fi music by using the right equipment, making a beat, writing melodies, and adding effects. You can also listen to some of the best lo-fi artists such as Daniel Johnston, R. Stevie Moore, The Microphones, Joji, and TV Girl. Lo-fi music has many benefits for your mental and physical health, such as improving your mood, reducing your stress, enhancing your focus, and boosting your creativity. Lo-fi music is a great way to enjoy music and express yourself. 44f88ac181