How Lofi Beats Saved My Life

An ode to Lofi and its contribution to countless sub-cultures

I don't remember the first time I heard a "lofi type beat". I don't remember where I was when I first heard one. However, there's still a sense of nostalgia that comes over me when I hear any lofi beat for the first time. There are notable styles and aesthetics that help to define a beat or song as a lofi one. I, like so many others, find comfort and motivation in a lofi stream or playlist on YouTube. They help me get going and even help me sleep and relax. I'm sure you can relate when I say that lofi has a way of making you feel better while simultaneously reminding you of something beautiful from your unknown past.

A universally psychological journey begins when you listen to lofi. It's more than music, it's peace. So it's not too forward for me to say that lofi kind of saved my life. The characteristic combination of messy, jazzy boom bap drums, funky bass lines, and beautiful melodies creates a perfect vibe, and reveals a space between chaos and calm. In an ode to lofi and all the wonderful things it's capable of, here are a few things I love about lofi and its timeless contribution to international sub-cultures.

Artwork

IYKYK. There's something about the artwork/thumbnails on lofi beat playlists, live streams, and other media forms. It pulls you in. The crazy thing is, it doesn't even need to be one particular niche, nor does it need to be a depiction of a real place. It can be a coffeeshop in the middle of a forest. It could be a depiction of an anime character studying away while their pet sits nearby. It could also be as simple as a still image of a mountain face surrounded by snow and stars. Whatever the image is, it brings more value to the music. The illustration or animation enhances the presence of the music. As I say, "The image shows you the destination. The music takes you there."

Aesthetic

Lofi is one of those genres that gives you a visual aesthetic purely in its sonic medium. Lofi is like the wind, you can feel it, but you can't quite touch it. When you listen to any kind of lofi beat (chillhop, jazz, even R&B and soul), you can feel like you're mentally traveling to a comfortable and peaceful place you may have never even experienced before. Yet, it still has a calming presence about it that allows you to perform productive tasks while you have lofi playing in the background.

Sub-Cultures

I briefly mentioned a few sub-genres of the lofi umbrella: chillhop, jazz, R&B, soul. However there's so many more that do the same job, just with a few different approaches. There's the garage mix that is characterized by the use of "techno" and "ambient" instruments. Think of the score to a scene of Iron Man building a new machine. This kind of lofi is perfect for all the same reasons other lofi sub-genres are. You can work, study, and remain motivated through your tasks.

For evenings when I just need some relaxation and to unwind, I prefer a good lofi R&B/neo-soul playlist. Maybe something like the Soul Vibes Vol. 1 Playlist from Naturnal (super shameless plug!). Seriously though, you know what I'm talking about. Lofi and every sub-culture and category of genres that can be blended with Lofi makes the possibilities endless.

In Closing

I know I'm speaking to the choir with this one. But I just had to give my side of a story I don't really see getting the appreciation it deserves. Lofi has probably saved many of us a sleepless night. Lofi has probably given you the space to be yourself by yourself. Lofi has probably calmed many a stressful mind. Lofi probably helped you pass that final. Whatever Lofi has done for us so far, I doubt the end is in sight as long as we continue to feed our souls with its message: everyone is welcome here.