Unlocking the True Value of Free Sample Packs: A Legal Insight for Lofi Producers Introduction In the realm of music production, the allure of free sample packs is undeniable. They offer a treasure trove of unique sounds and beats that can serve as the foundation or the finishing touch to a composition. However, like any treasure, there are keys to unlocking its true value. One such key is understanding the legal landscape surrounding the use of these freebies. Not all free sample packs are created equal – some come with strings attached that could entangle you in legal woes. This artic ..read more

Lofi Legacy: How Jazz and Soul Mold the Lofi Soundscape Introduction Lofi hip-hop, with its soothing beats and tranquil vibes, has become a beloved genre for many. But what gives lofi its distinctive sound? It’s the subtle whisper of jazz and soul running through its veins. Both jazz and soul have a rich history of expressing emotions through intricate melodies, complex chords, and heart-thumping rhythms. When you start peeling back the layers of a lofi track, you’ll often stumble upon the essence of jazz and soul, wrapped in a modern beat. Now, if you’re a lofi producer or a curious ca ..read more

7 Jazz Piano Chords That Sound Great for LoFi Hip Hop Update: As of writing this, LoFi Weekly released a cheat sheet for lofi piano chords named, “Jazzy Piano Chords for LoFi Hip Hop.” This 2 page cheat sheet gives you 6 lofi chords that apply to any root note giving you infinite variations. If you’re a producer looking to create your own lofi samples, look no more! You said, “Jazz Piano Chords?” Producers describe jazz chords when talking about lofi hip hop, but what does that mean? How do you play jazz chords? While jazz chords, progressions, and notes may seem complex, we’re here to mak ..read more

An Overview of LoFi Plugins: RC-20 and Lounge Lizard Intro to XLN RC-20 Retro Color XLN Audio’s RC-20 was a best kept secret in the producer community for awhile. You either were amazed by the functionality of RC-20 or had no idea it exists, there was really no in-between. Over the last 12 or so months it’s become a staple, go-to plugin within the production community. RC-20 excels in its ability to give an analog-modelled warmth (along with countless other) to any sound you put through the plugin.  I only recently purchased RC-20 on Sweetwater (available here) during the Black Frid ..read more

Analog Synthesis for Lofi Hip Hop Production We talkin’ bout synthesizers? Analog synthesizers have made a huge comeback in recent years, especially in the realm of lofi hip hop production. The warm, organic tones of analog synthesizers are well suited to the lo-fi aesthetic, and they can be used to create a wide range of sounds, from classic retro sounds to more modern and experimental tones. By understanding the fundamentals of analog synthesis, producers can create some truly unique and inspiring patches for lofi hip hop. Analog synthesizers are devices that generate sound electron ..read more

Exploring Soulful Chord Progressions for Lo-fi Hip Hop We talkin’ bout soulful chord progressions? The sounds of soul music are as timeless as music itself. With its roots in gospel and blues, it has been a staple in popular music for decades, and its impact on musical culture can still be felt today. Soulful chord progressions have been used by countless artists to craft timeless classic hits and are an integral part of the genre. A chord progression is a sequence of chords that gives a song its overall structure. In soul music, chord progressions often focus on the raw emotion of th ..read more

5 Common Mistakes Lofi Hip Hop Producers Should Avoid We talkin’ bout, “mistakes?” Lofi hip hop is a laid-back genre that welcomes any music producer (and listener) who loves nostalgia and chill vibes. To keep growing as a producer and make your best beats ever, there are a few common mistakes to avoid when generating ideas, choosing sounds and mixing your track. Here are the 5 most common mistakes you should avoid as a lofi hip hop producer: Poor-quality samples Boring and depressing chord sequences Generic sound design Over-processing Making music for the algorithm In this blog po ..read more

Creative Mixing Tips to Spice Up Your LoFi Tracks We talkin’ bout, “Mixing Tips?” With its ever-increasing popularity, it looks like the internet sensation of lo-fi hip-hop is here to stay.  Combining elements from hip-hop, chill-out and jazz music, these dusty drum beats and sweet synth melodies are perfect to relax to. With a now massive number of lo-fi producers, how can you make your music stand out from the crowd? This article will explore some creative mixing techniques to take your tracks to the next level. Changing Tone with EQ Automation There are a variety of inte ..read more

J Dilla: The GodFather of LoFi Hip Hop We talkin’ bout, “J Dilla? Jay Dee? The Greatest?” J Dilla was born James Yancey in Detroit, Michigan. He had an opera singer for a mother and a jazz bassist for a father. Like many other artists, this early introduction to music being played around the house contributed a lot to why J Dilla fell in love with music. After forming Slum Village with his friends, J Dilla took a keen interest in beat-making and would spend long periods in the basement producing beats. The rest is history… Early Career J Dilla’s career kicked off when Slum Villa ..read more

The Best Saturation Plugins for LoFi Hip Hop We talkin’ bout, “Saturation?” Within lofi hip hop, there various characteristics and nuances that are used when creating tracks. One of the main elements of lofi hip hop is saturation. The origins of saturation are firmly in the analog aesthetic of the genre, especially tape saturation. Technically, saturation is when the decimal level is compressed, creating soft clipping. The audible result creates a fuzzy overload, consolidating distortion, phasing, compression, and pitch irregularities. To re-create saturation, you thankfully don’t nee ..read more