Ultra.
Over the past few years, a particular genre of music has subtly been weaving its way into the fabric of our daily lives—lofi. From study playlists to café backdropped videos and YouTube live streams, lofi music, sometimes called DIY music, has become the soundtrack of relaxation and focus for many. So much so that music publication PitchFork referred to it as one of the 25 defining microgenres of the past 25 years.
Unsurprisingly, many content creators have started incorporating it into their live streams, making it a beloved background music choice. In this blog post, we'll explore this music genre and why you should consider using it in your live stream. Plus, you'll learn how to add royalty-free Lofi music to your live stream with the help of Streamlabs Music.
Definition of Lofi Music
At its core, lofi, or low-fidelity music, thrives on imperfections. Contrary to mainstream polished music (or high-fidelity), lofi has a rawer aesthetic, often resulting from using less professional equipment to produce the music. Due to the lack of distracting lyrics and focus on soothing instrumentals, many find lofi tracks to be an ideal background for activities that require concentration. The repetitive and ambient nature of lofi provides a consistent, calming environment for the mind, promoting focus and relaxation.
The idea of "lofi" sound is not new. Artists like J Dilla, hailing from Detroit, created a bridge from traditional hip-hop to a more laid-back lofi aesthetic. A Japanese record producer, Nujabes, is notable for cementing the bond between lofi music and Japanese art, particularly his soundtrack for the anime Samurai Champloo. This merger of lofi beats and anime visuals remains an iconic pairing, especially on YouTube. In the past eight years or so, lofi music has been pioneered and popularized by anonymous artists and channels on YouTube, and by the looks of it won’t be slowing down anytime soon.
Why You Should Use Lofi Music on Live Stream
Lofi music allows listeners to immerse themselves in tasks, whether studying or reading. Of course, its simplistic nature makes it ideal for live streams. Below are a few reasons you should consider using lofi music in your live stream.
Ambient Background: Lofi music provides a consistent and ambient backdrop that doesn't distract from the primary content but complements it.
Audience Engagement: The calm and soothing nature of lofi music can keep viewers relaxed and engaged for longer durations.
Versatility: Lofi Music suits various streaming content categories, from gaming and arts & crafts to Just Chatting and study streams.
Avoids Distractions: Without dominating vocals, lyrics, or intense beats, lofi music allows viewers to focus on the streamer's voice and content.
Where to Find Lofi Music for Your Live Stream
At Streamlabs, we understand the essence of a great live stream, and music plays an instrumental role in that (no pun intended)—that's why we created Streamlabs Music. Dive into the tranquil world of lofi with our carefully curated extensive playlist, perfect for setting a laid-back and engaging atmosphere for your viewers. The best part? This playlist and all other playlists available through Streamlabs Music are DCMA-compliant and completely free, ensuring your streams are void of any potential takedown or copyright issues.
With its distinctive sound, lofi music has undeniably carved a special place in today's digital world. Whether studying, working, or streaming, it promises a consistent, mellow vibe that's hard to resist. For content creators, it's more than just background music—it's an additional tool to help you connect with your viewers.