Ever wondered what Chill Music is? If so, this article might be a good place for you. I’m not saying it is “The Ultimate Guide to Understanding the Genre” but I do my best to have a better overview on the genre. Got interested? Let’s get started!
The easy way: according to Wiki…
“Chill-out (shortened as chill; also typeset as chillout or chill out) is a loosely defined form of popular music characterized by slow tempos and relaxed moods. The definition of “chill-out music” has evolved throughout the decades, and generally refers to anything that might be identified as a modern type of easy listening. Some of the genres associated with “chill” include downtempo, classical, dance, jazz, hip hop, world, pop, lounge, and ambient.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chill-out_music
That’s it, end of the article.
Just kidding. Still, while I kind of like the definition, I wish to give a try and go a bit deeper. If you don’t mind reading a bit more about it.
Origins of chill music
According to many sources the genre first emerged in the 1990s as a sub-genre of electronic music. To be more specific: downtempo and trip-hop. So far no wonder at my end: this sub-genres are often mixed even in the ’00s.
On the other hand. it was characterized by its relaxed and mellow sound, often incorporating elements of jazz, soul, and hip-hop. This latter might not be the first thing to come to our mind in case of every electronica beats. Even in case of the slower ones. I believe, when it was first set (the elements of jazz and hip-hop fused with mellow vibe, this is when we may start talking about chill beats first). Again, this is only my point of view.
Anyways, what is certain: in the early 2000s, the popularity of chill music continued to grow. More and more people discovered its soothing and calming effects and therefore starting looking for it.
Here. I would add the fact that more and more people realised that music production is much easier now. More and more bedroom producers popped up. Furthermore the stream platforms (and social media) started to grow. So YouTube artists, music channels etc. started to become more and more trendy for indie artists (not only big shots).
Defining characteristics of chill music
So what exactly makes a song “chill”? What is the sorcery of chill vibe we all seek for?
There are several defining characteristics of the genre, including:
- Slow tempo – this genre is typically characterized by its slow and steady tempo, which creates a sense of relaxation and calmness.
- Minimal vocals (or instrumental – more recently) – most chill songs feature minimal or no vocals at all. It kind of allows the music to speak for itself to my point of view.
- Ambient soundscapes – chill Music often incorporates ambient sounds, such as nature sounds (birds, sea), in order to create a sense of atmosphere and tranquility. It helps us, listeners slow down and takes us away from the stress place (office, else) to a wider, open area. That reminds us having no troubles.
- Smooth melodies – lastly, the melodies in chill music are typically smooth and mellow, designed to soothe and calm the listener.
The future of chill music – What to expect?
Of course it is difficult to state anything. This paragraph will more feature my thoughts on the genre than anything else. Still, as the popularity of chill music continues to grow, I am expecting to see more and more artists experimenting with the genre. It subsequently means that we (artists) will push it in new directions as well as broadening the boundaries of chill. Remember? It was a sub-genre (inspired by other sub-genres) 30 years before. Now it is a full and trendy genre that is to offer new sub-genres.
What is certain: whether you’re looking for a way to relax after a hard day or simply wish to enjoy the chilled-out vibes, chill music will be the perfect genre for anyone who wants to unwind and escape the stresses of everyday life.
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