Latte Chill Music

Tag: chill music

Pokémon Day and chill music

Let’s celebrate Pokémon Day today on the 27th February. On this occasion, allow me to sum up my journey with Pokémon and reveal its connection to Latte Chill project and in general chill music.

What is Pokémon Day?

This day is the big day. In 1996, a few dreamers set a game off even Nintendo was not much supporting (according to many resources). Yet, it was released on Game Boy handheld consoles.

The game was about catching and collecting 151 monsters in balls and fight we them to become the best. And did they become?

Now, almost everyone on this planet knows about Pokémon. It grew into a phenomenon that conquered millions’ hearts.

In short today is the day when this game started its journey. And today is Pokémon Day, when the creators reveal the plans for this year. Keep following Pokémon channels on YouTube or simply read news late afternoon.

Pokémon and a kid fan

My journey with Pokémon started way before becoming a musician. I think it was around 1999 (maybe later?). But I am sure that it was a hot summer day in Faro (South-Portugal). We travelled there with my parents and my brother. He chose Mortal Kombat III. as a game in a shop and well. It was a small village with less choice. So I decided to go with a weird blue turtle with cannons on back. No idea what is game was all about…

And I started a journey. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was speaking English fairly good and dead interested in this game. Had many obstacles first but getting more and more clear. Soon I acquired Yellow edition as well (my brother got Red in the same time) and since then we played every single game until the Switch change. My brothers are still playing but for me, I am struggling to find the time. On the other hand I became obsessed with Pokémon Go, we play almost every day with my wife.

Pokémon Day and chill music

At the end you may ask, how is it connected to Latte Chill project and why am I writing here about it?

The short answer is: it is an inspirator for me. I started this (new) journey with Soul Silver in 2018 (check the songs above in the first YouTube playlist embed). I sampled Game Boy and Game Boy Advance notes and used arpeggiators to create a chiptune vibe refers to the old games. Of course, I replayed the game but without sound and after so many years I intended to compose songs that matches each town. Did I manage? I wonder – give them a spin.

I liked the project so much that I continued with Leaf Green (second YT embed) and Moon albums in 2019.

2020 has been a more dark and sad year to me. Maybe no wonder Orange (which refers to the added game of Leaf Green, the Sevii islands, mixed with the anime season 2); so no wonder this album became more dark then expected I guess.

On the bright side, I even performed some of the beats on my balcony back then in 2020.

2021 – an active year

I did not feel like wanting to continue in 2020. I give it a break and focused on other Latte Chill projects. In 2021 however many things changed: first, I bought a PO-33 KO, which became a gamechanger for music production.

Second, I bought an app called Koala Sampler, that a bit later became my second game changer for music production. I even questioned myself those days if my room is the right place to produce music.

I mean Pokémon games are all around portability: all games were published on handheld consoles so people can share the fun. No wonder Pokémon Go goes all the way because we can be out and easily have fun.

PO-33 KO and Koala Sampler enabled the same for me as a musician. So, I played with Pokémon Ultra Moon those days and decided the following: let me remake this game with new songs and the old ones sampled with my gadgets: this is how Ultra Moon and Ultra Sun were born.

I’m not saying these lofi beats are the best pokémon chill songs ever. Not at all, pretty experimental, but still, a new chapter for me.

Finally, I closed 2021 with Sapphire LP. Sapphire is again more dark than the Ultras, but I guess no wonder. I mean that game is in Alola, full of fun and sun. Whereas Sapphire is a great one, but goes up in the mountains to the rock bottom of water caves.

2022 came with one LP only: Ruby. It is the second half of Sapphire, almost like ending a great project.

What’s next?

Two things are sure.

First, every year we will have fun on Pokémon Day. Let’s enjoy it all across the World by playing this game with our friends and family members.

Second, that I will continue making more music inspired by the games. Keep in mind, I replay the game before working on a song. So it takes time for me, but I do my best.

If you are interested, follow this tag to see the up-to-date songs. Also don’t forget, I offer many songs free, so check the links above and follow me on my stream platforms to get more Latte Chill beats.

February 27, 2023
What are the Top Lofi Trends for 2023?

Looking for guidance on the top lofi trends for 2023? In this article I will give my best to guide you through upcoming styles so you can stay ahead of the curve!

Read them as my personal opinion based on 10+ years of lofi music production expertise and some knowledge on social media trends (and maybe more).

Increase in Hybrid Lofi Styles

Let’s start with the basics: What is hybrid lofi style?

In short I would say, it is when lofi is starting to embed other genres, creating a unique mix, where the warm vinyl vibe is still present, but you may not consider the song as a “regular” lofi beat anymore. Many of us to say it is an experimental process, some that ends up as a good result, while others remain interesting.

Many music fans and listeners have noticed an increase in hybrid lofi styles incorporating elements from different genres. In fact it is getting wilder and wilder. Whether it’s blending trap and dubstep or adding electronic beats to chillwave productions, producers are utilizing a wide array of sounds. As a result it gives an experimental twist to classic lofi vibes. And at the end it spices the scene.

The increase in hybrid styles shows the appetite for variety within the music space and therefore it is safe to assume that it will be one of the top 2023 trends.

Exploring Eastern Music Influence

Another instance for lofi trends for 2023 is the incorporation of Eastern music influences. It is not new that artists are utilizing Chinese, Japanese and other Eastern-tinged sounds to add new dimensions to their productions.

Whether it’s leveraging Eastern vocal samples or blending songs with Eastern instruments, us producers are exploring new creative directions to keep the genre alive and vibrant.

This trend on the other hand could open up a whole new sound world for anyone interested in exploring hybrid sounds. And at the end we can say, we are already covering the previous topic: experimenting with hybrid lofi styles within the genre.

Uptick in Live Streaming Content on YouTube and Twitch

Although I am not a fan of live DJing with lofi beats. The rise of live streaming content on Twitch and YouTube is another popular lofi trend that’s set to take off in 2023.

Personally I believe it started curving up somewhere in 2020 due to well, known reasons. We all had more time to stay at home and therefore more time on our hobbies.

Live streams provide a unique place for many talented lofi artists to showcase their beats and ultimately grow their audience.

Focus on Social Media

It is also connected to the previous topic that most artists are now focusing more on their Instagram channel and TikTok with short stories and even live talks can be found on social media.

Whether it is good or bad, that could be part of a much longer article. At the end I believe showing more from behind the scenes offers a better relationship between the artist and the audience. I think it helps rising fans to grow further.

Collaborations With Indie Artists on the Rise

Another trend that’s gaining traction in the lofi scene is more collaboration between indie artists. This trend provides an exciting opportunity for budding lofi artists to work with each other reaching out to both audiences. Regardless of the size of fans, this projects are usually enhances cooperation, builds on mutual learning and offers another chance to grow.

Expansion of Sub-Genres of Lofi Such as Cell-Fi, Chillhop, and Post-Lofi Sounds

Lastly, 2023 is set to be the year for experimentation and exploration of new sub-genres within lofi music. As I went over my thoughts on tendencies I see, it is clear that Social Media will dominate even more and bedroom producers will rise more efficiently.

I am expecting to see further developments in chillhop, a combination of lo-fi hip-hop and jazz that often incorporates elements from other genres like soul and funk.

Post-lofi is another popular phenomenon that has recently gained traction. It is difficult to clearly draw the differences to my point of view. But I have found others saying that it’s characterised by acoustic guitar chords layered over hip hop drums with spacious vocal layering.

Liked this article? Check my trend predictions for 2022 and evaluate them.

February 14, 2023
Lofi Music and Visual Art

Lofi music and visual art have been connected to each other ever since mankind gained the capacity to communicate creatively. And that did not happen yesterday. : )

I mean covers are the perfect examples, right? What makes it different in case of lofi genre, this is what I try to uncover in this article.

The Origins of the Lofi Music

As always I like to start from the roots. Let me spare some sentences for the genre itself. The origin of lofi music can be traced back to 1980s hip-hop scene. The genre began with a wave of sample-based production techniques by mainly DJs and producers. They blended jazz elements and melodies with other genres such as soul or funk.

As a result the listeners were treated with an eclectic yet homogenous sound back then. From there, producers began manipulating sounds on their own terms. They were able to create beats often monotonous on one side due to the samples kept repeating, on the other hand warm due to the nature of lofi vibe.

Today, lofi music is an established genre that encapsulates the creative freedom of bedroom production culture.

Relationship Between Lofi Music and Visual Art

As mentioned above music releases are often closely tied with a creative expression. In case of lofi music and visual art, this connection is especially apparent: visuals can be crafted and manipulated to create unique experiences that perfectly resonate with soundscapes.

Without going too deep into all the areas, I wish to mention some here I try to investigate for you later. One is definitely anime related. The Japanese visual art culture has been strongly effecting the genre since the very beginning thanks to Nujabes, who is one of the first lofi hip-hop artists along with J Dilla.

Next to anime I can the Simpsons can be mentioned as an often used design element by bedroom producers, which fairly makes sense for me. I mean the balance of West and East. Of course that is my idea only on this matter.

At the end we can state that the combination of colors, shapes, and textures encapsulate a mood and feeling that is part of the genre’s production concepts and aimed experience.

Emerging Trends in Lofi Art

As the lofi music and visual art scene continues to gain popularity steadily, new trends are emerging. Yes, it is not just the Simpsons and anime now.

On top of them, unique art covers are emerging especially since 2010s thanks to Lofi Girl and other records. Some are also working a lot on making an unique cover art design separating themselves from other artists not just music-wise (thanks to the number of lofi sub-genres, the possibilities are endless), but visually as well.

Nowadays I guess it is safe to state that there is a clear increase in experimentation and collaboration between both creators and collective outlets. I guess it also affects creativity when it comes to visuals.

Latte Chill’s lofi music and visual art

At the end, allow me to tell you some of my thoughts and concept on my releases. When I got into chill music (and then lofi), it was before 2010, therefore it was more of a new thing, less conceptual.

As I am crap in visual areas, my intend was to leverage on something I have more knowledge and comfortable with.

And my choice was lofi photography. This is a bit away from the cartoon or anime type of visual art, yet offers a warm vibe. I emphasized on understanding the roots of lo-fi as a phenomenon. I mean low-fidelity really comes from the fact that it is not over sharpened, not ultra clear, which kind of goes against the current wave of smartphone. On the other hand I do have a smartphone and make photos around the world, so am I able to find a way of displaying my photos so that they qualify to offer the vibe I wish to express?

I ran several experiments to find my taste using many apps, some listed here. At the end I stick to it since years now and here are some pros.

Finding your own taste

Creating your own photos and cover arts are taking much more time than ordering one. Yet, it costs definitely less. Another pro I wish to highlight here is copyright. You own your own photos, unlike the case when a cover artist is helping you.

On top of that you are expanding your creativity I guess. I learnt a lot on photo processing, photography and the use of my smartphone as well. Now actually I am learning on how to have the same vibe for videos as well.

Lastly, well, you build your own vibe. It might not be art of the big wave. None mentioned above. But if you steadily build your audience, I guess you will earn your efforts.

Again, I am not willing to persuade you to learn drawing or digital arts. I respect them more than anyone else. I am not nicking anime or the Simpsons pics for playlists, I consider them thievery. I put my efforts on the other hand to create something unique that is Latte Chill.

January 17, 2023