With Spring fully with us now, I share Sakura Sketches 3 with you all. This is clearly a series now, following Sakura Sketches and Sakura Sketches 2. Thank you for embarking on this journey with me, welcoming the rebirth of nature.
Production of Sakura Sketches 3
The most difficult part of production is timing and getting into the mood. Cherry blossom is instant, 8-10 days every year. In order to prepare for it, I am getting into the sakura vibe weeks ahead of it, producing beats welcoming the season. But then, I have a few days and weeks to mix and master the beats. Last year, I produced the first set of beats, ‘Sakura Sketches’, and loved the output, so this year I was even more prepared. How?
I have collected samples for a year and put them on my phone. Migrated the whole project to Koala Sampler, enabling on-the-go vibing and producing at the same time. Lastly, I enhanced my pre-mixing practices to speed up mastering in Ableton Live.
The results were pretty rewarding. I have released 2 Sakura Sketches EPs this year, with 10 new beats. I find it amazing, especially since I did the majority of the work starting at the end of January to mid-February. Well, I hope you enjoy my beats, give them a spin and let me know.
Chillhop is a subgenre of instrumental hip-hop that blends jazz-influenced melodies, boom-bap drum rhythms, and warm, high-fidelity production to create relaxed, focus-friendly music. Unlike the “fuzzy” nostalgia of lo-fi, chillhop emphasises rather high-fidelity production, organic jazz instrumentation, and upbeat, boom-bap rhythms. It is a bit of the “daytime” alternative to lo-fi’s “late-night” aesthetic. I believe (and I am not alone with that) this combination makes chillhop perfect background music for activities like studying, working, or simply unwinding.
But what is below the surface? Let’s deepdive it. Written by an independent chillhop producer active in the European scene.
History in Short
Chillhop’s roots can be traced back to the early 1990s, when genres like downtempo and acid jazz laid the groundwork. Pioneering artists like Nujabes, J Dilla, and the now-iconic Lofi Girl (a popular YouTube channel known for its chillhop live streams) influenced the melodic and rhythmic foundations that modern chillhop producers build upon.
Since the mid-2010s, chillhop has grown alongside YouTube livestream culture and streaming playlists focused on study and productivity music.
What are the Key Characteristics of Chillhop?
I believe a signature chillhop sound is all about creating a relaxed vibe. Regardless of how you achieve it.
I mean, I tend to use laid-back beats: Often featuring simple (acoustic) drum loops with a focus on creating a steady groove rather than complex percussion. Also, I make sure to lower the tempo; there is no need to rush. I prefer instrumental over featuring vocals (if so, and rarely, then I use chops and snippets instead of complex and distracting vocals).
Smooth melodies: Chillhop melodies can come from various sources, like keyboards, samples, or even vocals that are chopped and looped to create a soothing effect. As mentioned above, I am in favour of keyboards as I learned them as a kid. I love using both electric piano and organ chords to boost the vibe.
Lastly, jazzy samples: Samples from jazz records are a staple in chillhop, adding a touch of sophistication and warmth to the music. Essentially, be mindful from a copyright perspective!
Chillhop Subgenres
Chillhop has spawned a variety of subgenres, each with its own twist. They are commonly mixed up due to not too many differences (in my point of view). But again, the further we go in, and the more artists feature and produce more beats, the clearer these lines will become.
A few (sub-)genres to mind in connection with chillhop:
Lofi: This subgenre incorporates elements of lo-fi aesthetics, often characterised by a slightly muffled or “dusty” sound.
Jazzhop: As the name suggests, jazzhop leans even heavier on jazz influences, incorporating more complex harmonies and improvisation.
Hip-hop & Electronic: These subgenres emphasise the respective influences more prominently, creating a sound that’s closer to traditional hip-hop or electronic music with a chillhop twist.
Downtempo: This subgenre focuses on slower tempos and a more chilled-out atmosphere.
Click on the links above to read my articles on the different genres. I promise I am doing my best to broaden the list of “wiki” type articles in the future.
Summing it up: chillhop’s versatility and ability to create a calming atmosphere make it a popular choice for background music. With its diverse subgenres and ever-evolving sound, chillhop is sure to continue captivating listeners for years to come.
An Artist’s Anatomy of a Chillhop Track
It is purely my approach, not for all, but here is my take: drums – embrace swing or offset. Chillhop, similarly to lofi might not always need to be 100% onset, which may make your beats sound more sterile (such as techno or house). I would also mention an electric piano or Rhodes as a melodic layer. If it is mixed well, it becomes the invisible sweetspot for your ears, creating that vibe we all seek. Lastly, don’t be afraid to give it a flip: unlike lofi, chillhop represents the present moment – let the listener be present, change beats, dare to use mid-tempo beats.
Chillhop vs. Lo-Fi Hip Hop – My Comparison
Feature
Chillhop
Lo-Fi Hip Hop
Audio Quality
Clean, High-Fidelity (Hi-Fi)
Distorted, Muffled, Tape Hiss
Musicality
Jazz-heavy, more complex chords
Simple loops, melancholic
Energy
Productive, “Sunny,” Upbeat
Sleepy, Nostalgic, “Rainy”, Night vibe
Key Instruments
Sax, Rhodes, Upright Bass, Electric Piano
Vintage samples, static, rain sounds
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chillhop copyrighted? While Chillhop is a musical genre and not a legal status, most professional tracks are copyrighted works that require licensing, though many artists specifically release “copyright-free” versions for streamers and creators.
Why is it called chillhop? The name came from “chill-out” and “hip-hop,” reflecting a genre that strips away the aggressive elements of traditional rap to focus on relaxed, melodic, and atmospheric instrumentals.
What is the best BPM for chillhop? There is no fixed tempo set, but this genre typically ranges between 80 and 95 BPM, a rhythmic “sweet spot” that maintains a steady head-nodding groove without becoming too fast for focused work or relaxation. Again, feel free to sometimes experiment, which gives a fresh view to your EP or LP.
Any other questions? Let me know via any of my social media platforms. I am looking forward to answering your questions.
Picture yourself in a cozy armchair, with a steaming cup of coffee, enveloped by the soothing melodies of lofi or chillhop music. But which genre should you choose? While many listeners use the terms interchangeably, there is a distinct melodic showdown happening under the surface. Let’s delve into the distinctions between lofi and chillhop.
Distinguishing Lofi from Chillhop
These genres, often mistaken for one another, have carved a special niche in the hearts of music lovers worldwide. As both offer a calming soundtrack to our daily lives, we tend to overstep the little differences.
But what exactly is the difference between lofi hip hop and chillhop? Is chillhop considered lofi? In short: Yes. While it has grown into its own brand, most experts agree that chillhop is a subgenre of lofi that emphasizes higher production quality and cleaner jazz influences.
Technically, while they share a “chill” DNA, they are clearly distinct subgenres. Chillhop is often considered a subgenre of lofi, but it has evolved into its own polished ecosystem with unique production characteristics.
Starting with Lofi
The history of lofi hip hop traces back to the “godfathers” of the scene: J Dilla and Nujabes. Derived from “low-fidelity,” it emerged from the underground hip-hop scene in the early 2000s as a DIY, minimalist movement. Its primary characteristics include intentional sound degradation – think vinyl crackle, tape hiss, and muffled “dusty” samples.
In terms of lofi vs chillhop production style, lofi is much more raw. The lofi BPM is generally slower, ranging from 70 to 90 BPM. This minimalist style fosters tranquillity, making it an ideal companion for tasks requiring deep concentration. I also dwelled in the genre many years before and kept producing beats with PO-33 KO and other tools around the clock.
I’ve always been drawn to the raw, minimal and ‘unpolished’ nature of lofi. In my own project, Latte Chill, I often lean into the ‘ars poetica’ of this very minimalism. For tracks like ‘Sunday Morning’ or my ‘Stay Home’ LP, I focus on that intentional sound design – using tools like the Izotope Vinyl or, later, the PO-33 KO to keep the beats gritty and grounded in that early 2000s underground feel.
What about Chillhop?
Chillhop shares some core elements with lofi but maintains a slightly more polished and upbeat feel. The history of chillhop solidified in the mid-2010s through the rise of digital curators – among those, the most probably known was the Dutch label Chillhop Music (famous for the Raccoon mascot).
When looking at lofi vs chillhop musical characteristics, chillhop places a much stronger emphasis on “clean” jazz vibe and soul influences. The chillhop BPM is often faster, sitting between 80 and 110 BPM. Unlike lofi, which embraces “imperfection,” chillhop offers a vibrant, high-fidelity experience with crisp drums and live-sounding instrumentation like the Rhodes piano. This makes it more suitable for creative endeavours or social gatherings.
While I love the grit of lofi, I also explore the ‘cleaner’ side of the spectrum. For my ‘Sakura Sketches’ release, I moved closer to the chillhop production style, prioritising crisper melodies and, in some songs, a more vibrant, ‘upbeat’ atmosphere. This is the beauty of the Latte Chill project – it’s a playground where I can switch between the muffled nostalgia of lofi and the melodic ‘coffee shop’ energy of chillhop.
Key Artists and Labels: Who to Listen To?
To truly understand the lofi vs chillhop music difference, you have to listen to the pioneers. If you’re building a lofi vs chillhop playlist, these are, to my point of view, the essential names:
First ones – Artists like Jinsang and Kudasaibeats defined the dusty, nostalgic lofi sound. On the other side, L’Indécis and Philanthrope (often found on Chillhop Records) represent the cleaner, jazz-forward side of the spectrum.
The “Modern Wave” – This is where my own project, Latte Chill, lives. I try to bridge the gap by taking that raw, DIY lofi energy and mixing it with the melodic, “clean” instrumentation found in chillhop.
While both genres have their distinct personalities, they share a common goal: to evoke a sense of calm and well-being in their listeners.
Studies, on the other hand have shown that lofi and chillhop can reduce stress and anxiety, and even improve focus.
Jazz Hop vs Chillhop vs Lofi
Where does Jazz Hop fit in? Think of Jazz Hop as the most traditional form, focusing heavily on live-sounding horn samples and swing rhythms. Chillhop takes those jazz influences but adds modern, electronic production. Lofi strips it all back to a raw, repetitive loop designed for sleep or study.
Jazz Influences: Sampling vs. Live Vibes
A major part of the lofi vs chillhop music difference comes down to how they handle jazz to my point of view. Since both genres are rooted in Jazz Hop in a way, they share a love for 7th chords and soulful melodies in many songs (and beats) – but their execution is worlds apart.
Lofi jazz samples, on the one hand, are samples where jazz is usually sampled from old records and then “punished” with effects. Producers use low-pass filters to remove the high frequencies, making the horns and pianos sound like they are playing in the room next door. This creates that “dreamy” or “underwater” feeling iconic to lofi hip hop characteristics.
On the other side, chillhop jazz instrumentation often moves away from “dusty” samples in favour of cleaner jazz influences. You are more likely to hear a crisp, high-fidelity Rhodes piano or a lead saxophone that sounds like it’s being played live in a lounge. This is a key characteristic of chillhop music – it feels “present” and “bright” rather than distant and nostalgic.
After all these, let me try summing it up based on desktop research and my own experience.
Technical Comparison: Lofi vs. Chillhop at a Glance
If you are looking for a quick summary of the lofi vs chillhop music difference, this table breaks down the production styles and technical choices that define each sound.
The Aesthetic Duel: Lofi Girl vs. Chillhop Raccoon
I believe it is another area worth mentioning here: the lofi vs chillhop difference isn’t just audio; it’s often visual as well. The lofi vs chillhop aesthetic is defined by two iconic brands:
Lofi Girl, which represents the quintessential lofi aesthetic – a student studying in a bedroom, usually in a 90s anime (Studio Ghibli) style. Clinging a bell? You must have met her thousands of times on YouTube.
Chillhop Records, on the other hand, comes with their “Raccoon” mascot, which represents a more “outdoorsy” lifestyle – cosy cabins in the woods, autumn leaves, and modern illustrations.
In my small case, I remained at film (and film vibe) photography as I can only draw ermines. One day, maybe I will show them to you. Till then, well, I hope you appreciate my moody images around the world being part of the Latte Chill project.
Lofi vs Chillhop – Latte Chill Beats
In conclusion, as a producer, I’ve dedicated myself to crafting smooth and mellow melodies that seamlessly blend elements of both lofi and chillhop. By understanding the nuances between these genres, we can appreciate the diverse musical landscapes they offer.
Thanks for reading my article. I hope you found it interesting as well as enjoyed listening to my beats.
