Jazzhop is a genre of electronic music that combines elements of jazz and hip hop (surprisingly?). Its tracks often feature jazzy instrumentation, hip hop beats, and occasionally laid-back vocals.
Now, you literally know everything. Enjoy jazzy beats to the fullest. Still, let me show you some examples and dive a bit deeper.
The history of this genre is surprisingly short. It can be traced back to the early 1990s. In the early days, jazz-hop was often referred to as “acid jazz” or “downtempo.” We started referring it as jazzhop in the ’00s I believe. Some of the earliest pioneers include DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, Us3, and Thievery Corporation. Later many others such as Nujabes or The Roots and Miles Davis were considered to be one. Still, I believe it is a sub-genre and most artists have some songs that can be referred to as jazz-hop songs, while others are less like it.
Main characteristics
Jazzhop is typically characterized by its jazzy instrumentation and hip hop beats. The tracks often feature smooth saxophones, funky basslines, and occasionally soulful vocals.
A little lofi beat with vocals released as part of Stay Home LP in 2020.
Conclusion
Jazzhop is a diverse and evolving genre of electronic music. It is often used as background music for relaxation, studying, or working. With regard to trending, I believe it is likely to continue to grow in popularity in the years to come. Especially after these years and the current changes in work trends. I mean more and more people to work from home. WOrking in silence on the other hand is ineffective. I see an increasing trend and need for instrumental beats. Beats that boost home office and concentration in general. Jazzhop offers a perfect opportunity for this. Hopefully, more and more artists will rediscover this genre in the future and produce more dope beats. Let’s look forward to it.
In recent years, especially in the past ones, AI has been the biggest buzzword – so can we match it up with DAWless music production? Can I make a connection between my passion and the future? Let’s see.
As stated in several blog posts of mine and all over the blogs, the world of music production has seen a significant shift towards the use of technology and software in creating music. Personally, I believe it would be a shame if this field would not be progressing.
What is DAWless music production?
With the advent of digital audio workstations (DAWs), music production has become more accessible and affordable to everyone than ever before. I mean literally, you get a free DAW (Lite version) if you purchase a MIDI key or pad. Or simply scrolling the web with your eyes open (such as in 2020, there have been mass free discounts all over).
However, there has been a growing movement recently within the music production community towards dawless music production, which involves creating music without the use of a computer or software. One could say, we rediscover it, the era before PCs. Which is good, right?
Along with the fact that dawless music production has become increasingly popular in recent years. As a result, the musicians and producers explored new ways to create music using hardware synthesizers, drum machines, and samplers. Essentially, this way of music production evolves. Furthermore, more and more instruments become accessible to the mass audience, such as the budget Pocket Operators, like PO-33 and PO-128.
And by using physical hardware, producers can connect with their music in a more organic way, using their hands to manipulate knobs and faders to create unique sounds.
In the age of AI
On the other hand, as the world of music production continues to evolve, there is another technology that is having a significant impact on the industry: artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
AI and machine learning are new things. In a way difficult to evaluate their added value yet. They are being used in a variety of ways in music production, from generating melodies and harmonies to analyzing and processing audio files.
Benefits of using AI
I guess one of the most significant benefits of AI and machine learning in music production is their ability to automate repetitive tasks. In this way, fastening the process of production.
As an example, instead of spending hours programming a drum pattern, a producer can use an AI-powered drum machine that can generate complex rhythms. Just with a few clicks. Does it help? Definitely. Again, is it good? I wonder. A short personal story: I was pretty much crap with beats when I started working on my solo. I just did not have to work on this area while playing in the band. But in solo yes. So, I started reading about it. Checked blogs, and learned to manipulate samples. And these learning hours and sessions started to be part of my music production. If AI can do this, maybe my music would be completely different.
AI and machine learning can also help producers to explore new (musical) ideas, by generating melodies and harmonies that they may not have thought of otherwise.
Another area where AI and machine learning are having a significant impact is in the processing and analysis of audio files. This one I guess is much more sought development.
Why? Machine learning algorithms can be used to analyze audio files and identify specific elements, such as pitch and timbre. Translating it to everyday language: may help us mix and mastering better. As I mentioned above: the age of bedroom producers is here, but are we all able to finish our sketches the right way? You might be super good with melodies, and creative with samples – but making sure it sounds dope is another art.
Pros of AI with DAWless music production
Using AI tools – maybe I can consider Izotope’s Ozone assistant like that – to help finish the music mixing (and mastering). I personally believe it will not replace professional mastering. Never will. But that is tight for many pockets, whereas in the early stages, it might not even be necessary for any artists.
As for dawless music, it is even more of a threat. On-the-go (single record) music production is super cool and fun but having all EQs in the right place is more of a challenge.
Drawbacks of AI
However, there are also a couple of drawbacks to using AI and machine learning in dawless music production. One of the biggest concerns is that it could lead to a loss of creativity and human touch in the music. Remember my story above? The lack of knowledge pushed me to learn it. If AI can do it instead of me, why bother learning?
While these technologies can create music that is technically impressive, they may lack the emotional depth and expression that comes from human creativity. Not to mention intuition and the willingness to test wild things.
Furthermore, some people may argue that using AI and machine learning in music production is simply a way to replicate what has already been done before. And personally, I believe it is right. An algorithm has a mass pack of pre-made ideas. It may be able to synthesize them, to mix them, but this is the limit right now to my best knowledge.
These people are also worried that it could lead to a homogenization of music, where all songs sound the same because they are generated using the same algorithms.
Despite these concerns, many experts believe that AI and machine learning have the potential to revolutionize the way music is created in the future. As these technologies continue to evolve and improve every day. As more and more solutions are popping up, we may see a new generation of musicians who are able to create entirely new sounds and styles of music using the power of AI and machine learning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I have to say that no artist can ignore this phenomenon. Let it be dawless or not. The world of dawless music production is rapidly evolving thanks to recent trends. AI and machine learning technologies could add a boost to it. Especially the mixing part.
While there are both benefits and drawbacks to using AI, the potential for them to revolutionize the way music is created is undeniable. The question is if you are able to leverage it while growing and getting better as an artist.
Chillwave is a microgenre of chill music that emerged in the late 2000s and early 2010s. It is often characterized by a dreamy and nostalgic sound similar to lofi in general but it often incorporates elements of 1980s pop/electropop and R&B music.
On top of the electronic vibe and ’80s VHS elements, some chillwave beats consist of lo-fi production techniques. They are not the same tempo and therefore I believe it is not the same warmth vibe they are offering, but from EQ’s perspective, they are similar.
According to some desk research artists associated with the genre include Washed Out, Neon Indian, and Toro y Moi. But I have to be honest, I am not aware of all of them. So I also spend the time of this research (and while writing this article) with listening to them!
Why did it become popular?
The micro/sub-genre was popularized through several online music blogs and social media platforms. In the end, many chillwave artists gained a following through self-releasing their music on the internet – which was quite OK by that time (Myspace, Bandcamp, YouTube).
The popularity of the genre on the other hand (at least from my point of view) has waned in recent years. Still good to see that some artists continue to produce music in the chillwave style.
Characteristics of Chillwave
Chillwave is a subgenre of chill music (but we are safe to say it is part of electronic music in a way). The genre offers a dreamy and nostalgic feel, often featuring heavily manipulated mellow vocals, reverb-drenched guitars, and super vintage synthesizers. The base usually consists of sampled drum machines offering a true retro vibe. From a tempo perspective, it is more moderate (moderate-to-low).
As mentioned already, chillwave is famous for its use of lo-fi production techniques. They give the music a hazy, washed-out, low-bass sound imitating vinyl. No wonder I guess that this genre is often associated with a specific visual aesthetic. I mean it draws heavily from the visual culture of the 1980s. This way the visuals strengthen the retro vibe of the audio as well with elements such as neon lights and VHS tapes.
