What does lo-fi mean in music? — Lofi Panda Radio

Lo-fi, short for “low-fidelity,” is a term used to describe a style of music characterized by its raw, unpolished sound. Lo-fi music is often associated with hip hop, jazz, and electronic music, and is defined by its use of low-quality recordings, distorted samples, and analog production techniques.

Origins of Lo-fi Music

Lofi music has its roots in the underground music scenes of the 1980s and 1990s. It emerged as a reaction to the high production values and glossy sound of mainstream music, and was embraced by artists who were looking for a more authentic and gritty sound.

One of the earliest examples of lofi music is the boom bap style of hip hop, which emerged in the 1980s and 1990s. Boom bap is characterized by its use of old school samples, raw drum beats, and scratchy vinyl records, and has had a lasting influence on the development of lofi music.

Lofi also has roots in the jazz tradition, where musicians would often use low-quality recordings and simple equipment to capture the raw, live sound of their performances. This approach was embraced by artists such as Miles Davis and John Coltrane, who sought to capture the energy and spontaneity of their music.

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