In the last five years searches for Lofi music have surged by 345% on Google, so what's driving this genre explosion and how can independent artists take advantage of this trend?
Source. Exploding Topics.
Here are 5 possible reasons for the growth in Lofi Music.
Pandemic and Remote Work: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in remote work and studying, with many people seeking background music that is calming and non-distracting. Lofi music, known for its relaxed beats and soothing melodies, fits this need perfectly, creating an ideal ambience for concentration and productivity.
Mental Health and Relaxation: There is growing awareness of mental health and the importance of stress relief. Lofi music is often used for relaxation and anxiety reduction, making it popular among those looking to unwind or create a peaceful environment.
Social Media and Streaming Platforms: Platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Twitch have been instrumental in popularizing Lofi music. Continuous live streams, such as the famous "Lofi hip hop radio - beats to relax/study to" on YouTube, provide a constant source of Lofi music, making it easily accessible and increasing its visibility.
Broad Cultural Appeal: Unlike some musical genres, Lofi music feels inclusive and non-polarising. The aesthetic associated with Lofi music, often features nostalgic and retro visuals, which resonate with a broad audience.
Searches Fuel Algorithms: Music streaming services use algorithms that suggest new music based on listener preferences. As more people listen to lofi music, these algorithms increasingly recommend it, further boosting its popularity.
The opportunity for independent musicians
If you make acoustic, ambient or even folk music there is an opportunity to tap into the Lofi trend. Consider how you could make simple changes to bios, press releases, playlist titles and even song titles to add in the word Lofi to take advantage of increased online search. Remember when listeners don't know your name, you can still be found by aligning with the words and phrases they are searching for.