Lo-Fi

Lo-Fi: 47 upcoming festivals, including 14 with tickets on sale.

Lo-fi music is characterized by its intentionally raw, often "dirty" sound, embracing imperfections like tape hiss, muffled drums, and distorted vocals, creating an intimate, unpolished, and often melancholic atmosphere. Originating in the late 1980s as a reaction against the perceived sterility of mainstream popular music, it emerged from underground scenes utilizing primitive, low-cost recording methods to achieve its distinctive aesthetic. Iconic artists include Pavement, Guided by Voices, and Sebadoh. Its cultural impact is evident in the widespread popularity of Lo-fi Hip-Hop, often used for relaxation and study.

Parent genreRock