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by Anders Johanson April 22, 2017 4 min read
this up-and-coming teenager from the Pacific Northwest captured your heart out of thin air and made you fall head over heels in love. lo-fiRediscover the joy of music (either anew or for the very first time). Relive the musical experience (either afresh or for the initial time). quickly, quicklyis an up-and-coming producer hailing from Portland who is causing a stir on SoundCloud and the underground lo-fi scene with his mesmerizing beats, ethereal melodies, and innovative blend of jazz, soul, and modern electronica. Despite not yet finishing high school, he has already amassed millions of streams, and it appears that there is no stopping this prodigious talent from making even bigger waves.
Much of quickly, quickly's music incorporates familiar elements: the crackle of vinyl, beats that are slightly off-time, and jazz-infused samples. However, it is his instinctive approach to production that sets him apart and gives him a unique identity. quicky, quickly never intentionally set out to create lo-fi music; it simply unfolded naturally, as many good things in life do. He openly admits that he is not a professional mixer; he relies on his intuition instead. While this may be a risk for other producers without his exceptional ear, it directly contributes to the power and inherent warmth and emotion found in quickly's music. Despite using older samples to evoke a sense of nostalgia, he embraces elements of modern production by incorporating trap beats or EDM-inspired breakdowns. In one track, he may sample jazz songs as old as your grandparents, while in the next he samples from contemporary artists like Lil Wayne and Drake.
After assembling an impressive track using our cutting-edge technology, lo-fi & chill sound collection - a unique offering for music creators in need of a soothing blend. Recently, we had the opportunity to reconnect with the promising young artist and delve into the depths of his artistic approach, his preferred equipment and production insights, as well as his vision for the future. lo-fi music headed.
What led you to initially delve into creating lo-fi music? Was it a conscious decision or more serendipitous?
By sheer accident, I stumbled upon the enchanting world of lo-fi music. It all began when I chanced upon a captivating tape called "La Cafeteria" by the talented duo, Saito and o k h o. Interestingly, my exploration led me to this remarkable discovery while browsing through a YouTube channel dedicated to heavy trap music. Initially, I found it incredibly peculiar, but the more I immersed myself in its unique sound, the more I realized its undeniable allure. I became completely enamored with the captivating melodies and decided that I, too, wanted to create music like this. Throughout my musical journey, I have always had an immense affection for boom bap and hip-hop. However, I have to confess that lo-fi, a peculiar sub-genre, had remained elusive to me until that crucial moment of revelation.
Are you often in search of lo-fi samples, or do you enjoy giving a lo-fi touch to high-quality samples? Elaborate on the steps you take to accomplish your unique sound. Do you frequently find yourself seeking out lo-fi samples, or do you take pleasure in transforming high-quality samples into a lo-fi aesthetic? Take us on a journey through your creative process of achieving your signature sound.
When it comes to my neo-soul-inspired tracks, I typically rely on my piano skills. It's more convenient for me since I want my songs to accurately reflect the vision in my mind. However, when I'm in the process of creating a boom bap or lo-fi beat, I usually explore various samples on YouTube or dig through my limited vinyl collection. Additionally, I enjoy putting the sample through my trusty Roland SP404sx to intentionally deteriorate its quality and achieve that distinct lo-fi sound.
Can you share which plugins you rely on for mixing lo-fi tracks and achieving the effect of underwater or distorted radio sound in some of your beats?
I primarily use native Ableton plugins for most of my mixing. The distinctive vinyl sound that is commonly found in lo-fi songs is created by the SP404sx. While it is possible to achieve this sound using Ableton, I personally don't know the exact method and I often find myself preferring to use the SP404sx instead.
When you are dealing with a sample that may not be in optimal condition, how can you integrate it into an otherwise pristine mix?
I find myself getting quite thrilled whenever a sample is in less than ideal condition. It somehow enhances the overall vibe of the track. It's akin to exploring your grandparents' attic and stumbling upon a treasure trove of their neglected vintage belongings. Perhaps they aren't in pristine condition, but they contribute to the overall aesthetic. The better the sample is in its raw form .
What, in your opinion, are the major hurdles when it comes to creating lo-fi music? What, in your perspective, are the primary difficulties encountered while producing lo-fi music?
The major hurdles I typically encounter arise either while chiseling the sample or positioning the drums. I take pride in my exceptional skills for instilling a captivating swing into my drums; nevertheless, finding the perfect match between the sample and drums requires careful consideration, making this task quite intricate. Additionally, there are instances where the sample follows a 3/4 time signature, but for my composition, I prefer a 4/4 time signature. This predicament proves quite frustrating, especially because the 3/4 samples are often exceptional. Consequently, I must skillfully slice and manipulate the sample in a compelling manner, fervently hoping for the best outcome.
What are the top three essential recommendations for achieving an excellent lo-fi mix?
Do not emphasize the combination. Pay attention to the components of the rhythm and leave the mixing for later. Fortunately, in lo-fi music, there is no significant criticism regarding poor combinations because the intention is to have a raw and unpolished sound.
Experience the unique vinyl simulation effect. Of course, the effectiveness may vary depending on the song and artist, but I personally apply the Roland SP404sx vinyl simulator to a significant number of my lo-fi beats, as do countless other producers. I don't wish to come across as conceited, but the results are undeniably fascinating.
Get imaginative with the blend. I have zero knowledge on how to mix, but I simply play around until it sounds pleasing. That is the essence of it. Enjoy yourself with it.
The underground and online music scene of lo-fi is thriving, with even mainstream producers like Noah "40" Shebib from Drake's camp incorporating its unique sound. Looking ahead, where do you envision the future of lo-fi music taking us?
I have noticed an increase in the utilization of lo-fi within the underground rap scene, specifically by artists such as Ugly God and Ski Mask The Slump God. The future trajectory of this genre remains uncertain, but I sincerely hope it does not veer too far away from its roots, as doing so may diminish its underground allure. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that lo-fi deserves the recognition and attention it is currently receiving. I would like to extend a commendation to bsd.u for his contributions to the lo-fi community through the establishment of forums. This platform has significantly contributed to the widespread popularity of lo-fi music on SoundCloud and other platforms. These developments are indeed momentous.
Check outLo-Fi & Chill Sample Pack is an excellent choice for those seeking unique and distinctive sounds. This pack offers a wide selection of samples that capture the essence of lo-fi and chill music. Whether you're a producer looking to add texture and character to your tracks or a musician searching for inspiration, this pack has you covered. With its diverse range of drums, melodies, and atmospheric elements, you can easily create your own relaxing and laid-back compositions. Explore the world of lo-fi and chill music with the Lo-Fi & Chill Sample Pack. Having a demonstration and project file made by Quickly, Quickly. Featuring a demo and project file crafted by Quickly, Quickly.
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