Back in September 2021, I had the opportunity to share my story with uDiscover Music, discussing how I transitioned into the lo-fi hip-hop scene. It all began during my vlogging days in Innsbruck, Austria. I was searching for royalty-free music to accompany my videos and found myself drawn to the calming vibes of lo-fi beats. Realizing I could produce this kind of music efficiently, even with just headphones—a necessity with a newborn at home—I embarked on this new musical path.
Fast forward a few years, and I’ve become a recognized name in the lo-fi community. My collaborations are intentional, seeking out artists who bring something unique to the table. I liken it to a ping-pong rally: a quick serve and return, creating something high-quality in a short time.
Melodies from everyday moments
A significant portion of my music is self-composed, with the rest being sample-based. Take “Close Your Eyes My Little Angel” from Am épos am érgon, for example. The melody emerged from spontaneous keyboard sessions, often inspired by humming tunes to my daughter. I’d record these hums on my phone and later recreate them on the keyboard. This organic process, combined with down-tempo drums and subtle synths, forms the backbone of my tracks.
The role of vocals in lo-fi
While vocals can add depth and texture to a track, I’ve found that in the world of lo-fi, less is often more. There’s something about the purity of instrumental music that resonates more deeply with listeners in this genre. Over time, I started noticing a pattern — tracks with prominent singing or full verses tended to get skipped more often, even when they were beautifully crafted. It made me think about how lo-fi is consumed: as background ambiance, as a companion for studying or winding down. Vocals, especially ones that demand attention, can sometimes disrupt that flow.
This insight didn’t steer me away from vocal elements completely, but it did encourage me to lean into subtler ways of incorporating voice — like chopped vocal samples, atmospheric phrases, or textures that add emotion without becoming the focus. It’s a delicate balance between artistic expression and understanding how the music is actually being used. So now, when I sit down to produce, I’m more mindful of that space. I want the melodies and beats to speak on their own, to evoke feelings without needing to spell them out. It’s a quieter kind of storytelling — one that leaves room for the listener’s own thoughts to live inside the music.
From trance to tranquility
My musical roots go way back to electronic genres like progressive trance, deep house, and melodic techno — sounds that shaped my early creative instincts and gave me a strong foundation in structure, rhythm, and atmosphere. I was drawn to how electronic music builds mood and energy over time, how it evolves and creates space. That background still informs how I approach music today. Transitioning to lo-fi wasn’t a sudden pivot but more of a gradual evolution, a soft landing into a genre that values intimacy, imperfection, and warmth. It allowed me to slow down the pace, strip things back, and bring elements from my past into a different context.
The textures may be dustier now, the tempo more relaxed, but I still carry over those electronic instincts — the layering, the emotional arcs, and the attention to flow. A track like “Girona” from Latenite Joints 015 is a great example of that blend. It’s built around smooth guitar lines, weaving between laid-back lounge jazz vibes and a touch of old-school funk, but the arrangement — the way it breathes and shifts — definitely borrows from my electronic days. I like blurring the lines between genres, sneaking in subtle progressions and rhythmic variations that nod to where I came from. Lo-fi, for me, isn’t about abandoning previous sounds — it’s about reshaping them into something more personal, more reflective, and more human.
Creating amidst life’s rhythms
Balancing music production with family life means working during quiet moments, often with headphones while my child sleeps. This lifestyle has influenced my music’s tempo and mood. As I often say, “The older you get, the slower the BPM gets.” Tracks like “Airplane Mode” from Last Summer: MMXXI: Anthology reflect this mellow approach.
Collaborative creativity
Collaborations are a vital part of my creative process — not just in terms of making music, but in building relationships, expanding my sound, and staying inspired. I’ve always believed that no one creates in a vacuum. Some of the most exciting moments happen when someone else brings their flavor, their energy, their perspective to the table. I actively seek out collaborators who can complement my style, especially in areas where I might not be as strong — whether that’s instrumentation, sound design, or a completely different emotional approach. It’s not about perfection; it’s about chemistry.
What matters most is mutual respect and giving each other the space to be authentic. I’m not the type to micromanage or cling to control. As I mentioned in the interview, “I make something. I give it to you. You can use it, not use it, chop up whatever you want.” That’s the ethos. I want the other person to feel just as free and invested in the project as I am. When you let go of ego and lean into the idea of trust, beautiful things happen — unexpected harmonies, weird little loops that turn into magic, or even entire new directions you hadn’t considered before. For me, it’s less about fitting into a sound and more about capturing a moment together — like an audio snapshot of two minds meeting in the middle.
Evolving while staying true
While I value my audience, my primary focus remains on creating music that resonates with me. Even as my listener base grows, I continue to produce tracks that reflect my personal journey and emotions. “Waiting For You At Shibuya Station” from Latenite Joints 011 is an example of experimenting within the lo-fi framework, blending playful synths with complex melodies.
And if you’re curious, you can check out the full article here: https://www.udiscovermusic.com
