5 Lo-fi Artists To Help You Focus While Studying

By Lesley Flores

Music is an essential tool to help us focus. If you’re like me, you need the perfect kind of music to get you in the zone to do any type of work. Without it, it's hard to concentrate on homework and study guides. Whether you’re cramming for exams or studying a bit each day, we all need the tunes to help us get in the mood. In fact, there’s a genre that can emotionally affect you in a way to get you in the right mood. 
Lo-fi music is perfect for getting in the right state of mind to study. The term lo-fi stands for "low fidelity", referring to the production quality and audible imperfections in the song. It’s these technical flaws, such as distortions or background noise, that can trigger the cerebrum and actually help you focus. These songs are often relaxing and chill, perfect to get you in that studying mood. Here are 5 lofi artists that will help you get your study on: 
1. Nujabes - Lofi / Jazz / Japanese Hip-hop

• Jun Seba, better known as his stage name Nujabes and dubbed as one of the "godfathers" of lofi, was a Japanese music producer, record label founder, and record-store owner. From the mid-90s to 2010, Nujabes made a name for himself in the Japanese hip-hop scene by releasing his own music and owning two record stores in Shibuya City, Tokyo: T records and Guinness Records. Nujabes used his musical career to share musical trends happening in Japan to the U.S. and UK hip-hop scenes through collaborations with artists like Fat Jon and CL Smooth. Perhaps his most notable work is in his soundtracks for the anime cult classic, Samurai Champloo. Nunjabes’ music is perfect for that calm, level-headedness needed to focus. 
  
• Nujabes - Aruarian dance 
  

2. Knxwledge - Lofi / Hip-hop

• Knxwledge (pronounced knowledge), whose real name is Glenn Earl Boothe, is an American music producer and songwriter. This artist grew a following in the mid 2010s through solo releases and by producing for underground MCs like Joey Bada$$ and Blu. Eventually his work would even be reproduced for Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly. Now based in Los Angeles, he has over 100 releases on his bandcamp page. Knxwledge’s music is chill and groovy, great for studying or even just kicking back and taking a break. 
  
• Knxwledge - Makeitliveforever 
  

3. Arlo Parks - Lofi / Indie pop

• Anaïs Oluwatoyin Estelle Marinho, known professionally as Arlo Parks, is a British singer-songwriter. Born in Paris and raised in London, Arlo Parks began writing poetry at a young age and by her teen years began songwriting and creating beats. In 2018, she released her debut song, “Cola,” a soft and melodic post-breakup song. From then on, she continued to grow and develop her style. Park’s music has silky vocals, emotional lyrics, and a sound that can be described as “jazz-infused lofi bedroom pop.” Her music will definitely have you feeling some type of way while you study for your exams.  
  
• Arlo Parks - Sophie 
  

4. Jinsang - Lofi Hip-hop/Rap/Chill-Hop

• Looking for that classic lofi sound? Look no further because Jinsang is it. Benjamin Tran, who goes by his stage name on all social media platforms, is a low-profile beatmaker that specializes in that classic hip-hop and jazz sample combination. His music has little to no vocals, and focuses entirely on the instrumental structure. Jinsang’s sound provides the feeling of dazed nostalgia that will make you calm and focused for any subject you're studying for. If it’s classic lofi, then you definitely can’t forget the anime edits music videos. 
  
• Jinsang - affection. 
  

5. LLusion - Lofi Hip-hop/Rap/Pop

• LLusion (pronounced “loo-zhuhn”) is an Orange County based music producer who built a viral career by remixing popular pop songs into slower, electronic versions. His music and content also revolves around pop culture and social media, which helps bring in a younger audience. His biggest platform is YouTube, which is where he shares all his songs, vlogs and music D.I.Ys.  LLusion credits Nujabes (#1 on this list) for his interest in lofi music and production.  LLusion’s muisc sound is dreamy and fun. He even describes it as a Yin and Yang, “you could study all night to it, or you can freakin’ dance all night to it.” With elements of funk, pop and hip-pop, LLusion’s lofi remixes are sure to spice up your study breaks. 
  
• LLusion - STAY IN (feat. LoveLeo) [official lyric video] 
  
  

There are many kinds of lofi sounds, styles and artists, all as good as the next. This list is just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many more artists to explore and listen to. Maybe it's the rain or the hum of vinyl in lofi mixes that makes them soothing and perfect studying music; either way it helps you focus. Get your studying materials together and get your playlist ready with these lofi hits. Don’t have time to go searching for your own lofi study music? No problem, here’s one we made for you. This playlist includes all of the talented, listed artists! Enjoy and good luck on your studies! 
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3YpfngPrDjtEy98p2dLGdj?si=5b9fc0f1a2124e17