Making Lofi Music with FL Studio

Welcome to the heart of creating Lofi music with FL Studio! In this chapter, we will delve into intricate details of crafting a distinctive sound that defines the Lofi genre. From the initial stages of setting up your project to the final touches of mastering, each step is crucial in achieving that warm, nostalgic, and textured quality that characterizes Lofi music. This chapter is designed for intermediate and advanced users, providing comprehensive recipes to guide you through the entire process.

We will cover the following recipes in this chapter:

• Setting the Lofi mood
• Sample selection and processing
• Creating Lofi beats and drum grooves
• Chopped samples and melodies
• Lofi soundscapes and atmospheres
• Mixing techniques for Lofi sound
• Mastering Lofi music

Technical requirements

• FL Studio software (version 20 or above)

Setting the Lofi mood

In this recipe, we’ll lay the foundation for crafting an authentic Lofi experience in FL Studio. Before diving into the technical aspects, it’s crucial to understand the essence of Lofi music. Lofi, short for low fidelity, is characterized by its intentionally degraded sound, often incorporating elements such as vinyl crackle, ambient noise, and a laid-back atmosphere. The goal is to create a cozy, intimate sonic environment that transports listeners to a nostalgic realm.

Getting ready

• Tempo selection (70-90 BPM): Choose a tempo that captures the unhurried, easygoing vibe of Lofi. A range between 70 and 90 BPM is a sweet spot, allowing ample space for elements to breathe and contribute to the overall relaxed feel.
• Vinyl crackle and ambient sounds: Integrate vinyl crackle and subtle ambient sounds to simulate the warmth of vinyl records and evoke a sense of nostalgia. FL Studio provides various plugins and samples for this purpose....

Sample selection and processing

In this recipe, we’ll unravel the art of selecting and processing samples to infuse your FL Studio project with the signature vintage, degraded sound of Lofi music. Delve into the world of vinyl emulation, tape saturation, and strategic filtering as we transform ordinary samples into nostalgic sonic landscapes.

Getting ready

• Curated sample library: Begin with a curated library of samples, focusing on sources such as vintage vinyl records, old jazz recordings, and ambient textures. FL Studio’s extensive sample library and external sources can be treasure troves for discovering gems that capture the essence of Lofi.

Figure 11.2: View of sample elements from Cymatics in the Browser

• Vinyl emulation plugins: Explore FL Studio’s selection of vinyl emulation plugins or third-party options, such as Bad Tape from Denise Audio as mentioned previously, to recreate the warmth and imperfections...

Creating Lofi beats and drum grooves

In this recipe, we’ll immerse ourselves in the rhythmic heartbeat of Lofi music, guiding you through the process of creating laid-back drum patterns and grooves within FL Studio. The focus here is on infusing your composition with the distinctive swing and Lofi aesthetics that define the genre, using drum machine emulations and carefully curated sample packs.

Getting ready

• Lofi drum samples: Begin with a collection of authentic Lofi drum samples. Explore FL Studio’s extensive library or acquire sample packs that offer a diverse range of kicks, snares, hi-hats, and percussion with a vintage and degraded quality.

Figure 11.4: Some simple drums here layered in the Channel rack

• Drum machine emulations: Utilize FL Studio’s built-in drum machine emulations or third-party plugins to recreate the iconic sounds of classic drum machines. These emulations provide the foundation for crafting...

Chopped samples and melodies

In this recipe, we’ll delve into the enchanting realm of chopped samples and melodies, guiding you through the intricacies of transforming ordinary sounds into captivating, melodic elements within FL Studio. Discover techniques for crafting dusty chords, jazzy progressions, and melodic hooks that define the nostalgic beauty of Lofi music.

Getting ready

• Curated samples for chopping: Start with a curated selection of samples, ranging from vintage jazz recordings to ambient textures. These will serve as the raw materials for crafting melodic elements that breathe life into your Lofi composition.
• Slicex plugin for precise chopping: Utilize the power of the Slicex plugin in FL Studio for precise sample chopping and manipulation. This tool allows you to dissect samples into individual elements, providing unparalleled control over the arrangement of your chopped pieces.
• Dusty chords and jazzy progressions: Craft dusty chords by isolating...

Lofi soundscapes and atmospheres

In this recipe, we’ll immerse ourselves in the captivating world of Lofi sound design, exploring techniques within FL Studio to craft atmospheric textures and ambiance that define the unique warmth and character of Lofi music. Get ready to infuse your composition with the nostalgic charm of vinyl crackles, field recordings, and carefully applied Lofi effects.

Getting ready

• Vinyl crackles and pops: Begin with authentic vinyl crackles and pops to add a cozy, vintage touch to your composition. FL Studio offers various plugins and samples dedicated to emulating the distinctive sound of vinyl, contributing to the Lofi aesthetic.
• Field recordings and ambient sounds: Integrate field recordings and ambient sounds into your project to create a rich sonic environment. This could include sounds from nature, urban environments, or everyday life. Layer these recordings subtly to enhance the atmospheric quality of your composition.
• Lofi...

Mixing techniques for Lofi sound

In this recipe, we’ll unravel the art of mixing to achieve the distinctive Lofi sound that captivates listeners. Delve into FL Studio’s mixing tools and techniques, utilizing EQ, compression, and filtering to shape the frequency spectrum and infuse your composition with vintage character. Get ready to refine your sonic palette and bring your Lofi creation to life.

Getting ready

• Gentle EQ sculpting: Begin by applying gentle EQ adjustments to carve out space for each element in your mix. Focus on frequency ranges that contribute to the warmth and character of Lofi, while delicately attenuating any frequencies that may clash or distract from the overall vibe.
• Dynamic control with compression: Use compression judiciously to control the dynamic range of your mix. Apply subtle compression to individual elements to create a more consistent volume level. This not only enhances the vintage feel but also ensures that each element...

Mastering Lofi music

In this recipe, we’ll delve into the critical process of mastering, where the finishing touches are applied to your Lofi composition to achieve a polished yet characterful sound. Navigate through FL Studio’s mastering tools and techniques, with a focus on warmth, dynamics, and overall coherence. Learn how to strike a delicate balance between preserving the Lofi aesthetic and attaining a final result that captivates your audience.

Getting ready

• Subtle compression for cohesion: Begin the mastering process by applying subtle compression to the entire mix. This helps to glue elements together, creating cohesion while maintaining dynamic nuances crucial for the Lofi sound. Adjust the compression settings to ensure a controlled, yet breathing, final result.
• Analog emulation for warmth: Infuse warmth into your mix by incorporating analog emulation plugins. FL Studio offers various tools that mimic the characteristics of analog equipment. Experiment...