What is Chillwave? Explained

What is the origin of the music genre “chillwave”?

Chillwave is a music genre that emerged in the late 2000s. It is characterized by its dreamy, nostalgic sound and lo-fi production. The term was coined by music blogger Carles in 2009 to describe a particular style of music that drew influences from various genres such as shoegaze, new wave, and synth-pop.

What is the origin of the music genre “chillwave”?

Chillwave is a music genre that emerged in the late 2000s. It is characterized by its dreamy, lo-fi sound and nostalgic vibe. The term “chillwave” was coined by music bloggers to describe this genre, which draws influences from various genres such as synth-pop, shoegaze, and chillout music.

Chillwave, a genre of music that emerged in the late 2000s, captivated listeners with its dreamy, hazy soundscapes and nostalgic vibes. Born out of a fusion of electronic music, indie pop, and ambient music, chillwave quickly garnered a dedicated following, becoming a significant cultural phenomenon. This was unfortunate, because the chillwave era produced some pretty good music, and its central cast was markedly diverse compared with the white male-dominated indie rock of the time. In this blog, we will delve into the roots, influences, artists, and impact of chillwave, exploring what makes this genre so unique and beloved by music enthusiasts.

Unraveling the Roots of Chillwave

Chillwave, a genre that hails from the electronic music scene, draws inspiration from a diverse range of musical genres, incorporating elements of 90s music, lounge music, and ambient music. Artists within the chillwave movement often sample and re-imagine music from the past, creating a sense of nostalgia and a hazy, dream-like atmosphere. With a focus on experimenting with electronic instruments, real instruments, and reverb effects, chillwave artists push boundaries, blending genres and creating a new sound that is entirely their own.

Influences and Musical Origins

Chillwave artists found inspiration in a variety of genres, such as hypnagogic pop, witch house, and ambient music. These genres share a similar sound and aesthetic, evoking a dreamy, hazy, and nostalgic atmosphere. Artists like Ariel Pink, James Ferraro, and memory cassette, who were associated with hypnagogic pop, played a crucial role in shaping chillwave’s sound. The influence of hypnagogic pop can be heard in chillwave’s use of lo-fi production, reverb effects, and hazy vocals. According to Flavorwire’s Tom Hawking, chillwave acts extrapolated “the sort of ill-defined pastoral nostalgia” from Animal Collective’s early work “and spun it into an entire genre.” Chillwave artists took hypnagogic pop’s sound and added a more electronic, pop-oriented twist, giving birth to a new genre that captivated music lovers.

Relation with Hypnagogic Pop

Hypnagogic pop, a genre characterized by its hazy, dream-like sound, played a significant role in the development of chillwave. Artists such as Ariel Pink, James Ferraro, and memory cassette, who were synonymous with hypnagogic pop, shared a similar sound and aesthetic with chillwave artists. The genres overlapped, with chillwave artists incorporating hypnagogic pop‘s reverb-heavy sound, hazy vocals, and nostalgia-inducing atmosphere into their music. Chillwave, however, added a more electronic, pop-oriented twist to hypnagogic pop, creating a sound that was uniquely its own. The term “chillwave” did not gain mainstream currency until early 2010, when it was the subject of articles by The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

The Golden Era of Chillwave

Chillwave experienced a meteoric rise in popularity during a summer that would later be referred to as the “Summer of Chillwave.” In 2009, blogs, music critics, and internet communities hyped the term chillwave, sparking a collective interest in the genre. Influential music blogs like Pitchfork, Village Voice, and Gorilla vs. Bear played a pivotal role in promoting chillwave artists and bringing the genre to a broader audience. Fans of chillwave embraced its mellow, summer vibes, making it a cultural phenomenon that defined a music era. The term “chillwave” itself gained recognition, becoming a descriptor for the genre’s distinctive sound.

The ‘Summer of Chillwave’ Phenomenon

The summer of 2009 witnessed a surge of interest in chillwave music, leading to a collective fascination with the genre. Blogs, music critics, and internet communities played a vital role in hyping chillwave artists and their music, contributing to its popularity. Pitchfork, Village Voice, and music blogs like Gorilla vs. Bear helped bring chillwave artists into the mainstream, exposing a wider audience to the genre’s mellow vibes and hazy soundscapes. The summer of 2009 became a pivotal moment, a time when chillwave music reigned supreme, evoking a sense of nostalgia and a carefree summer atmosphere. It was during this time, in June 2009, that I was a recent graduate, working an entry-level temp job in the library of a corporate law firm.

Key Artists and Their Contributions

Several artists emerged as pioneers of chillwave, contributing to the genre’s sound and evolution. Neon Indian, with their album “Psychic Chasms,” seamlessly blended electronic and indie pop, creating a quintessential chillwave record. Washed Out, with their “Life of Leisure” EP, showcased hazy vocals, dreamy soundscapes, and a distinct chillwave sound. Toro y Moi, with their album “Causers of This,” fused chillwave with funk, R&B, and pop influences, adding a new dimension to the genre. Small Black, with their “Despicable Dogs” EP, gained attention for their catchy melodies and chillwave sound. Memory Tapes, with their album “Seek Magic,” pushed the boundaries of chillwave with ambient, electronic compositions. These artists, among many others, solidified chillwave’s place in music history, leaving a lasting impact on indie music culture. Chillwave quickly gained popularity on online platforms such as YouTube and SoundCloud, becoming a favorite among electronic music enthusiasts.

The Evolution and Impact of Chillwave

Chillwave, like any music genre, continued to evolve over time, branching into different subgenres and genres. Some artists within the chillwave movement moved on to explore new musical territories, pushing boundaries, and experimenting with new sounds. While the initial hype around chillwave eventually declined, its impact on music genres and indie music culture cannot be understated. Chillwave artists influenced a new wave of electronic, indie, and pop music, leaving a lasting imprint on the music scene. The reductive glare of mainstream media, ironic posts, and changing music trends all played a role in chillwave’s decline, but its legacy remains intact.

What Led to the Decline of Chillwave?

Chillwave, like any music genre, faced its fair share of challenges, which ultimately led to its decline. The genre faced criticism for its association with nostalgia, microgenre, and internet music culture, leading some artists to explore new genres, boundaries, and musical directions. Listeners and music bloggers shifted their focus to new genres like vaporwave, seapunk, and witch house, diverting attention away from chillwave and its corollaries. The term “chillwave” itself became a subject of debate, losing its initial meaning as new genres emerged. The decline of chillwave was a natural evolution, as music genres evolve, new trends emerge, and artists seek new creative avenues.

Conclusion

To conclude, chillwave is a genre of music that emerged in the late 2000s and gained popularity for its nostalgic and dreamy sound. It was influenced by various genres such as shoegaze, synthpop, and ambient music. Chillwave reached its peak during the “Summer of Chillwave” in 2009, with artists like Washed Out and Toro y Moi gaining widespread recognition. However, the genre experienced a decline in popularity in the following years. Despite its relatively short-lived mainstream success, chillwave has left a lasting impact on the music scene, influencing subsequent genres like vaporwave and lo-fi hip hop. Its laid-back and ethereal vibes continue to resonate with listeners who appreciate its unique sound.