Why Lo-fi Beats Are the New ClassicalMusic for Gen Z
- Greater Toronto Music School
- 5 hours ago
- 7 min read
Music is more than just entertainment, it reflects culture, lifestyle and the way each generation experiences its time. In the past, classical music was the background for intellectual life in Europe. Today, lo-fi beats play that role for Gen Z. With soft rhythms, jazzy chords and steady loops, lo-fi is everywhere: in cafés, on TikTok, in YouTube streams and in students’ headphones.
But what explains the popularity of this lo-fi music trend? Why do so many young people gravitate toward lo-fi as their go-to background for studying, working or relaxing? And is it fair to call lo-fi the modern equivalent of classical music for this generation? Let’s explore more about lo-fi beats as well as break down the difference between classical vs modern music.
Why Lo-fi Beats Are the New ClassicalMusic for Gen Z: Quick Menu
What Exactly Is Lo-fi Music? Why do Lo-fi beats appeal to Gen Z Classical vs Modern Music: Why Lo-fi Is The "New Classical" The Science of Why Lo-fi Works for Focus How Gen G Consumes Lo-fi Lo-fi vs. Classical: Differences That Matter The Lo-fi Music Trend as a Cultural Movement Could Lo-fi Have The Longevity of Classical? FAQs About Lo-Fi Beats How Can Greater Toronto Music School Help? Ready to Create Your Own Lo-fi Sound?
What Exactly Is Lo-fi Music?
Let’s first start off with the basics. “Lo-fi” stands for “low fidelity.” Originally, the term referred to recordings that were imperfect such as grainy, distorted or fuzzy compared to polished studio tracks. Over time, those imperfections became part of the aesthetic. Today, lo-fi beats typically feature:
Warm, analog-style sound with vinyl crackle or tape hiss.
Repetitive and mellow drum loops.
Gentle melodies built from jazz chords, guitar riffs or keyboard patterns.
And a laid-back tempo, usually between 60-90 BPM.
In all, it’s music that doesn’t demand attention. Instead, it creates an atmosphere, one that feels cozy, nostalgic and calming.
Why Do Lo-Fi Beats Appeal to Gen Z
Now that we know what it is, you may be wondering why it’s so appealing to Gen Z. Here are some of the top reasons for its popularity:
Reason #1. Music for Focus and Studying
If you ask any student what music they listen to while studying, they will most likely mention lo-fi. Unlike pop songs with lyrics or quick tempos, lo-fi beats remain in the background. They deliver rhythm without distractions, allowing you to focus on reading, writing or coding.
For Generation Z, who are always juggling notifications, social media and digital overload, lo-fi serves as a mental anchor. It contributes to the creation of a focused, productive workplace by filtering out turmoil.
Reason #2. Music for the Online Generation
Classical music once filled salons, study halls and libraries. Today, those spaces are digital. Gen Z spends much of their time online, and lo-fi thrives on platforms like YouTube livestreams and Spotify playlists with millions of listeners.
Unlike music meant for concerts or performances, lo-fi is available anywhere. All you need is a phone and earbuds. Its round-the-clock availability fits perfectly with Gen Z’s on-demand lifestyle.
Reason #3. Nostalgia and Aesthetic Vibes
Many lo-fi tracks sample old jazz, soul or Japanese city pop songs. That nostalgic sound feels familiar to Gen Z, who often describe lo-fi as “comforting” or “safe.” Paired with cozy, anime-style visuals, it creates a full mood that matches their love for atmosphere-driven content.
Reason #4. Low-Stress Listening
Lo-fi is predictable by design. Its loops rarely change significantly, and there are no sudden shifts in volume or energy. For a generation facing school stress and a fast-changing world, lo-fi offers a sense of stability. It's relaxing without being dull.
Classical vs Modern Music: Why Lo-fi Is the “New Classical”
Is it fair to compare lo-fi to classical music? Surprisingly, yes it is. Let’s break down the differences:
Classical Music in the Past
For centuries, classical music was the intellectual soundtrack. Scholars studied with Bach, Mozart or Chopin in the background. The structure of classical pieces, which were often mathematical in rhythm and harmonic progressions, was thought to stimulate the brain.
Classical music also served a social function. Attending concerts or playing chamber music at home was a cultural norm among the educated classes.
Lo-fi Music Today
Now, lo-fi occupies a similar role for Gen Z:
Background to Intellectual Work: Students use it for reading, writing and studying.
Mental Stimulation: Its steady beats and harmonic simplicity promote focus without distraction.
Cultural Presence: Lo-fi is more than music, it’s part of Gen Z’s listening habits, where aesthetics, mood and mental wellness matter most.
Where Mozart once provided order and calm in a chaotic world, lo-fi delivers the same comfort in the digital era.
The Science of Why Lo-fi Works for Focus
There’s more than nostalgia at play, science actually helps explain the effectiveness of lo-fi as music for focus and studying. Here are some key findings:
Repetition Calms the Brain: Lo-fi loops create predictability. The brain relaxes when it knows what’s coming next.
Tempo Syncs With Heart Rate: Lo-fi’s slower BPM encourages steady breathing and lowers stress.
Minimal Lyrics Results in Less Distraction: Instrumental music activates fewer language centers in the brain, leaving more mental space for concentration.
Positive Associations: Because lo-fi is linked to relaxation, many listeners develop a conditioned response; just hearing lo-fi signals the brain that it’s time to focus.
In other words, lo-fi’s structure mirrors what researchers have long claimed about classical music’s effect on concentration.
Read More:
How Gen Z Consumes Lo-fi
Lo-fi isn’t just background music, it’s woven into Gen Z’s daily routines. From streaming playlists to viral TikToks, here’s how they listen:
Streaming Playlists
Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube are full of customized lo-fi playlists like "Chillhop Essentials," "Study Beats" and "Lo-fi Chill & Focus." These playlists receive billions of listens, showing how important the genre has grown to Gen Z.
Lo-fi Livestreams
The YouTube lo-fi girl (an anime student who spends hours writing in her notebook) has become an icon. Her broadcast has tens of thousands of concurrent listeners from all around the world, illustrating lo-fi's global appeal.
TikTok and Social Media
Lo-fi tracks are often used as background music on TikTok and other social media platforms. From study vlogs to cozy room tours, the genre creates a calm, productive vibe that connects with young audiences.
Lo-fi vs. Classical: Differences That Matter
While lo-fi and classical serve similar purposes, they differ in key ways:
Accessibility: Classical music often requires education to fully appreciate; lo-fi is instantly approachable.
Cultural Roots: Classical music comes from Western traditions; lo-fi is global, pulling from jazz, hip-hop and electronic influences.
Purpose: Classical pieces were written for performance; lo-fi is designed primarily as background.
Length: Classical works can span an hour; lo-fi thrives in short, looping formats suited for playlists.
These differences explain why lo-fi feels more natural to a generation that values convenience, inclusivity and adaptability.
Read more:
The Lo-fi Music Trend as a Cultural Movement
As we’ve mentioned, lo-fi has grown beyond just background sound; it reflects values, habits and creativity, making it a cultural movement for Gen Z. That said, here’s why it stands out:
Mental Health Focus: With a growing awareness of anxiety and fatigue, lo-fi has become a coping method. Its soothing soundtracks intentionally induce mental relaxation.
DIY Ethos: Anyone who has simple software can create their own lo-fi. Gen Z, which values authenticity, connects with the raw, DIY nature.
Old Meets New: Lo-fi often samples vintage tracks and blends them with modern beats, matching Gen Z’s mix-and-match culture.
Because of this, lo-fi isn’t just a genre, it’s the soundtrack of Gen Z’s resilience and creativity.
Could Lo-fi Have the Longevity of Classical?
The big question: will lo-fi last? Classical music has stood the test of centuries. Will lo-fi do the same, or is it just a trend? Let’s break it down.
There are good reasons to believe lo-fi will last, as well as reasons it might fade. On the positive side, its role in focus and relaxation ensures people will keep using it, and it’s already deeply woven into study and work culture worldwide. Its adaptability also means it can evolve with new technologies.
On the other hand, critics argue that lo-fi’s repetitive nature could eventually feel outdated, and unlike classical music, it lacks iconic composers whose works might stand the test of time.
Even if lo-fi changes over time, it will still play an important role in how Gen Z connects with music.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lo-fi Beats
Q: Why is lo-fi so popular when studying?
A: This is simple! Its steady rhythms, no lyrics and calming atmosphere make it far less distracting than other genres, allowing students to concentrate, reduce stress, keep focus and create a comfortable environment that supports learning, productivity and long study sessions without feeling mentally drained.
Q: Is lo-fi just a trend?
A: Lo-fi might change over time, but it’s already a favorite for focus, relaxation and creativity. Because it works so well, it’s likely to stay around.
Q: How does lo-fi compare to classical music?
A: Both are utilized for concentration and relaxation, but classical was built for performance, while lo-fi was designed for background.
Q: Can anyone make lo-fi beats?
A: Yes they can! Anyone with basic recording tools and samples can begin composing lo-fi music. Many Gen Z musicians use it as a starting point for music production.
Q: Why do Generation Z music preferences gravitate toward lo-fi?
A: It’s mostly because it matches their digital, fast-paced lives. It’s easy to stream anywhere and brings calm in an otherwise noisy online world.
How Can Greater Toronto Music School Help?
Now you may be wondering how we play a role in this. At Greater Toronto Music School, we see firsthand how music trends influence the next generation. Just like classical music once shaped education, today’s students bring lo-fi, hip-hop and digital production into their creative worlds.
Our goal is to help students connect with the music they enjoy, whether it's learning piano scales, creating lo-fi beats or studying music theory. We combine classic skills (such as reading and technique) with cutting-edge technology (like MIDI keyboards and DAWs) to prepare students for success in any style. Our tutors will teach you how to create your own beats, grasp harmony and experiment with both traditional and current genres.
Ready to Create Your Own Lo-fi Sound? We’ll Guide You
Ready to turn your love of lo-fi and modern music into real creative skills? At Greater Toronto Music School, we help students of all ages explore the music that inspires them, whether it’s classical piano, contemporary production or writing your own lo-fi beats.
Our experienced teachers blend traditional training with modern tools, so you’ll build solid Gen Z music habits while learning how to create music that excites you.
Don’t just listen, start making your own soundtracks for focus, creativity and expression. Book your first lesson today by giving us a call or by simply filling out a contact form. Start your journey toward confident music-making!
