LO-FI FOR THE SOUL: HOW DOES LO-FI MUSIC HELP WITH EMOTIONAL ANXIETY

Music was found to play an important role in the human brain and is closely linked to our wellbeing (Blood & Ferris, 1993; Kemp, et.al, 2018). Due to this link, music is therapeutic for anxiety-prone individuals (Baker & Bor, 2008). However, a new genre born online has remained unexamined in academia. Lo-fi is a new melodic genre that has been growing in popularity. The problem covered in this paper sets to find if lo-fi music is helpful for anxiety. Hence, this current study was aimed at understanding the meaning that anxiety-prone individuals give to lo-fi music. Specifically, through examining their daily music interests, the thesis was narrowed to lo-fi, and analysed from a mental health perspective The main research question this study set out to answer is the following: ‘How do anxiety-prone individuals give meaning to lo-fi music?’. As a comparison, other genres were also examined for a better contrast. Qualitative semi- formal interviews were utilised addressing the individuals listening patterns, mental health and relation to lo-fi. In comparison, other genres of their choice were explored. The sample consisted of 11 people that suffer from or experience anxiety on a daily basis. The results indicated that individuals use lo-fi passively, and find the genre neutral. The interviewees listen to the genre in the background and while working/conducting other activities. The listeners relax while listening to lo-fi, as it helps them be more productive. Lo-fi was also found to be perceived in a positive light by all interviewees and evoke nostalgic feelings. It was also found that the genre was understood as very personal and versatile. Mainly, lo-fi was seen as a tool for mood regulation and helped the respondents shut off their minds. This lead to the listeners’ anxiety levels decrease. Other genres were found to cause opposite reactions, with one exception of feelings of comfort similar to those induced from lo-fi. However, these reactions differ from each individual. This represents a path for future examination. The study has concrete implications for the fields of sociology, psychology and music therapy. Recommendations include future longitudinal research into the subgenres of lo-fi.