At times, when I’m not raging with friends or in constant study, I like to simply chill.

Relaxing is what keeps me sane in this crazy college life, that and music also assists in my sanity. Over the summer I found a genre that meshes perfectly with those unforgettable chill sessions: Chillwave. Also known as Glo-fi, this music contains synthesizers, uptempo beat patterns with ambient samples all into an interesting production.

Coming on the scene in early 2010, this genre has taken trance, dubstep and many other music fans by storm in the crazy “Summer of Chillwave” in 2010 (I was one year late, but it’s all good).

All the different elements just flow so well, the music just paints a beautiful picture. Supreme artists like Toro y Moi, Neon Indian and Washed Out have defined the genre and perfected their craft. The sounds give off an 80’s vibe, mostly lo-fi so listening to this genre is like walking through a psychedelic rainbow. A perfect example of this is Washed Out’s “Feel It all Around.”

The drum patterns are so funky, and the samples and synthesizers are slowed so the beats flow almost as if in slow motion, giving off the peaceful, worry-free vibe.

Toro y Moi is one of the more common names in the Chillwave scene. I love Toro y Moi, also known as Chaz Bundick, the best because his compositions flow so well. He plays most of the instruments on his releases, including vocals. I have never heard a bad record from him so I assure he will not disappoint.

He has two studio albums, “Causers of This” (2010) and Underneath the Pine” (2011). He also has numerous LP’s and remixes to other Chillwave artists like Washed Out’s “Feel it all around” and even rapper Tyler the Creator’s “French.”

Toro also remixed Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature.” If you did not already know the song by Michael Jackson, it would seem like it is an original. It is just that good.

Toro y Moi also just released an EP titled “Freaking Out.” Another Chillwave artist, (actually one of the founders of this genre Neon Indian) a very colorful group, comes with faster paced drum patterns and samples.

Neon Indian creates a type of electricity in their music. It gives you a feeling of eternal happiness, a feeling that would make the listener want to dance in the middle of the library, completely carefree.

Chillwave is a nice change from other genres, I could listen to these artists for hours. The beats are perfect for roadtripping, studying or just rolling in the grass with a friend. Washed Out is the newest artist I have looked into. Their music is comparable to Neon Indian but in their own way.

The only clear way to understand is to listen, and I will leave that to you. I feel like this music was created for listeners to simply look at life and realize that all is well. No stress, just life streaming live right in front of you.

Hakuna Matata, meaning no worries, clearing the mind and looking up at the sky. I definetly recommend this genre to anyone and everyone.

If dubstep is too crucial for you to handle, this is the music for you. But even if you are an all out dupstep fan, I am sure there is appreciation to be found here.

The artists I listed are great entry ways into this genre. One thing about genres like this is they mold and morph into other sounds and create other genres. Like a gift that just keeps on giving.