Chillout — a style for relaxation and inspiration: 90s origins (Café del Mar), subgenres from ambient to lounge, key artists, and why chill playlists are trending again.
Chillout (or Chill-out) is a style of electronic music created for relaxation and rest. It blends elements of downtempo, ambient, lounge, soul, and jazz, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and inner peace.
History and Origins
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Early 1990s: the term chillout first appeared in British clubs, where “chillout rooms” were created — relaxation zones after raves, where DJs played calm, soothing tracks.
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The first compilations (Café del Mar, Buddha Bar) set the tone for the genre: smooth rhythms, soft beats, and airy atmospheres.
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The genre quickly became popular in Ibiza and across Europe as background music for bars, lounges, and after-parties.
Sound Characteristics
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Tempo: 70–110 BPM — calm and non-aggressive.
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Sound: soft synthesizers, acoustic instruments, atmospheric pads, and jazzy or soulful harmonies.
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Rhythm: unobtrusive beats, often influenced by downtempo, trip-hop, or deep house.
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Emotions: relaxation, harmony, dreaminess, and gentle melancholy.
Subgenres and Styles
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Ambient Chillout — smooth textures with minimal rhythm (Enigma, Ulrich Schnauss).
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Lounge / Nu-Jazz — jazz and soul influences, saxophone, vocals (Bebel Gilberto, Jazzanova).
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Balearic Chillout — tropical Ibiza vibes, guitars, percussion.
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Chillstep / Downtempo — blends of soft drops and electronic elements (Blackmill, Emancipator).
Notable Artists
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Enigma, Air, Zero 7, Moby, Massive Attack, Thievery Corporation, Bonobo, Café del Mar DJs.
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Modern artists: ODESZA, Tycho, Emancipator, Kiasmos, Nora En Pure.
Influence and Culture
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Chillout has become an essential part of lounge culture, meditation, yoga sessions, coffeehouses, and art spaces.
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It is often used in films, commercials, and video games as background or atmospheric music.
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Today, the genre is experiencing a renaissance, especially on streaming platforms (Spotify, YouTube), where chill playlists are highly popular among listeners worldwide.
Chillout is music for recharging energy, restoring inner balance, and finding inspiration. It’s not just a genre — it’s a state of mind.
