If you’ve ever tuned into a chillhop playlist while studying or winding down, chances are you’ve heard a track by Jinsang. Based in California, his mellow, nostalgic beats have become a staple in the lo-fi community.
We caught up with him to talk about creative inspiration, finding balance in a growing scene, and what it really means to make music that lasts.
Who are you, and how did you get into making music?
I’m from California. I started messing with beats back in 2015. I grew up listening to jazz, hip-hop, classical—pretty much everything. What drew me to lo-fi was its warmth, its intimacy. At first, I was just making music for myself. Then I found SoundCloud… and the rest kind of happened naturally.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Everyday life. Rain on the window, morning coffee, scribbles in a notebook. I listen to a lot of jazz—old records really give me ideas. I still sample from vinyl. I don’t chase trends. I just try to make what feels real to me.
You have a very distinctive sound. How would you describe it?
Soft. Laid-back. I want my tracks to feel like a space you can step into. Lo-fi isn’t just background music—it’s a mood. If a song of mine helps someone feel calmer, or more present, then I’ve done my job.
What’s your take on the current lo-fi scene?
It’s grown a lot. There’s good and bad in that. There are some amazing producers out there now, but also a lot of copy-paste stuff. I think the biggest mistake people make is trying to sound like everyone else. You’ve got to stay honest with yourself. Sometimes imperfections make a track more alive.
Any advice for people starting out?
Just make stuff. Don’t overthink it. Your first few beats might be rough, but that’s okay. Your style will come over time. What matters most is loving what you do.
Final Thoughts
Jinsang doesn’t chase hype. He creates with intention and lets the music speak. His tracks don’t try too hard—they simply are. That sense of stillness and sincerity is what makes his work stand out in a crowded genre.
Music is a reflection of the soul. If you’re being real, people will feel it. — Jinsang
Source of inspiration: Lo-Fi Culture – Interview with Jinsang
