Each night, tens of thousands of cramming students, amateur chefs, and general homebodies tune in to the “lofi hip hop radio” YouTube stream, settling into smooth, downtempo dopamine after a long day’s work. On EP love like lofi, Alesia Lani gives the OG account a run for its money, elevating the vibe-heavy genre with her stress-melting R&B vocals. If last year’s rock-twinged Self Titled saw Lani process romantic ups and downs, the songwriter’s recent release radiates complete tranquility. With the help of local groove-supplying producer FLOST8, Lani floats over hip-hop guitar chords on lead-off single “Homebody,” paying homage to intimate nights under LED lights with a special someone. The track’s accompanying audio visualizer immerses listeners in Lani’s laid-back universe, showing a couple passing a joint and spinning records. Alongside stoner hymn “Pass That,” sultry standout “Water Me” drips with reverb-soaked seduction.  

Alesia Lani

love like lofi (Trailing Twelve)

This article appears in SXSW 2024 Festival Guide, Part II.

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