If you are a regular reader of the Humble Report, you are probably already familiar with Coffee Date (Evelyn Rivera) — the GameChops artist with a unique cinematic approach to VGM lofi. If you are a Coffee Date fan already, the long-anticipated continuation of her Hyrule Café series, Hyrule Café 3, is everything you’ve been waiting for! Or if you have yet to discover the wonders of Coffee Date, then this project is the perfect introduction. Emotive strings, creative re-harmonization, ambient vocals, and some new collaborations.

Right from the opening track, you’re hit with a wave of nostalgia, and it just keeps getting better from there. My personal favourite track off the album is track 10 Bolero of Fire which sounds like it belongs on the soundtrack of a crime thriller or campy mystery adventure. Though track 13 Serenade to A Great Fairy is a close second for me. Some other standouts include an extra laid-back take on Kokiri Forest on track 3 (also featuring the talents of Katie Shesko), one of the best takes on Windfall Island ever recorded on track 6 (featuring GlitchxCity), and track 11 Serenade of Water which features signature Coffee Date vocals and some pristine string playing. Of course, track 5, Korok Forest, also has a certain je ne sais quoi that really sets it apart from the rest.

I honestly don’t know why you haven’t already closed this article to go listen to Hyrule Café 3 right now. Here, let me help you…

Listen on: Spotify | Apple Music | Youtube

The prolific Jembei has graced us with another EP, this time stepping through the gates of Cyrodiil to celebrate The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Recently remastered and brought back into the current gaming conversation, Oblivion might not have reached Skyrim’s meme-worthy popularity, but for many of us, its story, mechanics, and sheer sense of wonder still stand as a landmark in RPG history.

For me, Oblivion was one of my first truly massive open-world experiences. I spent countless hours grinding levels, experimenting with oddball skill builds, and staying up far too late with friends swapping tales from the Imperial City and beyond. The map became second nature, though I still occasionally wandered into an Ayleid ruin I had no business entering.

Here’s the funny thing: I couldn’t name a single track from Oblivion’s soundtrack if you asked me. Not because it wasn’t memorable, but because it fit the game so seamlessly it became part of the air I was breathing. It was the sound of fast traveling at sunset, sneaking through a bandit camp, or realizing you had accidentally attacked a guard and were now being chased across half the province.

That’s what makes Oblivion Lofi & Chill hit so hard. The moment Jembei’s first track kicked in, memories I had not touched in over a decade came rushing back, like opening a dusty chest in a forgotten dungeon and finding your old Daedric armor inside. Jembei’s lofi treatment brings a warmth to the original themes, turning them into something perfect for studying alchemy, writing in your journal at the Arcane University, or picking pockets in the Waterfront while waiting for the Gray Fox to appear.

A multi-instrumentalist with a knack for giving games their own chill soundtrack in our real world, Jembei once again delivers. Whether you are a long-time resident of Cyrodiil or just here for the chill beats, this EP will have you feeling right at home, no persuasion minigame required.

Oblivion Lofi & Chill Tracklist:

1. Auriel’s Ascension (Oblivion LOFI)

2. Bloody Blades (Oblivion LOFI)

3. Death Knell (Oblivion LOFI)

4. Dusk At The Market (Oblivion LOFI)

5. Harvest Dawn (Oblivion LOFI)

6. Regin Of The Septims (Oblivion LOFI)

7. Wings Of Kynareth (Oblivion LOFI)

Stream Oblivion Lofi & Chill

Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube

Brothers in music, Closed On Sunday and Tanoshi, have joined forces to bring us a beautiful tribute to one of gaming’s most beloved soundtracks. Known for their covers of everything from Star Wars to Pokémon, these VGM siblings have taken their respective talents and blended them into something that feels right at home on your favorite island getaway.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons was nothing short of a phenomenon. Arriving in 2020, just as the world was going into lockdown, it became the perfect escape — a place to decorate, plant trees, catch bugs, fish for sea bass (ugh, again?), and build friendships with villagers while real-life socializing was on hold. The franchise has always delivered iconic music, and New Horizons was no exception. Its hourly tracks each have their own mood, and the early-morning tunes in particular carry a kind of peace you can almost feel in your bones.

Growing up in a musical family, Closed On Sunday and Tanoshi bring serious skill to the table, or in this case, to the Resident Services plaza. They’ve reimagined the ACNH soundtrack with their own chill lofi flavor, crafting an album you’ll want to play as much as the original. It’s the perfect companion for fishing tournaments, late-night crafting sessions, or just waiting for K.K. Slider’s Saturday night show. Even Tom Nook would approve… though he might still find a way to bill you for it.

Like the game it’s inspired by, this album is about slowing down, enjoying the moment, and finding joy in the little things — whether that’s watching the sunset over your island’s beach or checking the shops for that one piece of furniture you’ve been hunting all week. So grab your net, pull up a lawn chair by the plaza, and let the music drift in with the sound of the waves.

Animal Crossing Lo-Fi: New Horizons ~ Early Hours Collection Tracklist:

1. main theme 2 ~ animal crossing new horizons lofi

2. 5am ~ animal crossing new horizons lofi

3. island broadcast: isabelle ~ animal crossing new horizons lofi

4. 6am 2 ~ animal crossing new horizons lofi

5. 7am ~ animal crossing new horizons lofi

6. nook’s cranny 2 ~ animal crossing new horizons lofi

7. 8am ~ animal crossing new horizons lofi

8. able sisters ~ animal crossing new horizons lofi

9. 9am ~ animal crossing new horizons lofi

10. 10am ~ animal crossing new horizons lofi

Stream Animal Crossing Lo-Fi: New Horizons ~ Early Hours Collection

Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube

Photo by Sean Benesh on Unsplash
(this article is adapted from an original post on Lofi Cody’s Patreon, July 14th 2025)

Do you remember the days of forums and community message boards on the internet? There are a few rare ones that still exist today but generally, forums were part of a fairly short-lived golden era of the internet. If you’re any more than a couple years younger than me, there is a good chance you missed it. Yet some of my best memories of the internet came from this era before Facebook killed Myspace and social media as we know it today began taking shape. There was a huge variety of message boards for every interest and niche you could imagine, but the best ones were centred around bands.

In band forums you knew everyone was there for one reason: you loved the same music. True there were “trolls” who lived for stirring up controversy. But there were no winds of the algorithm dragging in unwanted strangers, so you felt a closer sense of community with the people who were there. In band forums, I got to help pioneer early memes and inside jokes around my favourite artists and connect with diverse and distant people over our shared taste in music. And every so often you’d see the tag under a username “[band] member” and it felt surreal that the musicians you respected would honour you by gracing these humble message boards. Mind you, I was also a teenager. Adolescence is wild and tends to make music sound better, slushies taste better, and every song with some vaguely emotional undertones cut so much deeper.

But undoubtedly something has shifted in the way we communicate online. Social media is about you. You get a feed of content specifically and scientifically designed to keep your attention as long as possible so you watch more ads and give more revenue to tech millionaires so they can become tech billionaires. Even streaming services have taken this shape. I recently heard from some students that “the point of Spotify” is to just click a mood playlist or a daily mix and passively consume whatever the oligarchs have chosen for you.

If you’ve been following me for a while you’ve probably heard me say that my not-so-secret agenda is that I want to build community. While music should be a tool I can leverage to do this, it’s becoming more and more the case that the people who listen to my music don’t know or particularly care who I am. And if you don’t care enough to reach out on some other platform, I don’t even have the opportunity to know who you are. One of the coolest things about Bandcamp relative to Spotify or other streaming platforms is that I can see when someone buys a track. I see your username and your tiny profile picture and I can think “YES!!! WaffleIronFan93 is the coolest person ever!” And I love that because despite what the algorithms think, you are a person and not a number. And people are quite necessary for building community.

So what’s my point in all this? Well besides appealing to your innate sense of longing for simpler times viewed through rose-coloured glasses to subconsciously endear you toward me (I’ve been reading marketing books). I’m hoping I can pitch you a vision of what I’m trying to do as an individual creator and through my company Humble Beats. Let me put it in a numbered list because I have ADHD and I’m a huge sucker for lists

1. Humans are Created for Connection

Too much of the world today is designed to isolate us and have us thinking as insular individuals separate from our communities because isolated individuals need to each buy their own air fryer rather than sharing one as a community. But humans are created for connection. Call it evolutionary survival instinct or intentional design, regardless there is a reason why solitary confinement is an especially cruel punishment. We need connection. If I can accomplish anything through my music or anything else I do I hope that I can bring people together and build community.

2. Music and Art Influence our Thinking and Priorities

Sometimes the influence of art is obvious and sometimes it’s subtle, but we always become what we consume. Consuming mindlessly makes you susceptible to influence and the proposed trajectory of music creation and consumption culture these last couple of years has been towards maximal mindlessness. I hope that I can encourage people to think about what they are consuming and who is behind it. To appreciate the artists who make meaningful art and reject the mindless noise of corporate sociopaths.

3. Collaboration Encourages Ownership

Ever wonder how Ikea continues to be such a prevalent furniture manufacturer when their furniture is B-tier at best? Affordability I’m sure is part of it, but at a deeper level, Ikea plays on a truth that we feel more attachment to things we helped create. By assembling your own Kallax or Friheten you subconsciously feel a deeper ownership towards it than if it was just dropped off by some movers. My hope is that I can give you all (my friends and fans presumably) an opportunity to move beyond consumption and become a collaborator in this whole journey. Not just so that you like it more but so you can share in the joy of creating and being part of something, a community larger than yourself. We’ve seen this at some level already with Johnnie Bailey becoming a writer for the Humble Report and Chiho doing a lot of the artwork for recent Humble Beats releases and we’re actively looking to incorporate more people in this quest to make honest music and cozy communities. So if you’d like to get involved, we’d love to have you!

Ready to join the Humble family? Join the community Discord
Want more from Lofi Cody follow him on Instagram or Patreon

Today (July 16th) is Humble Beats’ first birthday! One year ago today, I officially committed to and registered the name and kicked off this whole adventure. So I thought it was time for a proper introduction.

Back in summer 2024, I was five years into this journey of making and releasing my own music. In the year prior, I’d taken some big steps toward turning this passion into my career. I’d spent considerable time learning everything I could about production, promotion, and the broader music business. I’d also released some of my most defining work, and things should have felt great. But something was off.

Despite doing what I loved, I was burning out. Progress was trudging, and taking a break - even for a moment - felt like losing ground. I wasn’t alone in feeling this way. Some other artists I worked with were expressing similar struggles.

So I applied my superhuman intellect to the task and identified three major problems.

1. Isolation

2. Lack of Resources

3. Audience Disconnection

Isolation

Being an independent artist is often lonely. From the industry side we’re sold this scarcity mindset - told that there are only a certain number of streams to go around so you need to scrape and claw for your piece of the pie. We can begin to see other artists as competitors. Then compared to major label artists independents are generally at a big disadvantage so we’re already put on the back foot. Then add to this the plethora of scams, predatory businesses, and misinformation - it’s not uncommon for Indies to become guarded and insular. Then for many of us, there is the added factor of the closest people in our lives not understanding and sometimes not really respecting what we do.

Lack of Resources

This isolation aggravates the second problem of lack of resources. Indies typically don’t have the budget, knowledge, or network to do everything on their now. You can write a great song but if it’s mixed poorly it’s going to stand out in all the wrong ways. Even if your song sounds great without promotion it may never be heard. Indie artists often end up trying to fill the roles of artist, engineer, marketer, and manager all on their own. Even if you can do this it’s exhausting and impractical in the long term.

Audience Disconnection

The third major problem I see is another type of disconnection, this time between artists and fans. In the streaming era, mood playlists and autoplay are adding greater distance between listeners and the artists behind the music. Many don’t even know who they’re listening to, or if it’s even a real human behind the music. In this, Spotify in particular has opened the door for fake artists and auto-generated noise to flood these platforms. This has made real artists overly dependent on Spotify and algorithms to have their music heard while they have little to no opportunity to connect with the people who resonate with their music.

The Lightbulb Moment

So with all of this considered, I had a thought: what if instead of being miserable and defeatist I tried to do something about this? I have skills in mixing and mastering, and I’ve had some success with ads and playlist building, a growing fanbase, and great connections in the Lofi and VGM scenes. There must be a way I can bring this all together to help other indie artists and myself.

After several less-than-brilliant ideas, it clicked. I should start a label… but not a traditional label. I didn’t want to own artists’ work and I had neither the desire nor the means to pay artists huge advances and then demand remittances for the next decade. I wanted to build something collaborative. More like a guild. A system that brings artists together to support each other, share knowledge and resources, and create something greater than we ever could on our own. A space where fans can discover not just good music but the real people behind it. And thus, Humble Beats was born.

Here We Are

In our first year, we’ve released seven albums, thirteen singles, and an EP across eight artists. We’ve also contributed to several off-label projects with others in the scene. We have nine curated playlists across all major platforms showcasing real musicians. We also launched The Humble Report in January to share “cozy news” celebrating new music and the artists behind it. In January 2025, Humble Beats Inc. was registered as an official corporation in Canada for an extra level of legitimacy and accountability.

All in all, it’s been a great year with many lessons learned, victories and failures, and most importantly great music and community. I’m excited to see what the next year has in store for the Humble Family.

If all of this sounds exciting to you, we’d love to have you involved! You can subscribe here on Substack to stay in the loop about new releases or you can join the community Discord server at humblebeats.com/discord

In the meantime, take care and stay chill out there.

- Cody

No stranger to the video game lofi scene, Jembei’s newest project Monster Hunter Wilds & Chills is out now! While some might not think of Monster Hunter as a go-to source for chill beats, Jembei proves otherwise. He blends the upbeat charm of village and gathering hub themes with the darker intensity of monster battle music, and somehow makes both perfect for studying or sharpening your blade.

Monster Hunter holds a special place in my heart since it’s a game I’ve spent hours playing with my son. Listening to this album genuinely brought me back to those moments between “quest complete” and “quest failed,” chopping tails and cooking over a campfire.

A multi-instrumentalist, Jembei not only plays piano (a staple among producers) but also saxophone. I always meant to take sax lessons as a teen, but never followed through. What really impresses me, though, is his ability to take darker, heavier themes and somehow shape them into lofi tracks that still feel true to the source. I don’t know how he pulls it off, but the result is unmistakably his.

Whether you’re grinding out hunts or just need a Monster Hunter-inspired lofi soundtrack for late-night chill sessions, Wilds & Chills delivers. Jembei has carved out something special here. No tracking required.

Monster Hunter Wilds & Chills Tracklist

1. The Diva Song (Monster Hunter Lofi)

2. Ebon Hellfire - Nu Udra Theme (lof)

3. Kunafa Village Theme (Monster Hunter Lofi)

4. Azuz Village Fallow Theme (Monster Hunter Lofi)

5. Rey Dau Theme (Monster Hunter Lofi)

6. Quest Complete (Monster Hunter Lofi)

7. Main Hub Night Theme (Monster Hunter Lofi)

8. Gathering Hub Night Theme (Monster Hunter Lofi)

9. Heading Back Theme (Monster Hunter Lofi)

10. Mitzusune Theme (Monster Hunter Lofi)

11. Quest Failed Theme (Monster Hunter Lofi)

12. Ruins of Wyveria Chase Theme (Monster Hunter Lofi)

13. Tent Theme (Monster Hunter Lofi)

Stream Monster Hunter Wilds & Chills

Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube

In an age where artists are told to chase algorithms and post three times a day, passion projects like this feel rare and precious. A Hero’s Tale (Special Edition) isn’t just an album. It’s a love letter to adventure, melody, and the kind of music that takes you somewhere else when you close your eyes.

Originally released two years ago, Lofi Cody’s A Hero’s Tale was always more than a beat tape. It’s an original soundtrack to a game that exists only in your imagination. A full narrative arc is told through lofi and VGM-style tracks, now re-released with two new songs and a stunning digital booklet. (The booklet is included with the Bandcamp download and available to watch on YouTube if you’re more of a “skip to the cutscene” type.)

Inspired at first by Zelda soundtracks, Cody began composing the project while working full-time at a coffee roastery. What started as an homage soon took on a life of its own, threaded with folk rock textures and melodies full of feeling.

“The idea was to capture those unforgettable soundtrack moments from my favorite games,” Cody says. “I’d picture a scene, think about the mood, and then ask myself how I could turn that feeling into a melody.”

The result is a set of songs that feel lived-in and lovingly crafted, filled with recurring motifs that reward careful listening. The starter town theme reappears later in the journey. The forest track closes with a twist that ties directly into the credits music. One moment might feel like a small victory, the next like the dawn after a long battle. This is storytelling in stereo, and you don’t need a controller to experience it.

A Heroes Tale (Special Edition) Tracklist:

1. Main Theme

2. Starter Town

3. Inciting Incident

4. A Searing Loss

5. On the Trail

6. The Forest of Plot Progression

7. Healing Pools

8. A Whole New Town

9. Curiosity Shop

10. Love at First Sprite

11. Hatching a Plan

12. Foray Into Shadow

13. Boss Battle

14. Peace at Last

15. End Credits

16. Boss Battle (Piano Version)

Stream A Heroes Tale (Special Edition)
Spotify | Apple Music | Youtube

A work of art from the heart (ha), A Hero’s Tale (Special Edition) reminds us what lofi can be when it dares to dream. Give it a listen, and let the journey begin.

No strangers to the lofi scene, the fantastic Brazilian duo Sing4DLaughter and Sad Gatomon return with the latest entry in their Final Fantasy soundtrack journey: Final Fantasy 8. While VII might get all the nostalgia cred, VIII is no slouch; gunblades, GFs, and Eyes On Me all hit different. And now, so do the beats.

One of the things I’ve consistently loved about Sing4DLaughter’s covers is the balance. He breathes new life into iconic melodies while keeping enough of the original for that instant pang of recognition. It’s not a full remix, and it’s not a carbon copy. It’s something uniquely in-between: respectful, creative, and effortlessly cool. Add in Sad Gatomon’s emotional depth, and the result is a project that truly lives up to their names. One moment you’re grinning, the next you’re rethinking your entire romantic history under the soft glow of lofi melancholia. They cover the full emotional spectrum, from laughter to Gatomon-level sadness.

Fans of VGM lofi and nostalgic soundtracks will find plenty to love in this dreamy tribute to one of Square Enix’s most emotional games. Whether you’re a fan of Squall’s brooding silences or just here for the smooth beats and ambient nostalgia, this album is a must-listen for lofi and RPG fans alike.

FF8 lofi Tracklist:

1. Liberian Fatali (FFVIII) lofi

2. Balamb GARDEN (FFVIII) lofi

3. Don’t be Afraid “Battle Theme” (FFVIII) lofi

4. Find Your Way (FFVIII) lofi

5. Breezy (FFVIII) lofi

6. Shuffle or Boogie (FFVIII) lofi (this one is fun)

7. Ami (FFVIII) lofi (love this one)

8. The Man with the Machine Gun (FFVIII) lofi

9. Fisherman’s Horizon (FFVIII) lofi

10. My Mind (FFVIII) lofi

11. Fragments of Memories (FFVIII) lofi

12. The Oath (FFVIII) lofi

13. Roses and Wine (FFVIII) lofi

14. Under Her Control (FFVIII) lofi

15. Where I Belong (FFVIII) lofi

16. Succession of Witches (FFVIII) lofi

Stream FF8 lofi
Spotify | Apple Music | Youtube

Behold the triumphant return of Artist Uncovered, the series where I seek to discover the deep lore behind the world’s greatest chill artists and producers.

In today's episode, we have the privilege of uncovering the mysteries of the legendary Coffee Date.

🎶 dramatic intro music 🎶

Coffee Date (real name Evelyn Rivera) is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer with a unique organic and orchestral approach to lofi and VGM. Her expert use of real instruments and her voice give each track a personal feel, elevating her music to a realm where it almost feels reductive to call it "lofi".

She is also a member of the premiere VGM record label GameChops. If you're a regular patron of the video game music world you've likely heard her work on the Hyrule Cafe or Stardew & Chill series of albums. Or maybe her contribution to the GameChops Poketape series - holding down the 4th entry. But if you haven't heard any of those yet, now is the perfect time to amend that! Links after the interview.

Q: How did you come up with the name Coffee Date? Is there a story behind it?

Evelyn: For a little background context, Coffee Date began as a duo between myself and an ex-partner. The name "Coffee Date" was something we came up with together, inspired by the virtual coffee dates we would go on when we lived far apart. Unfortunately, it was an extremely abusive relationship, and when we separated, I took over the project, and he told me that I'd never be able to manage it on my own. So I started taking myself out on coffee dates every Friday morning as an act of self-love and to keep myself grounded—no matter how turbulent and difficult things were, I still made the time for myself to remind myself that I was still worthy. Through this, I reclaimed the name for myself, and felt the overall essence of the project shift from being uncertain to being confident, determined, and hopeful.

Q: How did you first get into making music?

Evelyn: I’ve been making music for as long as I can remember! I started writing my own songs when I was 5, and then started self-teaching keyboard when I was 12. When I was 13, I discovered Lindsey Stirling and thought the use of violin in an EDM/non-classical setting was the coolest thing ever, and I begged my mom for a violin for Christmas. Money was really tight and we couldn't afford lessons, but she still took a chance on me. I self-taught and practiced every day, saved up to buy FL Studio 11, and have been producing music and picking up new instruments ever since.

Q: What inspired you to start doing video game covers/ remixes?

Evelyn: I always loved game music—especially when I was younger, it helped me get through a lot of hard times and sparked my interest in composing music and using music as a storytelling medium. Around that time, I discovered covers and remixes on YouTube and it completely blew my mind. A few years later, I discovered the GameChops label and knew it was something I definitely wanted to get involved in.

Q: What video game franchise is your favourite to cover music from?

Evelyn: It's gotta be The Legend of Zelda! There's so much great music in that series, with such a wide range of moods and styles. I feel like I always learn something when I break down the music and see how it all comes together to portray such distinct settings, characters, and scenarios. A second favorite though is Octopath Traveler—it's such an incredible soundtrack that definitely deserves more love.

Q: Do you have any specific goals for the Coffee Date project?

Evelyn: Musically, one of my goals is to enhance or bring something new to the narrative of the music—whether that's through stripping it down, emphasizing different nuances of the piece, or reworking the style entirely! For Coffee Date as a project though, my vision is to continue reaching people with music that creates a space of comfort and positivity. The times we're living in have been so turbulent, so being able to connect with people in this way feels so rewarding and fulfilling. If what I do can make just one person's day a little better, then that's a success in my book.

Q: Do you have any specific music goal beyond Coffee Date?

Evelyn: Yes! I love composing original music in my spare time. I recently scored part of a short film, and I'm currently developing some other visual projects that I'm really excited to write music for. I'd also like to release an album of original music at some point, and maybe one day compose for a videogame.

Q: Do you have any big projects or releases coming up that you’d like to tell us about?

Evelyn: My third Zelda-inspired album, Hyrule Café 3 is in production and looking to release this fall! I've gotten to work with some wonderful collaborators (including Humble Beats' own Lofi Cody!) and I feel it's made this album so special. I hope you'll all look forward to it!

Find Coffee Date on your favourite streaming platform:

Spotify | Apple Music | Youtube

Kahwah (I actually don’t know Kahwah’s real name 😅) has released Uncharted Worlds. Over the past few months, we’ve been getting sneak peeks through singles, but now the full album is here, ready for us to explore the soundscape he has crafted.

Originally, Uncharted Worlds started with just a couple of individual tracks. Kahwah wanted to step outside his comfort zone of sleepy lo-fi and dive into something new: video game-inspired lo-fi. He found inspiration in the cozy soundtracks of games like Stardew Valley, Terraria, Zelda, and Minecraft, gradually building a full world with its own lore, music, and atmosphere.

Whether it’s the gentle waves in Magic of the Isle or the bustling footsteps of Market Stroll, every track feels like a step deeper into a world of melody and memory. The retro vibe calls back to old-school RPGs and adventure games, but the rich, modern production keeps it feeling fresh.

Even better, Kahwah didn’t stop at the music. He designed a full world map and a booklet to go along with the album, inviting listeners to step into the little universe he created. (Full disclosure: I had the honor of contributing to two of the tracks, but even without that, I would still tell you this album is a journey worth taking.)

If you are ready to embark on an adventure, no random encounters required, take a listen to Uncharted Worlds.

Uncharted Worlds Tracklist

1. Valley Of Flowers

2. Market Stroll

3. Fog Of Dreams

4. The Shaman

5. Theme Of The Marshes

6. Magic Of The Isle

7. Goblins’ Lair

8. An Unforseen Ally

9. One Last Stand

10. Hero Of The Isle

Stream Uncharted Worlds Now:

Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube

Also check out the digital booklet here

Coffee Date (real name Evelyn) and GameChops have released the long-awaited Stardew & Chill 2. While I haven’t tended my farm much since 2016 (yes, that was nine years ago and no, I don’t want to talk about it), the soundtrack is still iconic and sticks with me to this day. Plenty of producers have taken a swing at these cozy VGM classics, but Evelyn’s emotionally expressive strings and soft background vocals add something new. It’s a thoughtful, heartfelt tribute that still hits all the right notes.

And yes, because it’s now tradition at this point, I have to mention that Evelyn is a ridiculously talented multi-instrumentalist. She plays violin, viola, cello, piano, and more on this album, and you can definitely feel the difference. The use of real instruments gives the entire project a warm, organic texture that stands out in the best way. My favorite touch? Her background vocals. There’s something about the way she weaves emotion into wordless melodies that makes everything feel more personal, more human.

Whether it’s spring planting season, summer fishing season, fall festival season, or winter “accidentally stay in the mines until 2am” season, this album fits right in. Peaceful, nostalgic, and full of heart, Stardew & Chill 2 is worth a listen no matter what kind of day you’re having.

Stardew & Chill 2 Tracklist

1. It’s A Big World Outside

2. Nature’s Crescendo (love this one)

3. Cloud Country

4. Settling In

5. A Flicker in the Deep

6. Ghost Synth

7. A Golden Star Is Born

8. Starwatcher (a personal favorite)

9. Spirit’s Eve Festival

10. Night Market

11. Ancient

12. The Library and Museum

13. Distant Banjo

14. Grandpa’s Theme (love this one)

Stream Stardew & Chill 2 Now:

Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube

While not part of the video game music scene, independent music producer Brian Stiroh (real name: Brian—because why complicate it?) has quietly become a standout in the world of ambient chill music. His third album, Adrift, is full of lush textures, mellow beats, and emotional depth. It’s the kind of album that doesn’t just play in the background—it glides through it.

I first discovered Brian on Twitch. Yes, that Twitch—the one better known for rage-quitting and speedruns. But instead of boss battles, Brian was streaming under the name “Heartbeat Sensei,” crafting ambient soundscapes live on stream. His process was captivating. He would improvise musical ideas in the moment, then revisit and polish them into finished tracks. Think Bob Ross, but with synths and a looper pedal.

A multi-instrumentalist with a real gift for melody, Brian brings warmth and sincerity to every track he touches. Adrift might be my favorite album of his yet. It’s great for working, relaxing, or getting existential about your life choices while staring out a rainy window.

Adrift Tracklist:

1. Little Low

2. Lakeside

3. Summer Air

4. Yesterday’s Daydream (love this one)

5. New Home

6. Skipping Stones

7. Driftwood

8. Hold On (love this one too)

9. Field Of Daisies (Ambient Version)

Stream Adrift Now:

Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube

If you’re into ambient chill music, relaxing lofi-style soundscapes, or just need something beautiful to float through your day, give Adrift a spin. Your ears will thank you.

DarkNuck and setsaile have released three albums together now: Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Twilight Princess, and now Mario Kart 64.

When these two announced their team up I can’t say it’s one I was expecting. But we’re all a little better of for it having happened.

DarkNuck is probably most well known for Zelda covers spanning a variety of genres from lofi to synthwave, cinematic, and even rock. He’s an immensely creative and skilled arranger who often dabbles in less conventional instruments and sounds to make truly unique Zelda covers.

setsaile broke into the VGM scene very gently in 2023 with sleepy felt piano covers of some of the best video game tracks and an adorable hand drawn cover art aesthetic.

So, as I said, not a team you might expect. But the product of it is beautiful. The way they’ve arranged these tracks for piano sounds familiar and nostalgic yet entirely original in a way that you could probably sneak these onto the playlist for some fancy lounge or cafe and those unfamiliar would never guess these are video game songs. But for those cultured among us, the familiar Mario Kart melodies cut through and strike all the right cozy and familiar notes.

DarkNuck has taken quickly to this new style and setsaile is crushing it as always. I’m looking forward to hearing what else these two have in store for us.

Listen to Mario Kart 64 (sleepy felt piano):

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While many of you might know Shea’s Violin (real name Shea) from her incredible collaborations across the lofi and video game music scenes, you may be surprised to learn that Liminal Echoes is actually her first full-length solo album. And for such a pivotal moment in a musician’s career, she chose a game that’s just as iconic as her artistry: Chrono Trigger.

Released in 1995, Chrono Trigger has been time traveling through gamer hearts for three decades now (pause for a moment of silence for those of us who still think the 90s were ten years ago). The soundtrack, composed by the legendary Yasunori Mitsuda (with contributions by Nobuo Uematsu and Noriko Matsueda), is one of the most beloved in gaming history. Liminal Echoes brings a new dimension to the Chrono Trigger soundtrack, one string at a time. This cover album feels both familiar and refreshingly new, blending meditative depth with emotional nuance.

A gifted multi-instrumentalist, Shea brings a rare versatility to this project. She performs parts on erhu, viola, cello, guitar, bass, accordion, piano, kalimba, and more. As a fellow multi-instrumentalist, I can honestly say she’s on another level.

Whether you’re a lifelong Chrono Trigger fan, a collector of instrumental game covers, or simply someone who loves beautifully crafted music, Liminal Echoes: A String Tribute To Chrono Triggerdeserves your love and attention. This is more than a tribute; it’s a heartfelt reimagining of one of gaming’s greatest soundtracks.

Liminal Echoes: A String Tribute To Chrono Trigger Tracklist:

1. Guardia Millenial Fair (From “Chrono Trigger”)

2. Secret of the Forest (From “Chrono Trigger”)

3. Wind Scene (From “Chrono Trigger”)

4. Peaceful Days (From “Chrono Trigger”)

5. At the Bottom of the Night (From “Chrono Trigger”) (love this one)

6. Brink of Time (From “Chrono Trigger”)

7. Battle 1 (From “Chrono Trigger”)

8. Lucca’s Theme (From “Chrono Trigger”)

9. Corridors of Time (From “Chrono Trigger”)

10. Schala’s Theme (From “Chrono Trigger”)

11. A Distant Promise (From “Chrono Trigger”)

Stream Liminal Echoes: A String Tribute To Chrono Trigger

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Our very own Johnnie Bailey has been hard at work recording ambience at train stations in Japan and recruiting producers to flip these recordings into chill beats. The result of this effort is Yamanote Line Volume 2.

As a follow up to Johnnie’s hit solo album Yamanote Line Vol. 1 - YL.V2 expands the sonic palette with the talents of producers Relaxicorn, ProdByAiko, Reimuzik, PocketTots, and myself Lofi Cody. This team effort has produced chill yet sonically diverse album with sounds ranging from traditional lofi to modern hiphop, synthwave, and downtempo. There’s a little something for everyone in here and a whole lot for lovers of chill beats!

Yamanote line Volune 2 Tracklist:

1. Strange Nights in Shibuya (Lofi Cody)
2. Fashion Week in Harajuku (Relaxicorn)
3. Contemplation in Yoyogi (ProdbyAiko)
4. No Worries In Shinjuku (ProdByAiko)
5. Retro Glow In Takadanobaba (Reimuzik)
6. Neon Pulse In Ikebukuro (Reimuzik)
7. Hopeful in Komagome (ProdbyAiko)
8. Morning Coffee In Tabata (Relaxicorn)
9. Silhouettes In Nippori (Johnnie Bailey)
10. Treasure Hunt in Akihabara (Lofi Cody)
11. Warm Sunrise In Tokyo (Pocket Tots)
12. Meet Me in Hamamatsucho (Lofi Cody)
13. Harbor Lights At Shinagawa (Relaxicorn)
14. Cool Nights In Gotanda (Pocket Tots)
15. Twilight Groove in Meguro (Reimuzik)

Stream Yamanote Line Vol. 2
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ProdByAiko’s latest EP, The Dawning, is here to remind you that chill music does not always mean sitting perfectly still. Staying true to her hip-hop roots, ProdByAiko delivers a collection of tracks that are not just smooth, but seriously groove-worthy. Side effects may include head nodding, foot tapping, and an uncontrollable urge to bop around the room.

Based in Chicago and originally from Las Vegas, ProdByAiko (real name Aiko) started her creative journey as a spoken word poet. Today, she crafts soulful, conscious hip-hop beats inspired by icons like Queen Latifah and J Dilla. I first met Aiko through a rapper friend, and it only took one track to know she had something special.

At Humble Beats, we usually spotlight video game lofi, chillhop, and ambient projects. The Dawning brings a fresh take that leans into the “hip-hop” heart of lofi hip-hop, blending upbeat energy with a laid-back vibe. Put it on when you want to chill out, but still feel like you could take on the world—preferably while wearing socks on hardwood floors for maximum sliding potential.

The DawningTrack List:

1. GirlWonder

2. Teachable

3. Talladega

4. Light

5. Dawn

Stream The Dawning- EP

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A-bug, Sing4DLaughter, and Sad Gatomon are all heavy weights in the lofi and VGM scenes. When you see any of these names on a track you know it’s going to be good. When you see all three, that’s an Avenger’s level event. 

One Piece Lofi Gems Vol. 1 is a perfect example of this. The 5 track EP of music from one of the greatest anime of all time, showcases each producer’s prowess. From the locked-in drums to the airy synths and immaculate guitar work this album is pure gold. The foley and atmosphere bring the whole record together with a nautical feel that puts you right there on the ship with the Straw Hat crew.

Whether you’re a fan of One Piece or not you should definitely give this EP a spin (or stream, I guess). Is my review biased as a fan of not only all three of these producers but also One Piece? Definitely. But am I wrong? Only one way to find out…

One Piece Lofi Gems Vol. 1 Tracklist:

1. Mother Sea

2. The 1

3. ANGEL & DEVIL

4. Gold and Oden

5. We Are!

Stream One Piece Lofi Gems Vol.1
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Reimuzik releases his first 4-track EP, Whispers in the Wind, a chill, lofi-adjacent collection inspired by the healing and stillness he found in the mountains of Nagano, Japan. If you have ever wanted to bottle the feeling of standing on a mountain clearing looking at the lake below, this is about as close as it gets. Just with fewer mosquitoes.

Reimuzik (real name Andrew) and I actually go way back. We first met when he was in college and I was still in high school. I was surprised to find out he was kind of an exchange student, having grown up in Tokyo and attending university in Chicago. During those years, he would sometimes spend spring breaks and summers with my family, where we spent our time playing music and video games.

So when he reached out about finally releasing music, especially music centered on healing, nature, and the divine, I could not wait to hear what he had been working on.

While it does not land neatly in the lofi beats or ambient music bins, Whispers in the Wind offers something even better: an experience of the trees, the clouds, and the gentle winds of the Japanese mountains whispering their old secrets.

Whispers In The Wind Track List:

1. Rainy Forest Path

2. Reflecting On The Winds

3. Rolling With The Clouds

4. Evening Wind / Yugure no Kaze

Stream Whispers In The Wind - EP

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When I first got into the VGM lofi scene, one name kept popping up: “We think you’ll like Hotline Sehwani.” And they were right. If you’re into Nintendo-inspired lofi beats, chances are you’ve already come across the name, and for good reason.

On his 15th album, Hotline Sehwani joins forces with Super Lofi 64 and the iconic VGM label GameChops for Sonic Tape, a lofi tribute to everyone’s favorite blue hedgehog. From Green Hill Zone to Chemical Plant, the album delivers crunchy beats, dreamy textures, and a perfect blend of chill and nostalgia, a reminder to all of us that we don’t always have to go fast.

Whether you’re reminiscing about raising Chao or collecting gold rings, grab a chili dog and press play. Sonic Tape is a love letter to retro speed and mellow vibes, brought to life with GameChops’ signature lofi polish. Perfect for your Nintendo Playlist.

Sonic Tape Tracklist:

1. Green Hill Zone

2. Lights, Camera, Action! (Studiopolis)

3. Friends (love this one)

4. Chao Garden (A personal favorite)

5. Escape from the City

6. Apotos Day

7. Reach For The Stars

8. Angel Island Zone

9. Chemical Plant Zone

10. Fist Bump

11. Kronos Island

12. Hydrocity Zone

13. Open Your Heart

14. Dreams of an Absolution

Stream Sonic Tape

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Mellow Yoyo & Sing4DLaughter recently released a 7-track album featuring super chill flips of Super Mario Galaxy tracks.

Regular readers of the Humble Report should know by now that Sing is one of the all-time greats in the lofi and VGM scenes with his signature guitar chops and organic lofi sound. But if this is the first time you’re hearing about Mellow Yoyo, you’re in for a treat. Mellow has been masterfully flipping chill versions of VGM tracks since 2023 and quickly made a name in the scene.

I was unreasonably excited when I saw these two released this album together. Their signature sounds go together like hipsters and craft beer, or maybe peanut butter and jelly. Either way, it’s a seamless blend that highlights the best of each artist’s sound and captures the sense of wonder and celestial exploration that characterizes Super Mario Galaxy.

These tracks will fit as cozily into your favourite Nintendo playlist as your sleep music playlist.

Super Mario Galaxy and Chill Tracklist:

1. Luma

2. Star Festival

3. To the Gateway

4. Comet Observatory

5. Space Junk Galaxy

6. Gusty Garden

7. Sad Story

Stream Super Mario Galaxy & Chill

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