Nettwerk Lo-Fi Beatcamp: Transforming Bedroom Producers to an Artist Community – [Interview]

Imagine organizing a collective of solo lo-fi artists together for a three-day California retreat to collaborate on a lo-fi album like never before.

When millennials think of lo-fi tunes it triggers memories of stumbling upon obscure Soundcloud tracks or picturing the iconic lo-fi girl studying to mellow beats at her desk on Youtube. This association becomes clear when delving into the lore of lo-fi itself. The genre now is experiencing a rise in popularity through the increased interconnectedness of social media.

Here to guide us through the world of lo-fi is Shaan Chhadva, who was signed as one of Nettwerk Music Group’s first lo-fi artists. Originally from India and now based in LA, Shaan’s musical journey began with piano lessons in his youth, later delving into composition at a Michigan music school at the age of 14. It wasn’t until around 2016 that the lo-fi started to make waves by intertwining jazz and hip-hop influences that captured Shaan’s interest, leading to the release of his debut album in 2022. He has gone on to expand his discography under other aliases known as SCayos and Ornithology. 

Established over four decades ago, Nettwerk Music Group initially specialized in electronic music but has since evolved into becoming a strong player in the pop and rock space as well. In 2022, Nettwerk grew its portfolio by launching a lo-fi brand named Cosmo Kuma and recruiting a talented roster of lo-fi artists.

But what exactly is lo-fi music? Shaan explains the word lo-fi means low-fidelity with the allure lying in raw, imperfect quality characterized by grungy tones, gentle tape wobbles, and the use of vintage equipment. These elements all come together to create the magic of lo-fi which is to evoke nostalgia. 

“There’s so many types of lo-fi these days. Some use it as background music for studying or sleeping, while others lean towards hip-hop or indie styles. What ties them together is the comforting nostalgia and sense of authenticity, not at a million-dollar studio where everything is clear and can be recorded perfectly. But in a way that embraces its imperfections rather than runs away from it.”

Shaan shared how entering the music scene in the past meant navigating numerous obstacles, like securing a record deal or publishing agreement. Now with technology and online resources, anyone with a computer can create music. What sets artists apart is their individual taste, not their complex production techniques but rather capturing the right vibe and feeling.

When asked about what the lo-fi artist community is like, he lovingly answered, “There is just no ego involved at all because a lot of these people came from bedroom producers. They don’t have much equipment or come from backgrounds of owning all of the gear in the world but I feel like that’s what makes the space special.” 

About a year after Nettwerk’s inception of its new lo-fi brand, Shaan and Ben Niespodziany, aka Neon Pajamas, conceptualized a beatcamp bringing together 20 incredible lo-fi artists to create music in a 3-day Malibu retreat. At a beautiful beachfront Airbnb was a culmination of minds that connected producers, musicians, and vocalists from all over coming together to make Cosmo Kuma Presents: Beatcamp, Vol.1 – Los Angeles debuting on April 26. 

The inspiration behind this project stems from uniting artists together in genre that mostly works in isolation. “Anonymity goes hand in hand with being on the internet. Part of this was to take an anonymous scene that existed purely on the internet and find ways to put it out in the real world with all these beat makers.”

For three days these artists were free to flex their creative freedom but also foster genuine connections with each other that encouraged collaboration and support in the future. “My favorite aspect of the camp wasn’t just the music we created, though that was amazing, but more so the connections formed. We bonded over meals, hung out, and even continued making music after the camp.” 

In the compilation album from this experience, Shaan Chhadva helped produce three tracks, “Wild Thoughts,” “I’m Tired” and “Walk Out Music”. He recounted the time in the house so passionately, giving praise to talented artists like Sarah Kawai, Cloudchord, Somni, and Annie Elise.

The final track, “Walk Out Music” was created to commemorate the time in the house. Made with his friends juniorodeo and ROHO, they wanted to create an anthem for the end of the trip. “We literally just put it on loop for two hours on the last day when everybody was packing up and saying their goodbyes and we happily decided to name that “Walk Out Music”. It was only fair to put that as the last track of the compilation.”

Shaan’s dedication and passion when sharing his story touched my heart and was a refreshing take on music being created as art rather than for virality. Lo-fi music feeds the soul. Cosmo Kuma Presents: Beatcamp, Vol.1 – Los Angeles will be available on streaming platforms starting April  26 but can pre-save the album here. For a limited time an exclusive vinyl edition of the album will be available through a partnership with Vinyl Moon.

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