Chillhop Music is a Dutch record label and brand founded in 2013 in the countryside of the Netherlands, now based in Rotterdam. It is one of the leading lofi hip-hop and instrumental hip-hop labels in the world. Chillhop is home to Philanthrope, Psalm Trees, C Y G N, L'Indecis, Leavv, Nymano, Mama Aiuto, SwuM, Misha, Aso, Ian Ewing, Yasper, J.Folk, Sweeps, Kreatev, and many others. The label is known for its iconic raccoon mascot and its 24/7 YouTube livestream, which was the first 24/7 livestream on the platform within the lofi genre. Its 2026 releases include the Timezones France compilation (exploring the rich legacy of French sample-based hip hop reimagined by today's beatmakers) and Throwback (July 17, 2026).
Chillhop Music began in 2013 as a humble blog from a small bedroom in the Netherlands. Driven by a passion for sharing a unique, and at the time, hard-to-find genre of music, the label quickly expanded its horizons. It launched its YouTube channel where it paired its favorite tracks with captivating visuals, and became the first 24/7 livestream on the platform within its genre. By 2015, Chillhop had established itself as a record label, and by 2018, its raccoon mascot had become a beloved symbol of its YouTube livestreams, embodying the spirit of Chillhop. The label's mission is to create a more relaxed everyday life through authentic and characteristic means that stay true to its taste and values. The label was previously known as Chillhop Records (before 2017) and has been known as Chillhop Music since 2017.
How Chillhop Operates
Chillhop Music runs dedicated A&R from its Rotterdam headquarters. It operates an independent distribution network and a YouTube channel with 24/7 livestreams. The label's strength is its curated approach to lofi beats paired with unique, handcrafted visuals, and its raccoon mascot branding. Its model combines a record label, a YouTube livestream, a creator licensing platform (Chillhop Music for creators), and a merchandise brand. The label collaborates with talented artists from all over the world to bring listeners the best chill (lofi) beats paired with unique, handcrafted visuals.
Why It Matters for Independent Artists
If you make lofi hip-hop, instrumental hip-hop, or chill beats, Chillhop Music is one of the leading labels in that space, with a global audience and a 24/7 YouTube livestream. Its roster of prolific lofi producers (Philanthrope, Psalm Trees, Ian Ewing) shows it can develop artists with long-term career potential in the lofi genre. Its creator licensing platform provides additional revenue streams for its artists through sync placements in YouTube, Twitch, Instagram, film, advertising, and video game projects.
Drawbacks and Things to Consider
- Lofi focus: Chillhop signs lofi hip-hop and instrumental hip-hop. Artists in other genres should look elsewhere.
- No unsolicited demos: Chillhop does not accept cold submissions.
- Visual identity: Chillhop pairs its music with handcrafted visuals, so artists must fit the label's visual as well as sonic identity.
- YouTube-first model: Chillhop's model is built around its YouTube livestream, which means revenue is heavily tied to YouTube streaming.
Notable Artists and Releases
Chillhop Music releases lo-fi and instrumental hip-hop from a global roster of producers. The label does not pursue Billboard chart placement; its success is measured by YouTube views, Spotify streams, and sync licensing revenue. Below are 10 notable releases:
| Artist | Release | Year | Platform Performance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philanthrope | Ocean Patio (with Dayle) | 2020 | Millions of Spotify streams | Lead single from Timezones compilation |
| Psalm Trees | fiveyearsago | 2020 | Featured on Timezones compilation | Tracklib-sampled lo-fi release |
| Psalm Trees | Clocks Forward (with Guillaume Muschalle) | 2019 | Millions of Spotify streams | Spring release with warm production |
| Ian Ewing | LuvnYou | 2018 | Featured on Chillhop livestream | Self-taught producer from Wisconsin |
| Ian Ewing | Fall Down (with AKINYEMI) | 2018 | Featured on Chillhop livestream | Autumn release with vocal features |
| L'Indecis | Second Wind | 2019 | Featured on Chillhop livestream | Jazz-influenced lo-fi beats |
| barnes blvd. | perspective | 2017 | 210,000+ YouTube views | Featured on daydreams compilation |
| Chillhop Music | Chillhop Essentials Summer 2025 | 2025 | 28-track compilation, 50+ artists | 38th seasonal compilation |
| Chillhop Music | Timezones France | 2026 | French sample-based hip-hop compilation | Exploring French hip-hop legacy |
| Various Artists | Throwback | 2026 | Compilation release July 17, 2026 | Latest compilation project |
Chillhop's 24/7 YouTube livestream has been running since 2015 and was the first 24/7 livestream on YouTube within the lo-fi genre. The livestream generates millions of daily views and serves as the primary discovery platform for the label's artists.
Video Highlights
Deal Structures
Chillhop Music operates a model that combines a record label, YouTube livestream, and creator licensing platform:
- Non-exclusive single deals: Chillhop frequently signs individual tracks rather than full album deals. Producers retain ownership of their masters and license tracks to Chillhop for distribution and livestream placement. This is the most common deal type.
- Compilation features: Chillhop releases seasonal compilations (Chillhop Essentials) featuring 40 to 50 artists per compilation. Artists receive per-track revenue share based on streaming performance.
- Exclusive artist deals: For core roster artists like Philanthrope and Ian Ewing, Chillhop offers more structured deals with multiple releases and dedicated marketing support. These deals may include exclusivity for new releases.
- Sync licensing revenue share: Chillhop operates a creator licensing platform that places its catalog in YouTube, Twitch, Instagram, film, advertising, and video game projects. Artists receive a share of sync revenue generated by their tracks.
- YouTube livestream revenue: Artists whose tracks are featured on the 24/7 livestream receive a share of YouTube ad revenue based on play count. This creates a passive income stream for featured producers.
How Artists Get Signed
Chillhop Music does not accept unsolicited demos. The signing process follows these steps:
- A&R through the livestream: Chillhop's team discovers artists by monitoring the lo-fi beatmaking community on YouTube, SoundCloud, and Bandcamp. Producers whose tracks fit the Chillhop aesthetic are approached directly.
- Global network scouting: Chillhop collaborates with producers from around the world. The label's A&R team monitors lo-fi production communities, beat battles, and sample-based hip-hop forums to identify new talent.
- Single-track licensing first: New artists typically start with a single-track licensing deal. If the track performs well on the livestream and streaming platforms, the artist may be offered a multi-track deal or compilation feature.
- Visual identity assessment: Chillhop pairs its music with handcrafted visuals and its raccoon mascot branding. Artists must fit the label's visual as well as sonic identity. The label commissions original artwork for each release.
- Community and collaboration: Chillhop prioritizes artists who collaborate with existing roster members. Many signings come from collaborative tracks between established and emerging producers on the label.
Similar Labels
- Lofi Girl - Leading lo-fi label with similar YouTube livestream model
- Inner Ocean Records - Independent lo-fi and beats label
- Ninety9lives - YouTube-first electronic music label
- NoCopyrightSounds - YouTube-first electronic label with creator licensing
- Monstercat - Independent electronic label with YouTube focus
- The Bootleg Boy - Lo-fi and chill beats label
- Chill Select - Lo-fi and chill music label
Related Resources
- Record Label Contracts Explained - What a Chillhop deal contains
- Independent Labels vs Major Labels - The YouTube-first label model
- How to Get a Record Deal in 2026 - Building a lofi production profile
- Lofi Girl - A related lofi label
- Chillhop Music Official Site - Roster and livestream
