As a team of music curators who needs to be on top of things at any given time, it goes without saying - we're knee-deep in all major streaming platforms, TIDAL most certainly included.
The platform offers a unique positioning when it comes to their Master streaming qualities feature and lately, I've been exploring their editorial playlists scouting for new suggestions. Since I didn't find any guide on where and how to start at first, I thought of sharing with you some of my favorite TIDAL editorial playlists.
TIDAL Explore
It all starts with the TIDAL Explore section. Before I dive into the playlist section, I want to highlight the editorial written content that's located on top of the section. From artist interviews to behind-the-scenes and stories, this section is home to anyone who wants to go beyond the sound.
Explore is also where you can browse both genres and Moods/Activities content curated by the editorial team. In addition to that, this is where you can find TIDAL Rising (focus on up-and-coming and unsigned artists), suggested albums, popular artists, and of course latest releases.
It's pretty straight-forward and clean, so getting started should be rather natural.
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What I do appreciate about the curation of TIDAL Editorials is that they offer a number of different angles on lots of activities/moods.
What does this mean? Well, let's take cooking for example. Instead of offering you just one playlist to listen to while cooking, the editors at TIDAL acknowledge the fact that people might have different preferences, so you end up having stuff like Hip-Hop Cooking, Classical Cooking, K-Pop Cooking, Baking Beats (my jam), and so on. Before seeing this section I honestly didn't know how cool Classical music could sound while making pasta.
My cleaning game is also off the hook, especially with power-ups like Dust Destroyer that feature Meshuggah and Kyuss! You won't see them on Stereofox per se, but damn - I love these bands. Needless to say, my girlfriend is happy with me and the state of the flat since I discovered this section.
You'll definitely see some of those playlists in our selection, but I thought it's an amazing feature that needs to be highlighted separately before I showcase my favourite TIDAL editorials.
Roof Access
That's the playlist that helped me discovered Earth Boys and you can be sure you're in for some upbeat happiness.
Hit your friends and tell them to bring the goods; upbeat house cuts are guaranteed to get the party started.
Lo-fi house, 90s vibes, and upbeat electronica at their finest. Expect names like Tourist, TOKiMONSTA, Four Tet, Jacques Greene, Peggy Gou, and Romare and just some of the names that inspire this 200+ tracks selection. Not sure how long your summer open-air parties are, but 20 hours of gold will be more than enough! The kind of electronic music that one would find in my playlist.
Lazy Days
I can't wait for Spring to kick-in so I can chill on my balcony and soak in the sun. That's when the Lazy Days editorial truly shines.
The ultimate soundtrack for lazy days in the park, on the waterfront, or in the living room. Sun-drenched indie tracks intertwine with electronic cuts to create an uplifting and relaxing vibe.
The description is 100% accurate. The selection dwells in that sweet, sweet spot between indie and electronic music. From Khruangbin to Jorja Smith, this extensive (200+ tracks) playlist has it all.
Kick Back
Hip hop and soul heads, we've got you covered! This next editorial is groovy, yet soothing happiness in the form of a sound. The Kick Back selection explores all genres connected to r&b music. Expect live instrumentals, silky vocals and smooth bars through and through.
Soothing hip-hop and r&b for when the weekeday's over.
BJ The Chicago Kid, H.E.R., Anderson .Paak, FKJ, Frank Ocean, Jhené Aiko, BROCKHAMPTON. The all-star team is here!
Baking Beats
Remember when I mentioned the Cooking activity? Well, this playlist is an awesome start whether you're making your breakfast oatmeal or going for that avo toast.
Fresh-bakes lo-fi beats with a little extra flavor.
So many great producers on here including Handbook who is part of our label, Seneca B, Elijah Who, invention_ and Leavv. Pure, utter bliss. Also, if you dig the Baking Beats editorial, I highly recommend following up with Bedroom Beats. A match made in heaven.
Study Station
TIDAL's Study Station is definitely different than what most of us know as the 24/7 beats to relax/study to and that's where its beauty lies.
Catering to the Dilla in all of us, Study Station combines beats from hip-hop's most revered producers with electronic and dub cuts to create the perfect study soundtrack. Tune-in, turn-up, study hard!
The team curates both a focus-driven and groovy selection of instrumental hip hop beats equally suitable for a study or chill with the mates session. Artists like HNNY, Madlib, Clams Casino, and Kiefer are just a few of the names you can expect after hitting that play button. Also, prolific names like J Dilla, Nujabes, and MF DOOM. RIP, legends.
If you're into chillhop and instrumental hip hop beats, feel free to explore our Chill Beats playlist on TIDAL.
In The Loop
The only natural continuation post Study Station is TIDAL's In The Loop editorial. Tightest beats of them all.
An in-depth look at the best producer artists and wizkids beatmakers from around the world. Strictly instrumental. Stay focused on your daily operation and let your head nod.
I was happy to see tons of producers we've featured throughout the years on here. Besides classics like Kaytra, Mr. Carmack, and Sango, the list is enriched by the beats of blnkspc_, Elaquent, Seb Zillner, DYVN, DAO, and Tom Doolie… to name a few.
Out There: Best New Jazz
If you're a jazz head and want to be up-to-date with the people who shape today's contemporary scene and the artists who are not afraid to experiment and branch out, then... Out There: Best New Jazz is the place to be!
Groundbreaking art is often defined by its inability to be categorized. We highlight sonic shards mined from the vast terrain of new jazz and jazz-adjacent music, from the experimental to the straight-up grooving.
The curation varies and spots the light on a number of new artists and instrumentalists ranging from across the board.
Office House
Now that's my jam. Any playlist that kicks off with Four Tet's "Baby" is a win in my book. TIDAL's Office House editorial explores the depths of experimental / IDM electronica and if the innovative sound of Rival Consoles is something you love, then you'll lose track of time while exploring the playlist.
An electronic playlist designed to help you slip into your deepest state concentration.
It's actually a really good soundtrack to do some thinking to. I know this sounds very abstract, but I spent a good hour debating on a few topics with myself while listening to it.
I might offer you to explore our Essential Electronica playlist where we feature dark and progressive house, perfect for a morning run, rave, or a long walk.
Decaf
If you're more into vocal-driven chills, then the Decaf editorial is a great way to spend your afternoon.
This mix of lo-fi, indie-electro pop, acoustic, and chill r&b is brewed perfectly for a productive afternoon. Leave room for milk.
I love the range on the playlist as you can find both commercial and underground artists. Oh Wonder, Moonchild, and Glass Animals... you're in good company.
Lo-Fi Dreaming
Wrapping up with TIDAL's most zen editorial playlist and a genre we feature quite a lot here on the platform. The rise of the term lofi hip hop is undeniable, so the team has made sure they've covered this ground too. Say hi to Lo-Fi Dreaming and find a comfy place.
Soothing beat to help you fall asleep.
If I start listing all the producers I love on this editorial, I'll have to write a separate piece... which might not be a bad idea, actually. But yeah - expect beautiful lo-fi beats from quite a few mates who we've also interviewed throughout the years - Birocratic, TESK, engelwood, idealism, eevee, Flitz&Suppe, Sofasound... as I said, the list goes on and on.
If you want to put your mind at ease, Lo-Fi Dreaming is definitely a destination you should head to.
Pop & B
There's this special thin line between contemporary, alternative, and commercia,l and while we focus on the first two, it's nice to know there is a source out there that can guide us in the vast world of pop music. This is what Pop & B excels at, offering the best out of these 3 worlds into a single playlist
When Pop and R&B collide you get this playlist.
Best TIDAL Editorial playlists
I am sure the topic will evolve as the team designs and curates more and more genre/mood-driven playlists, but I hope my selection helps anyone who is just stepping into the hi-fi world of the platform. The music editors at TIDAL are constantly crafting new playlists for different themes, genres, moods, and occasions. Also, what I missed covering are the exclusive artist playlists that pop up quite frequently.
Whether they are truly the best? I don't know, but they are go-to spots in my book, and I hope you enjoy them!
If you also enjoy the curation we do here at the Fox, our weekly playlist is on TIDAL, and we cover a wide range of cool and new artists we love.
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