what is flop?

what if we could chill together the same way we dance together? what if the second room was the only room? what if you walked into the club and, just, flopped?

built in the image of early 2000s chill-out rooms, flop is a parquette party series with an emphasis on downtempo music and live performance. each event will feature performances by local artists and extended downtempo sets from local and international djs. to facilitate your chill, the parquette dancefloor will be transformed into an out of this world space where you can lose yourself to a universe of sublime sound

what is downtempo or ‘chill out’ music?

downtempo is a subgenre of electronic music characterized by its atmospheric sound and slower beats. it is closely related to ambient music but emphasizes rhythm more than its more beatless ambient counterparts. the style is perfect for creating a soothing atmosphere, making it ideal for unwinding after a long day or creating a relaxed ambiance during a yoga or meditation session. this diversity in sound and function has made the genre as popular as it is today.

and while downtempo music can be hard to define in its entirety, breaking down the genre into a few commonly-seen features, qualities, and styles can help you recognize downtempo when you hear it and better communicate about it to your friends and potential fans of the genre. here are the five most common traits of downtempo:

• slow tempo: downtempo music is characterized by its slow tempo, usually between 90-110 beats per minute (bpm). this slower pace creates a relaxed and laid-back feel often associated with the genre.
• minimalism: downtempo music tends to be minimalistic, focusing on atmospheric textures and simple melodies to help carry the track’s progression as much as the music itself. this minimalist approach allows the music to be meditative and reflective, inviting the listener to slow down and reflect.
• world, jazz, or soulful influences: many downtempo tracks incorporate elements of world music and soul, such as live instruments, jazz vocal samples, and middle-eastern influenced chord progressions and sound selections. these influences add a human touch to the music, creating a warm and organic feel.
• electronica and/or trip-hop influences: downtempo music also draws from electronic and trip-hop music, using electronic beats, samples, and production techniques. these influences give the music a modern edge, often creating a hypnotic and immersive sonic experience while still being very texturally dense and analog-sounding. 
• emphasis on mood and atmosphere: finally, downtempo music often focuses on creating a mood or atmosphere, whether reflective, sad, or dreamy. this emphasis on mood and atmosphere allows the listener to escape into the music and create their emotional narrative.

excerpted from “What Is Downtempo Music? A Guide To The Genre’s History and Understanding Its Evolution.”