Contemporary Instrumental

Contemporary Instrumental music emerged in the late 20th century as musicians realised that a smattering of notes and a decent coffee shop vibe could substitute for actual lyrics. Characterised by soothing melodies and lush soundscapes that often make for perfect background music, it’s essentially a musical hug—comforting yet sometimes so gentle you might forget it's on. Much like that soothing friend who insists on talking about their feelings over tea, it has managed to find its way into yoga studios, film scores, and your increasingly perplexed Spotify playlists.