The Setar’s Rise in Lo-Fi Music

Lo-fi music, known for its mellow beats, imperfect audio textures, and chill vibe, has become a staple in the modern digital soundscape. Whether it’s for background ambiance while studying or an atmospheric playlist during a late-night drive, lo-fi has carved out a devoted audience across the globe. Interestingly, a traditional Persian instrument, the setar, has found a new and unexpected home in this genre.

The setar, with its hauntingly soft tone and deep cultural roots, is now being embraced by lo-fi producers seeking a unique sonic texture. Let’s explore how this instrument made its way from classical Iranian music to modern bedroom studios around the world.

What Makes the Setar Perfect for Lo-Fi?

The setar’s natural timbre has delicate, melancholic, and expressive qualities that align seamlessly with lo-fi’s core aesthetic. Played with the fingernails and typically featuring four strings, the setar has an intimate sound that sits beautifully behind vinyl crackles, jazz chords, and soft beats.

In a genre that values emotional authenticity over technical perfection, the setar’s subtle imperfections add character rather than take away from the sound. Its soft resonance blends rather than overpowers, making it ideal for layered production where the atmosphere is everything.

From Traditional Roots to Digital Realms

Originating in Iran centuries ago, the setar was traditionally used in Persian classical music, often associated with Sufi mysticism and meditative performance. Its role has typically been as a solo or accompanying instrument in quiet, reflective settings.

But now, with the help of modern digital audio workstations (DAWs), field recordings, and sample packs, lo-fi producers from all backgrounds can experiment with the setar’s sound. Whether sampled directly or played live, its adaptability makes it a valuable tool in shaping rich, textured tracks.

How Producers Are Integrating the Setar into Lo-Fi

Some lo-fi producers are using high-quality samples of the setar, often recorded in professional studios in Iran or by independent musicians abroad. Others collaborate with setar players to record original melodies, which are then chopped, slowed down, or reverb-drenched to create dreamy loops.

The process might look like this: a producer records a few minutes of improvised setar playing, isolates a four-bar loop, adds a lo-fi drum beat underneath, layers it with ambient noise (like street sounds or rain), and mixes it all together with analog filters or tape emulators. The result? A deeply atmospheric track with cultural resonance.

Cross-Cultural Collaboration Through Music

What’s especially exciting about the setar’s rise in lo-fi is how it’s fostering cross-cultural collaborations. Artists from Iran, the Middle East, Europe, and North America are now exchanging ideas and sounds. Persian musicians get a chance to reach younger and more global audiences, while lo-fi producers gain access to a sound that feels fresh and grounded in history.

These collaborations are often informal: an email exchange, a file sent over Dropbox, a remote jam session over Zoom, but they represent something deeper: music as a bridge between worlds.

Influencers and Channels Popularizing the Setar

Platforms like YouTube and Spotify have also played a role in pushing the setar forward. Niche lo-fi channels are starting to feature tracks with traditional Middle Eastern instruments, including the setar, santoor, and kamancheh. Independent labels are curating playlists that highlight cultural fusion in lo-fi, helping this niche sound gain traction.

There are even producers who build their entire brand around mixing ethnic sounds with lo-fi beats, attracting listeners who want something beyond the typical chillhop aesthetic. These creators often credit the setar’s distinctive emotional tone as the centrepiece of their sonic identity.

Sampling Ethics and Respecting Tradition

While it’s exciting to see the setar enter global consciousness, it’s important to acknowledge the ethics around sampling traditional instruments. Some musicians are beginning to speak out about the importance of crediting original players, especially when using samples that come from cultural archives or independent artists in Iran and neighbouring regions.

Producers looking to use the setar in their music should consider purchasing licensed sample packs from musicians, reaching out for collaborations, or learning to play the instrument themselves. Not only does this build a more authentic connection with the music, but it also supports the artists and traditions behind the sound.

The Setar’s Role in Redefining Modern Lo-Fi

With its ancient history and modern applications, the setar is helping to reshape the boundaries of lo-fi. No longer confined to dusty jazz samples or synth-heavy loops, lo-fi is becoming a platform for cultural storytelling. The setar, with its poetic resonance, invites listeners into a deeper emotional experience—something more than just background music.

This trend isn’t about replacing the original context of the setar, but rather about giving it new life in a contemporary setting. In fact, many traditional musicians see this as a way to preserve their art form, allowing it to evolve while still holding onto its core identity.

Learning the Setar as a Lo-Fi Musician

If you’re a producer or instrumentalist curious about the setar, you don’t need to be an expert in Persian classical music to get started. Many lo-fi musicians begin by learning basic scales (like dastgahs), experimenting with tone, and layering simple patterns over existing beats.

There are now online tutorials, sheet music, and beginner instruments available for those looking to dive deeper. By learning even a few basic techniques, you can start incorporating this evocative instrument into your productions with authenticity and respect.

Where to Find a Setar in the GTA

If you’re located in the Greater Toronto Area, you’re in luck. A number of music shops now carry traditional Persian instruments, including beginner and professional-level setars. Whether you're looking to explore lo-fi fusion, learn traditional techniques, or just collect unique instruments, having access to a local shop makes a big difference.

Why the Setar Trend Matters

The inclusion of the setar in lo-fi isn’t just a trend, it’s a reflection of how globalized and inclusive modern music has become. It also reflects a hunger for something more organic, more emotional, and more rooted in history.

As more producers seek to differentiate themselves in a crowded field, instruments like the setar offer both a unique sound and a connection to something much deeper than the latest sample pack or plugin. It brings heart, soul, and storytelling into every beat.

Final Thoughts

The setar’s journey from the halls of Iranian music conservatories to the headphones of lo-fi fans worldwide is a beautiful reminder that music constantly evolves. Even centuries-old traditions can find new life when approached with creativity and respect.

If you’re a musician, producer, or listener who’s fallen in love with the soothing tones of the setar, there’s never been a better time to explore its possibilities in your own sound.

Looking to buy a setar or explore traditional instruments? Visit Rhythm Music Shop, proudly serving Markham, Richmond Hill, North York, Scarborough, and the rest of the GTA, for expert guidance and quality instruments rooted in culture and sound.