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Make Neo Soul music

Neo soul is a modern, jazz-tinged take on soul: slow, swung grooves, bold extended harmony and warm, rich tones, usually around 65 to 85 BPM. It suits both singing and rap, and lives for the chords.

Tempo: 65–85 BPM · Jazzy, extended chords

What defines neo soul?

Neo soul is soul music filtered through jazz. The grooves are slow and often loosely swung, the tones are warm, and the harmony is bold: rich, extended chords that move with a jazz player’s ear. It sits comfortably under both singing and rap.

The chords carry it. Where a lot of modern music keeps harmony simple, neo soul leans in, using lush voicings and a relaxed, human pocket to create something deep and unhurried.

Signature elements of Neo Soul

How Songen makes Neo Soul

Songen generates a neo soul loop with the lead, jazzy chords, smooth bass and drums as editable MIDI. Start there, then reharmonize the chords, loosen the groove, or open space for a vocal.

Neo Soul FAQ

What BPM is neo soul?
Neo soul usually sits slow, around 65 to 85 BPM, which gives its swung, loose groove and rich chords room to breathe.
What makes a song neo soul?
A modern take on soul with slow swung grooves, bold jazz harmony and warm, rich tones. It works under both singing and rap, and the chords are the star.
What key is neo soul in?
Neo soul leans on bold, extended jazz harmony, the kind of lush, colorful chords that reward a careful ear.