Representing the evolution od Downtempo music genre, here are the pioneers:

Massive Attack: This British band was crucial in defining the Bristol sound, which eventually became associated with trip-hop and downtempo. Their album "Blue Lines" is considered a classic.

Thievery Corporation: This American duo has been a staple in the downtempo scene since the 90s. Their music fuses elements of dub, acid jazz, reggae, Indian classical, Middle Eastern, hip hop, electronica and Brazilian music.

Zero 7: Known for their warm and cinematic sound, this British duo's debut album "Simple Things" is considered a cornerstone of the genre.

Boards of Canada: This Scottish duo's brand of downtempo is more electronic and atmospheric, often described as IDM (Intelligent Dance Music). They're known for their unique, slightly psychedelic sound.

Air: This French duo's debut "Moon Safari" is widely regarded as a classic downtempo album, noted for its lush, atmospheric soundscapes.

Nightmares on Wax: English DJ George Evelyn, better known as Nightmares on Wax, is a key figure in the genre. His blend of hip-hop, soul, and funk with electronic elements has created a distinctive and influential sound.

Kruder & Dorfmeister: This Austrian duo is highly respected in the world of downtempo music for their remixes and their original work, which often features jazzy textures and laid-back beats.

Bonobo: Bonobo's sound has evolved over the years, but his downtempo roots can be heard especially in his earlier albums like "Animal Magic" and "Dial 'M' for Monkey."

And so, we've journeyed through the mellow beats and soothing rhythms that define downtempo music, guided by the vision and creativity of these iconic artists. From Massive Attack's Bristol sound to Bonobo's eclectic infusion, their contributions have left an indelible mark on the genre.

While the term "downtempo" has only come into broad use since the 1990s, it applies to a variety of music stretching back to the 70s. This chronologically arranged list provides an overview of significant downtempo albums and songs from the past decades:

1970s:
1978: Brian Eno - "Music for Airports" (album): This ambient masterpiece is not downtempo in the modern sense, but it laid the groundwork for atmospheric, slow tempo music.

1980s:
1984: Art of Noise - "Who's Afraid of the Art of Noise?" (album): Although not strictly downtempo, this album's innovative use of sampling and atmospheric tracks pointed the way to future developments in the genre.

1990s:
1991: Massive Attack - "Blue Lines" (album): This album is considered a seminal work in the development of downtempo and trip-hop music, with its blend of electronica, hip-hop, and soul.
1994: Portishead - "Dummy" (album): An influential album that combined elements of rock, jazz, and electronica, often considered a classic of trip-hop and downtempo music.
1997: Thievery Corporation - "Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi" (album): This album established Thievery Corporation as a force in the world of downtempo with their fusion of dub, acid jazz, and electronic elements.

2000s:
2000: Air - "The Virgin Suicides" (album): This album, a soundtrack to the film of the same name, showcases Air's signature atmospheric downtempo style.
2001: Zero 7 - "Simple Things" (album): Zero 7's debut album had a big impact on the downtempo scene with its soulful, relaxed grooves.
2006: Bonobo - "Days to Come" (album): This album solidified Bonobo's reputation as a major downtempo artist, featuring a blend of electronic and organic elements.

2010s:
2010: Four Tet - "There Is Love in You" (album): This album explores a softer, more downtempo side of electronic music with its intricate melodies and warm, atmospheric sounds.
2014: Tycho - "Awake" (album): This album by Tycho is a standout for its blending of electronic and organic sounds in a downtempo context.

2020s:
2019: Catching Flies - "Silver Linings" (album): This album showcases the continued evolution of downtempo music with its sophisticated, emotive, and layered production.
2020: Emancipator - "Mountain of Memory" (album): Emancipator's album demonstrates the expansive, atmospheric potential of downtempo music.

This list provides a glance at the evolution of downtempo music over the decades, demonstrating its diverse influences and the distinctive contributions of its key artists.

Some notable music festivals and events that showcase the Downtempo music genre include the Big Chill Festival, which was a UK-based festival that ran from 1994 to 2011 and featured ambient, chillout, and downtempo music.

Another event that showcases Downtempo music is the Envision Festival, held in Costa Rica, which features a diverse range of electronic music, including Downtempo, along with environmental and wellness workshops.

Other notable events include the Lightning in a Bottle Festival, held in California, which features a variety of electronic music genres, including Downtempo, and the Shambhala Music Festival, held in Canada, which showcases a range of electronic music, including Downtempo and Chillout. Overall, these events offer a unique and immersive experience for fans of the Downtempo music genre, with a focus on relaxation, connection, and community.