Synthwave is a genre of electronic music that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is heavily inspired by the music and aesthetics of the 1980s, featuring retro synths, drum machines, and nostalgic melodies. If you’re interested in making synthwave music, you’re in luck! With the right tools and techniques, you can create your own synthwave tracks that capture the essence of this exciting genre.
To get started, you’ll need a digital audio workstation (DAW) and some synth plugins. There are many great options out there, including popular DAWs like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio. You’ll also want to invest in some quality synth plugins that can help you achieve that classic synthwave sound. Some popular choices include Serum, Sylenth1, and Massive. Once you have your tools in place, it’s time to start exploring the world of synthwave production.
One of the most important aspects of synthwave music is the use of vintage synths and drum machines. These instruments have a distinct sound that is instantly recognizable to fans of the genre. If you don’t have access to the real thing, don’t worry! There are many software emulations available that can give you that retro sound. Additionally, you’ll want to focus on creating simple, catchy melodies that evoke the feeling of the 80s. By combining these elements with modern production techniques, you can create synthwave tracks that are both nostalgic and fresh.
Synthwave and Its Origins
If you’re a fan of the retro aesthetic of the ’80s, then you’re probably familiar with the genre of synthwave. Synthwave is a sub-genre of electronic music that is heavily influenced by the music associated with action, science-fiction, and horror film soundtracks of the 1980s. It’s a genre that has gained popularity in recent years, with many artists producing music that captures the essence of the era.
The origins of synthwave can be traced back to the mid-2000s, when a group of electronic music producers began experimenting with sounds that were reminiscent of the ’80s. These producers were inspired by the music of artists like John Carpenter, Vangelis, and Tangerine Dream, who were known for their iconic soundtracks for films like Blade Runner, Escape from New York, and The Thing.
Synthwave music is characterized by its heavy use of synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments. The music often features a driving beat, with pulsing basslines and soaring melodies. The genre is also known for its use of retro-futuristic imagery, with many artists incorporating neon colors, palm trees, and other elements of ’80s culture into their album artwork and music videos.
Today, synthwave has become a popular genre in its own right, with many artists producing music that is inspired by the sounds of the ’80s. The genre has also spawned several sub-genres, including darkwave, outrun, and retrowave, each with its own unique sound and style.
If you’re interested in making synthwave music, there are many resources available to help you get started. From tutorials on YouTube to sample packs and synthesizer plugins, there are plenty of tools at your disposal to help you create the perfect retro-futuristic sound.
Key Elements of Synthwave
Synthwave is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the 2000s and is heavily influenced by 1980s pop culture. It is characterized by its nostalgic and retro-futuristic sound, which is achieved through the use of synthesizers, drum machines, and effects. In this section, we will explore the key elements of synthwave that make it such a unique and captivating genre.
Melodies and Chords
Melodies and chords are the backbone of any synthwave track. The melody is the main musical theme that is repeated throughout the song, while the chords provide the harmonic structure that supports the melody. When creating a melody, it’s important to consider the key, melody pattern, and phrase structure. Some common phrase structures include ABAB, AAAB, and ABAC.
Drums and Percussion
Drums and percussion play a crucial role in creating the driving rhythm of a synthwave track. When selecting drum samples, it’s important to consider the snare, hi-hats, and other percussion elements. Synthwave drums are often inspired by classic drum machines like the E-mu Drumulator, Linn LM-1, and Roland TR-909. To create synthwave drums, you can experiment with different drum selection, layering, and processing techniques.
Synths and Effects
Synths and effects are the heart and soul of a synthwave track. The lead and bass synths are often the most prominent elements, and they are typically created using saw waves with detune and release time settings. Gated reverb and delay are also commonly used to create the signature sound of synthwave. Other effects like the vocoder can be used to add a robotic and futuristic element to the track.
DAWs and Plugins
When producing synthwave, it’s important to have the right tools at your disposal. Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) like Logic Pro X and FL Studio are popular choices among synthwave producers. Plugins like Synth1, Dexed, TAL Chorus LX, and Syntronik can be used to create authentic analog synth sounds.
Sample Packs
Sample packs are a great way to get started with producing synthwave. They often include drum samples, synth loops, and other elements that are essential to the genre. Some popular synthwave sample packs include the Free Synthwave Sample Pack and the Ultimate Synthwave Sample Pack.
the key elements of synthwave include melodies and chords, drums and percussion, synths and effects, DAWs and plugins, and sample packs. By understanding these elements and experimenting with different techniques, you can create your own unique and captivating synthwave tracks.
Creating a Synthwave Track
Synthwave is a genre that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is a style of music that is inspired by the sounds of the 80s and 90s, and it has a distinct retro feel to it. Creating a synthwave track can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging. In this section, we will discuss some tips and techniques for creating a synthwave track.
Experimentation and Creativity
One of the most important aspects of creating a synthwave track is experimentation and creativity. Don’t be afraid to try new things and experiment with different sounds and effects. Synthwave is a genre that allows for a lot of creativity, so take advantage of that. Use your imagination and come up with unique sounds that will make your track stand out.
Mixing and Mastering
Mixing and mastering are essential to creating radio-ready songs. When mixing a synthwave track, it’s important to pay attention to the levels of each instrument and make sure they are balanced. Use saturation and other effects to add warmth and depth to your mix. When mastering your track, make sure it sounds good on different playback systems.
Tempo and Rhythm
Tempo and rhythm are important elements of any genre of music, and synthwave is no exception. Synthwave tracks typically have a tempo between 80 and 130 beats per minute. Experiment with different rhythms and drum patterns to create a unique groove for your track.
Song Structure
Song structure is another important aspect of creating a synthwave track. Most synthwave tracks have a verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus structure. However, don’t be afraid to experiment with different structures and arrangements. Use the arcade high and summer of heat as inspiration for your song structure.
creating a synthwave track requires experimentation, creativity, and attention to detail. Use the rapid song-finishing checklist to make sure you don’t miss any important steps in the production process. With the right techniques and a little bit of imagination, you can create a synthwave track that will transport your listeners back in time.
Influences and Artists
Synthwave is a genre that draws inspiration from various musical styles and artists, as well as movies, video games, and pop culture of the 1980s. Below are some of the most notable influences and artists that have contributed to the development and popularity of the genre.
Kavinsky
Kavinsky is a French DJ and producer who is often credited as one of the pioneers of the synthwave genre. His 2013 album “OutRun” is a concept album that tells the story of a man who crashes his Ferrari Testarossa and comes back to life as a cyborg. The album’s retro-futuristic sound and cinematic feel have influenced many synthwave artists.
The Midnight
The Midnight is a synthwave duo from Los Angeles that has gained a large following in recent years. Their music is characterized by nostalgic melodies, catchy hooks, and emotive lyrics. Their 2016 album “Endless Summer” is considered a classic of the genre and has been praised for its dreamy, atmospheric sound.
Dreamy
Dreamy is a synthwave producer from the Netherlands who is known for his lush, ethereal soundscapes. His music often features shimmering arpeggios, soaring leads, and pulsing basslines. His 2018 album “Transcend” is a standout release in the genre and showcases his talent for creating immersive, otherworldly music.
Ether
Ether is a synthwave artist from Canada who has been making music since the early 2010s. His sound is characterized by a blend of retro and modern elements, with influences ranging from 80s pop to contemporary electronic music. His 2019 album “The Valley” is a moody, introspective work that showcases his versatility as a producer.
Timecop1983
Timecop1983 is a Dutch synthwave artist who has been active since 2014. His music is characterized by a nostalgic, romantic sound that evokes the feeling of driving down a neon-lit highway at night. His 2018 album “Night Drive” is a fan favorite and has been praised for its lush, cinematic sound.
Tangerine Dream
Tangerine Dream is a German electronic music band that was formed in 1967. Their early work helped to define the sound of electronic music, and their influence can be heard in many genres, including synthwave. Their 1981 soundtrack for the movie “Thief” is a classic of the genre and has been cited as a major influence by many synthwave artists.
Drive
The 2011 movie “Drive” is often cited as a major influence on the synthwave genre. The movie’s soundtrack, which features music by Kavinsky, College, and Chromatics, helped to popularize the genre and introduced many people to its retro-futuristic sound.
Outrun
Outrun is a subgenre of synthwave that is characterized by its fast-paced, energetic sound. The name comes from the 1986 arcade game “Out Run,” which featured a driving simulation with a synth-heavy soundtrack. Many synthwave artists, including Kavinsky and Timecop1983, have incorporated outrun elements into their music.
Blade Runner
The 1982 movie “Blade Runner” is another major influence on the synthwave genre. The movie’s futuristic, dystopian setting and its iconic Vangelis soundtrack have inspired many synthwave artists to create music that evokes a similar mood and atmosphere.
Electric Youth
Electric Youth is a Canadian synthpop duo that has collaborated with many synthwave artists, including College and Timecop1983. Their 2014 album “Innerworld” is a standout release in the genre and has been praised for its dreamy, atmospheric sound.
Synthwave in the 21st Century
Synthwave is a genre of electronic music that has been gaining popularity in the 21st century. It is heavily influenced by the sounds of the 80s and features retro synths, drum machines, and nostalgic melodies. Despite its retro sound, synthwave has managed to find a place in the modern music landscape, with artists like The Midnight and Gunship leading the way.
One reason for the resurgence of synthwave is its connection to the cyberpunk aesthetic. The genre’s futuristic soundscapes and dystopian themes align perfectly with the cyberpunk genre, which has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Synthwave’s retro-futuristic sound is the perfect backdrop for the neon-soaked, high-tech worlds of cyberpunk.
Another reason for synthwave’s popularity is its ability to evoke nostalgia. Many people who grew up in the 80s and 90s have fond memories of the music of that era, and synthwave taps into that nostalgia. The genre’s use of vintage synths and drum machines, along with its retro melodies and production techniques, create a sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler time.
In the 21st century, synthwave has become a popular genre for collectors. With the rise of vinyl and cassette culture, many synthwave artists have released their music on physical formats, which has led to a resurgence in interest in physical media. Collectors have been snapping up limited edition vinyl and cassette releases, which has helped to fuel the genre’s popularity.
synthwave has managed to carve out a unique niche in the modern music landscape. Its retro-futuristic sound, connection to cyberpunk, and ability to evoke nostalgia have made it a popular genre for both music fans and collectors alike.
