12 Steps: How To Produce Synthwave!

12 Steps: How To Produce Synthwave!

Creating synthwave music is a fun and creative process that combines retro aesthetics with modern production techniques. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Understand the Genre

  • Characteristics: Synthwave is inspired by 1980s music, movies, and video games. It often features lush synths, driving basslines, and nostalgic melodies.
  • Mood: Emphasize themes of nostalgia, futurism, and retro aesthetics.

2. Choose Your DAW

  • Use a DAW that you’re comfortable with (Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, etc.). Make sure it supports MIDI and has good synth plugins.

3. Sound Selection

  • Synths: Use analog or virtual analog synthesizers. Classic sounds often include:
    • Pads: For atmospheric backgrounds.
    • Leads: Bright and catchy melodies.
    • Bass: Thick and warm basslines.
  • Drums: Look for vintage drum machine samples (like the LinnDrum or TR-808). Emphasize a steady kick, snappy snare, and hi-hats.

4. Create a Drum Pattern

  • Kick Drum: Use a four-on-the-floor pattern (kick on every beat).
  • Snare/Clap: Place on the 2nd and 4th beats.
  • Hi-Hats: Use closed hi-hats on the off-beats for groove and open hi-hats for accents.

5. Compose a Bassline

  • Use a deep, driving bass sound. Syncopate the bassline with the kick to create a solid groove. Consider using sidechain compression for a pumping effect.

6. Develop Chord Progressions

  • Use rich chords, often with lush, wide synth pads. Common progressions in synthwave evoke feelings of nostalgia—try I-V-vi-IV or ii-V-I.

7. Create Melodies

  • Compose catchy melodies that are easy to remember. Use arpeggiators for intricate patterns, or play melodic lines with a lead synth.

8. Add Effects and Atmosphere

  • Reverb: Use reverb to create space and depth in your sounds.
  • Chorus and Delay: Apply chorus effects for width and use delay for rhythmic interest.
  • Noise and Texture: Adding vinyl crackle, tape hiss, or ambient noise can enhance the retro vibe.

9. Arrange Your Track

  • Structure your song with an intro, verses, chorus, bridge, and outro. Use dynamics to create build-ups and drops.

10. Mixing

  • Balance levels, use EQ to carve out space for each element, and apply compression to control dynamics. Keep the mix wide and airy, emulating the spaciousness of 80s production.

11. Mastering

  • Aim for a polished, cohesive sound. Use limiting to achieve a competitive loudness while preserving dynamics.

12. Visual Aesthetics

  • Think about the visual aspects of your music. Synthwave is often accompanied by retro artwork, neon colors, and 80s-inspired graphics.

Bonus Tips:

  • Listen to Influences: Check out artists like Kavinsky, Gunship, and The Midnight to understand the genre better.
  • Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different sounds and techniques to find your unique style within the synthwave genre.

With practice and experimentation, you can create captivating synthwave tracks that evoke the nostalgia of the 80s while showcasing your personal style.

By the Stealify Team! 

Check out our MIDI Pack collection to help you produce hit songs faster & easier! Simply drag and drop! https://stealifysounds.com/collections/frontpage

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