Dive into the Retro Wave: The Definitive Guide on How to Make Synthwave Music!

Understanding Synthwave Music

Synthwave music is an enchanting genre that has captivated audiences with its nostalgic sounds and retro-futuristic aesthetics. To fully grasp the essence of making high-quality synthwave music, it is essential to understand its origins, influences, and different categorizations.

Origins and Influences

Synthwave drew its primary influence from the 1980s era of movies and video games. This period was rich with iconic synthesizer sounds and catchy melodies, which form the backbone of the synthwave genre. The genre rose in popularity after the release of the movie "Drive," which heavily featured popular tracks from the genre, such as Kavinsky’s "Nightcall" (EDMProd).

The genre heavily relies on 80s synths to create its distinctive sound. While original analog synths are preferred, there are plenty of modern analog synth emulations available as well. Producers are encouraged to listen to a wide range of synthwave tracks to understand and replicate the sounds commonly used in the genre.

To achieve an authentic synthwave sound, songwriters are advised to study classic 80s tracks for chord progressions typical of that era. The 80s were characterized by their unique use of scales and chord structures, distinct from bluesy scales or funky m7 chords. Songwriters can also experiment with processing techniques, heavily relying on compression and modern approaches to arrangement and special effects (Quora).

Synthwave not only allows but encourages experimentation and hybridization within its established conventions. Artists are encouraged to start with a retro-modern base and experiment with various elements to create a unique sound. While certain conventions are essential, there is room for adaptation and innovation (Quora).

Categorization of Synthwave

Synthwave can be broadly categorized into two main styles: upbeat and dark. The genre includes elements like nostalgia for the early 80s, reflecting an atmosphere reminiscent of old amusement arcades adorned with magenta neon lights (EDMProd).

Understanding these fundamental categories helps producers tailor their tracks to fit the desired mood and aesthetic, giving them the tools to create authentic synthwave music that resonates with listeners.

Creating a Synthwave Track

Tempo and Style

Understanding the tempo and style is crucial for creating an authentic synthwave track. The tempo of a synthwave piece can vary significantly depending on the desired style. Synthwave is broadly categorized into two main styles: Upbeat and Dark (EDMProd).

Upbeat synthwave often engages the listener with energetic, driving rhythms, using tempos closer to the 120-140 BPM range. In contrast, Dark synthwave employs more brooding and atmospheric tones at a slower pace, typically between 80-100 BPM.

Instrumentation and Tools

Creating a genuine synthwave track involves utilizing specific instrumentation and tools that evoke the nostalgic sound of the '80s. The following are essential elements and tools for producing synthwave music:

Analog Synths and Emulations: Synthwave music heavily relies on technologies and sounds from vintage hardware available around 1987. Analog synthesizers and their emulations are fundamental. Consider using:

• Analog Synths: Juno-106, Roland Jupiter-8
• Emulations and Software Synths: Arturia DX7, NI FM8, Digital Suburban DeXed

Early Digital Synthesis: Incorporating early digital synthesis adds texture and authenticity. This includes using 8-bit samplers that mimic the sound of hardware like the Fairlight, Mirage, and Emulator I.

• Emulation Tools: Arturia Fairlight, Arturia Synclavier, TAL-Sampler for DAC emulations

Drum Samples: Synthwave drums differentiate themselves from modern 808 sounds by relying on the early digital drum machines. Essential drum samples include:

• Samples from: Linn LM-1, Linndrum, E-mu Drumulator, Oberheim DMX, Yamaha R8

These drum sounds often provide the necessary grit and character without the need for additional processing such as bitcrushing.

By leveraging these instruments and tools, producers can craft a synthwave track that not only captures the essence of the '80s but also stands out in the retro music scene. For more detailed guidance, you can refer to sources such as Quora and EDMProd.

Composition Techniques in Synthwave

At the heart of creating synthwave music lies the art of composing tracks that evoke the nostalgic essence of the 80s. Two key components to achieving this are emulating the signature sounds of 80s synths and understanding the arrangement structure typical to synthwave tracks.

Emulating 80s Synths

Synthwave heavily relies on the characteristic sounds of 80s synthesizers to create its distinctive ambiance. Producers often seek to emulate these sounds using a combination of vintage analog synthesizers and modern analog synth emulations. Original hardware like the Yamaha DX7 or Roland Juno-106 can be costly and rare, but many digital plugins effectively replicate these iconic sounds (EDMProd).

To emulate 80s synths, producers should focus on the following elements:

• Synth Selection: Using soft synths like U-He Diva, Arturia Analog Lab, and TAL-U-NO-LX can provide the warmth and texture reminiscent of 80s synthesizers.
• Sound Design: Creating patches with lush pads, punchy basslines, and shimmering leads.
• Modulation: Incorporating modulation techniques such as LFOs (Low-Frequency Oscillators) and envelopes to add movement and depth to the sounds.
• Vintage Effects: Applying early digital delays and algorithmic reverbs. Tools like ValhallaDSP's VintageVerb and Lexicon emulations from companies like NI and ReLab can help achieve the desired sound, aiming for that band-limited digital quality (Quora).

Here's a table listing popular synths used in synthwave and their modern emulations:

Arrangement Structure

The arrangement of a synthwave track typically adheres to a classical structure commonly found in pop and electronic dance music. This includes distinct sections such as verses, choruses, pre-chorus, post-chorus, and sometimes a bridge (EDMProd).

To outline the arrangement structure:

• Intro: Often features atmospheric sounds and a gradual build-up to set the tone.
• Verse: Introduces the main elements of the track, often with a focus on rhythm and melody.
• Chorus: The most energetic and memorable part, with an emphasis on melody and harmony.
• Pre-Chorus: Builds anticipation leading to the chorus, adding dynamic contrast.
• Post-Chorus: Provides a resolution after the chorus, sometimes revisiting themes from the verse.
• Bridge: Offers a departure from the main sections, introducing new themes or variations.
• Outro: Gradually winds down the track, often mirroring elements from the intro.

Using a reference track can be an invaluable tool for structuring a synthwave song. Producers can analyze the arrangement of successful tracks and use them as a guide to ensure their composition flows smoothly from one section to the next.

Understanding these composition techniques is essential for any producer looking to dive into the retro wave and create authentic and captivating synthwave music.

Synthesizing Authentic Sounds

Creating an authentic synthwave track requires attention to detail in its sonic elements. The drums and effects play a critical role in capturing the essence of the 80s sound. This section delves into the key aspects of working with drum samples and incorporating delays and reverbs to achieve a retro feel.

Working with Drum Samples

The foundation of many synthwave tracks lies in the use of early digital drum samples, which offer a distinctive character unmatched by modern 808 sounds. Popular drum machines from the 80s, such as the Linn LM-1, Linndrum, E-mu Drumulator, Oberheim DMX and DX, and Yamaha R8, provide essential drum sounds.

These drum samples often possess the grit of their original converters, thus negating the need for further bitcrushing or lo-fi processing. Producers aiming for authenticity should source these samples and incorporate them into their tracks to capture the true spirit of synthwave music.

Adding Delays and Reverbs

Effects like delays and reverbs are crucial for recreating the spacious, ambient sound characteristic of the 80s. Producers often use early digital delays and algorithmic reverbs to obtain a band-limited digital sound synonymous with the era.

Using tools like ValhallaDSP's VintageVerb and Lexicon emulations from NI and ReLab can help achieve this desired sound (Quora).

A crucial technique is the application of gated reverb on drums, which creates a distinctive snappy reverb tail that abruptly cuts off, adding to the punch and clarity of the rhythm section. This effect was widely used in 80s music production and remains a hallmark of the synthwave genre.

In sum, synthesizing genuine sounds for synthwave music involves combining classic drum samples with period-accurate delays and reverbs, ensuring that the resulting tracks resonate with the nostalgic vibe of the 80s.

Crafting Chord Progressions

Creating the right chord progressions is essential in producing an authentic synthwave track. This section covers how to analyze 80s chord patterns and the processing techniques that can bring your project to life.

Analyzing 80s Chord Patterns

To capture the quintessential synthwave sound, it's essential to study the chord progressions typical of the 1980s. The decade was characterized by a move away from bluesy scales and funky m7 chords, opting instead for more straightforward and emotionally charged progressions. Commonly utilized chords include major, minor, and occasionally diminished or augmented for a more atmospheric feel.

A typical 80s progression might look like this:

Understanding these typical progressions can help you create a foundation on which to build your track. Experiment with these patterns to find the emotional tone that best fits your music.

Processing Techniques

Once you've established your chord progression, processing techniques play a crucial role in achieving the iconic synthwave sound. These techniques include but are not limited to compression, the use of delays and reverbs, and modern effects.

Compression: Compression is essential for balancing the dynamics of your track, ensuring that no element overwhelms another. With synthwave, opt for a slightly aggressive compression to emulate the punchy textures of vintage synths.

Delays and Reverbs: Adding delays and reverbs can create the lush, spacious soundscapes typical of synthwave. Using reverbs with long decay times can give your chords an otherworldly feel, while synced delays can add rhythmic complexity.

Effects: Modern effects like sidechain compression, distortion, and EQ adjustments are also valuable. Sidechain compression can create a pumping effect, adding energy to your track. Subtle distortion can add warmth and extra harmonic content to your synths, while EQ adjustments can help each element sit well in the mix.

Remember, while adhering to synthwave conventions, there is always room for experimentation and hybridization within the genre. Feel free to innovate and make the sound your own.

With these techniques and understandings, you can begin to craft chord progressions that evoke the nostalgia of the 80s while incorporating modern elements to make your synthwave track stand out.

Experimentation in Synthwave

Synthwave music continues to evolve, largely due to the willingness of producers to experiment and innovate within the genre. This section will explore the concepts of hybridization and adapting conventions to create unique synthwave tracks.

Hybridization and Innovation

The synthwave genre encourages artists to blend traditional elements with modern influences, creating a unique sound that stands out. Producers can start with a retro-modern base and mix in various musical elements to innovate within the genre (Quora).

Examples of Hybrid Elements:

• Genres: Combine synthwave with elements from other genres like cyberpunk, chillwave, or outrun.
• Instruments: Use non-traditional synthwave instruments like guitars or orchestral strings.
• Rhythms: Introduce unconventional rhythms, such as breakbeats or complex time signatures.

Adapting Conventions

While certain conventions are essential to synthwave, there is ample room for adaptation, allowing producers to infuse their personal touch into the music.

Key Conventions to Adapt:

• Synth Textures: Move beyond the classic analog synth sounds and explore digital synthesizers or software plugins.
• Arrangement: Break away from the standard verse-chorus structure to include different sections like instrumental solos or breakdowns.
• Effects: Use modern effects processors to add new dimensions to classic synthwave sounds.

By pushing the boundaries and embracing innovative techniques, producers can create fresh and captivating synthwave tracks. Exploring hybridization and adapting conventions are essential steps in learning how to make synthwave music that resonates with both traditional fans and new listeners alike.

By the Stealify Team! 

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