Synthwave is a nostalgic and atmospheric genre that blends the dreamy synth drenched sounds of the 80s with modern production techniques. Whether you’re a fan of retro-futuristic aesthetics, neon-lit cityscapes, or simply love the warm comforting sounds of vintage synths, making synthwave music can be a lot of fun. In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials of the genre and provide a step-by-step method for crafting your own synthwave track.

What is Synthwave?

Synthwave, sometimes referred to as outrun vaperwave or retrowave, is a genre that draws inspiration from 1980s electronic music. As well as pop music it’s also heavily influenced by movie soundtracks, and video game scores. As the name suggests synthesizers are its driving force. Leads, arps and pulsating synth basslines combine with reverb-drenched drums that evoke a sense of nostalgia for a future that never was. Synthwave beats can range from upbeat and energetic to dark and cinematic. This makes it a versatile and varied style of music to make.

Origins of Synthwave

Artists such as Kavinsky, Com Truise, and Perturbator began crafting music influenced by ’80s synth-driven soundtracks during the mid-2000’s. Many people believe the 2011 film Drive with its retro synth heavy soundtrack cemented the popularity of the genre. In the following years Synthwave can be heard influencing many musical avenues from massive hits such as The Weeknds “Blinded Lights” to the Netflix series Stanger Things.

Movie poster for Drive

Key Components of Synthwave

To create an authentic sounding synthwave track, you’ll need to incorporate the following essential elements:

  • Retro Synths: Use vintage-style synthesizers or VST plugins that emulate classic 80’s synths like the Roland Juno-60 or Yamaha DX7.
  • Pulsating Basslines: Deep, arpeggiated basslines are essential for the rhythmic feel of synthwave. These are often sidechained to give that iconic driving throbbing sound.
  • Reverb-Drenched Drums: Electronic drum machines, such as the LinnDrum or Roland TR-707 and 808, provide the signature drum sound. Gated reverbs are often used, particularly on the snare drum.
  • Atmospheric Pads: Lush, dreamy pads help fill out the soundscape adding emotional resonance.
  • Melodic Leads: Nostalgic, catchy lead synth melodies often drive the song’s main theme. These are often processed through digital delays.
  • Vocal textures: In a nod to more contemporary sampling techniques synthwave tracks can sometimes feature washed-out sounding chopped vocal phrasing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Synthwave Track

So now you know what goes into a synthwave track, it’s time to don a purple shell suit, a pair of wrap-around shades, and cook up your very own 80s-inspired Synthwave banger.

1. Set up your DAW

First, launch your preferred Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and open and name a new session. Begin by setting up multiple empty stereo audio and MIDI tracks. Additionally, create some stereo auxiliary channels for applying effects such as reverb and delay.

2. Sample Selection

For this example, we are going to seek some inspiration from the world of royalty-free sample loops. We will lay the foundations using loops and then embellish the track with original sounds and techniques. Use search tools to find synthwave inspired sample packs. Start trawling through samples until something speaks to you. This can be influenced by your mood on any given day.

As we are using sample loops as a music bed to build upon, try to identify elements such as drum loops, basslines and chord progressions. You want to have enough sample inspiration to get you started but not to overwhelm you.

Sample tip: When selecting samples try not to choose samples that are over-processed with excess reverb and effects. You want to be able to control the amount of effect you add to each element.

2. Set the Tempo and Create a Drum Pattern

Synthwave has a fairly wide tempo range. Tracks typically fall within the 80-120 BPM range. If using samples your sample choice may influence the tempo of your track. Load up a drum loop and drag it onto a stereo track. Use snap-to-grid to make sure your loops are sitting perfectly on your session’s timeline.

Drum Loop Tip: Try to find sample drum loops that also include one-shot drums from the loop. Sample kits are also great if they offer the drum loop as separate stems. Both of these scenarios allow you to further edit your synthwave drum track.

3. Lay Down the Bassline

Now time to get low with the bassline. Your bass should be a deep, analog-style bass sound. If you have selected a looped bassline drag it into the session lining it up with the drums. While not essential, it’s preferable to source a loop that also provides alternative variations as this will help with the arrangement and progression of your beat. If you are creating your own original bassline look for arpeggiated synth presets or route it through an arpeggiator.

The final stage in the bassline step is to give it some sidechain compression. Input the signal from a kick or kick and snare to give your bassline that signature pulsating feel. For more details on how to use sidechain compression check out this guide.

4. Add Chords and Pads

Rolands very own Juno 60 Virtual Synth

Chords and pad sounds are what create the lush dreamy quality synthwave tracks are famous for. Synth pads are used to establish the harmonic foundation while lush sustained chords influence the mood and feel. If you are sourcing sample loops make sure they are in the same key as your bassline. If you are creating original synth parts use modelled versions of the sort of vintage sounding synths that were prevalent in the 80s such as the Roland Juno or Jupiter synths or the iconic DX7 from Yamaha. Experiment with Layering and then panning different synths as this can add depth and texture.

Processing your synth sounds through saturation such as tube or tape saturation adds an extra dimension of authenticity.

5. Craft a Lead Melody

Find a catchy, nostalgic lead melody that fits your track’s vibe. Again if you are using samples make sure the key is matching. Synthwave melodies tend to be fairly simple so go for a repeating motif and use expressive pitch bends or vibrato to give them character and to help your track stand out. Add effects such as delay and reverb to give them an otherworldly futuristic quality.

6. Introduce Atmospheric Effects

effects are crucial to achieving a nostalgic yet futuristic feel to synthwave music. Long reverbs are integral to its sound and help give it it’s dreamy and immersive sound. Other effects such as delay and chorus can be used to great effect. In addition try adding Subtle background effects like vinyl crackle, tape hiss, or ambient noise. This can really enhance the retro aesthetic.

While your DAW should have a good selection of the basic processing effects a great 3rd party plugin for synthwave music is the RC-20 Retrocolor plugin from XLN Audio.

XLN Audios RC-20 Retro Color plugin

7. Structure Your Track

Synthwave tracks tend to feature slow-evolving arrangements. Typically instrumental you don’t need to worry about traditional arrangement structures. Arrange your track into an intro, verse, chorus, and outro. Then Gradually introduce and remove elements to create dynamic movement. You could reintroduce a second verse and chorus if you wish but be sure not to rush the arrangement.

8. Mix and Master

Balance your mix by EQing each element and ensuring clarity. Try to avoid too harsh or distorted sounds instead opting for warmth and saturation. Use sidechain compression to give the kick room to punch through and rhythmically influence the bassline. Use the return channels you have set up to add effects processors such as reverbs, delays, saturators, etc. Finally, apply a light mastering touch to polish the track.

Conclusion

Making a synthwave track is all about harnessing the nostalgic yet futuristic energy of the 1980s.By combining royalty-free samples with your own original touches and following these steps, you can create your own synthwave masterpiece with ease. Whether you’re inspired by neon-drenched cityscapes or sci-fi movie soundtracks, let your creativity flow and bring your retro-futuristic vision to life!

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