Amped-Up & Retro: Your Synthwave Guide
Synthwave Explained: A Comprehensive Guide (2025)
Synthwave ain't just music, it's a vibe, an '80s throwback with neon lights, chrome, and retro-futuristic beats.
Imagine a nostalgia trip to a pulsating, high-octane, neon-lit world filled with music reminiscent of the 80s.
This genre isn't shy on synthesizers, drum machines, and let's not forget, a plethora of retro effects, all recalling the days of old-school electronic jams.
Bottom line: it's the pulse-racing, head-bopping atmosphere, illuminating your world on dance floors of yesteryears.
Here's a quick rundown if time's short:
- Beats: 85 to 110 BPM;
- Drums: kicks on the 1 & 3, snares on the 2 & 4, heaps of reverb on the snare;
- Bass: straightforward, adhering to the chord progression, playing every 16th note, accompanied by sidechain compression on the kick and snare;
- Synths: arpeggiators and captivating strings to amp up the mood;
Set an '80s sports car aglow in some neon lights, and that, my friend, is a hit! Now, let's dive deeper.
Synthwave Origin Story
Synthwave climbed onto the scene, building on the electronic sounds of the '70s and '80s. The genre took inspiration from movie soundtracks, early video games, and personal computing.
Think of moody sounds involving films like Blade Runner and Tron. Synthwave brings these elements together, forging a sound that feels like a throwback and a fresh spin at the same time.
In the mid-2000s, it was artists like Kavinsky who really set things in motion with legendary hits like "Nightcall" from the movie Drive.
Other pioneers include Justice and Daft Punk—French mavens who combined electronic music with rock, pop, and disco, paving the way for Synthwave.
With the resurge of '80s media a la Stranger Things and retro-themed games, Synthwave found footing among modern crowds.
Synthwave 101: The Basics
Synthwave's greater than the sum of its parts, but let's break it down anyway:
Roll with the Rhythms
Vintage drum machines drive most Synthwave tracks with the Roland TR-808 and TR-909 being the heavy-hitters. Newbies, check for these samples in packs these days.
Remember: every sample needs to fit within the 80s universe.
Kicks and snares should be punchy, with oceans of reverb on the snare (old-school-style).
Strings and Synths
Synths are the heart of Synthwave. Most of us don't have access to vintage analog hardware, so worry not! Digital emulation provides the classic Synthwave flavors.
Cherish the tones of the Yamaha DX7 and Roland Juno-106, '80s legends that left an indelible mark.
Basslines usually dig deep, setting the groove, while sidechain compression breathes life into the production, carved by the rhythm of the kick and snare.
Go Vocal or Go Home
Vocals don't always score a spot in Synthwave tracks, but when they do, they're often twisted with pitch shifting, vocoders, and headed through dream-like, otherworldly realms. Lyrics typically touch on themes like love, escapism, and fantastical futures, weaving an engaging narrative.
Beyond the Music: Synthwave Aesthetic
Synthwave doesn't stop at the music; it's a full-on aesthetic experience.
Neon Brights and Geometric Patterns
When it comes to Synthwave visuals, turn on the glowing neon hues: pink, purple, and blue gradients taking flight in a fusion of the sunset. Paired with these shades, you'll find graphic elements like mountains, wireframes, and digital landscapes. These design choices champion the genre's fascination with technology and the '80s' futuristic zeal.
Classic Wheels and Pixels
From iconic '80s sports cars like Lamborghini Countach and Ferrari Testarossa to retro gaming arcades and vintage tech, the aesthetic is a love letter to the analog age before everything went digital. Fans might even hear artificial cassette distortion in tracks—sometimes producers go the extra mile, assembling scenes with the sound of cassettes being loaded and unloaded.
Don't Forget to Explore
Check out these Synthwave trailblazers to mark your radar:
- Kavinsky: Known as a Synthwave megastar, his music paints unique, emotionally rich landscapes, reminiscent of action films and video games. His hit "Nightcall," featured in the film Drive, is a prime example.
- The Midnight: This group offers a melodious take on Synthwave, blending Synthwave with pop tunes. They've been known to add saxophone solos and heartfelt vocals. Atlas remains an all-time favorite among fans.
- Perturbator: The darker, intense side of Synthwave finds a home in Perturbator. If you're into cyberpunk, this is the artist for you. His work is drenched in horrific movie soundtracks, dystopian sci-fi, and unsettling, haunting melodies.
Hit the Neon Highway
There you have it—Synthwave: a nostalgic, yet futuristic dive into the past and future. Want to make your first Synthwave beats? Check out our free Masterclass on electronic music production.
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- "Embrace electronic music production when creating Synthwave, pulling from sample packs that encapsulate the '80s vibe,"
- "The aesthetic of Synthwave extends beyond music, with an emphasis on neon lights, geometric patterns, and a focus on the '80s, seen in the visuals of video games, iconic sports cars, and vintage technology."
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