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About Synthwave
Synthwave is a retro-electronic genre inspired by 1980s film soundtracks, video games, and synth-pop. It features lush analog synthesizer tones, gated reverb drums, and a nostalgic aesthetic often associated with neon visuals and outrun culture.
- Analog-style synthesizer pads and arpeggios
- Gated reverb snare drums reminiscent of the 1980s
- Driving bass sequences with portamento
- Nostalgic, cinematic atmosphere
History and Origins
Synthwave emerged in the mid-2000s as artists began recreating the sounds of 1980s electronic music, film scores by John Carpenter and Vangelis, and Italo disco. The genre gained significant traction around 2011 after the film Drive featured Kavinsky's "Nightcall," connecting the sound to retro-futuristic visuals. The community grew through platforms like Bandcamp and YouTube channels such as NewRetroWave.
Subgenres
Common Chord Progressions
Producer Tips for Synthwave
- Use the Dorian mode for that sophisticated 80s feel, especially the raised 6th over minor chords
- Program arpeggiated patterns using minor and minor 7th chords in 16th note sequences
- Apply the Mixolydian mode for brighter, more uplifting lead melodies with a classic rock-pop feel
- Layer detuned saw and pulse-width-modulated square waves for authentic analog synth textures
Sound Design Tips
- Recreate analog bass by using saw waves with low-pass filter, moderate resonance, and envelope modulation
- Apply gated reverb to snares by using a large hall reverb followed by a noise gate with fast release
- Design lush pads by stacking detuned oscillators with slow attack, long release, and chorus effects
Essential Synthwave Tracks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is synthwave music?
Synthwave is a modern electronic genre that recreates the sound of 1980s synthesizer music, drawing from film soundtracks, video game music, and synth-pop. It emphasizes analog synth tones, gated reverb drums, and a retro-futuristic aesthetic.
What is the difference between synthwave and vaporwave?
Synthwave is original compositions inspired by 80s aesthetics with driving beats, while vaporwave samples and slows down 80s/90s corporate music and smooth jazz as a form of ironic commentary on consumerism. They share retro nostalgia but differ in approach and intent.
What synths are used in synthwave?
Classic synthwave sounds come from analog synths like the Juno-106, Prophet-5, and Yamaha DX7. Modern producers use software emulations like TAL U-NO-LX, Arturia V Collection, and Serum with analog-style wavetables.
What BPM is synthwave?
Synthwave typically ranges from 80-118 BPM. Slower tracks around 80-100 BPM create a dreamy, nostalgic feel, while faster tracks around 110-118 BPM have more driving, outrun-style energy.