Synthwave and the Elements of 80’s Retro Futurism
There is something so innately satisfying about listening to synthwave. It’s that image of neon lights, a dark background, with some elements of driving that really give synthwave its unique aesthetic that everyone knows and loves. And while only recently, with some big name shows using synthwave music has it really caught on with audiences once again, this genre of music seems like it’s here to stay.
Synthwave is a subgenre of electronic music and is mostly used to conjure up images of the 80’s. It mostly comprises synthesized notes and sounds, though bits of rock are sprinkled in here and there with a guitar solo. This kaleidoscope of sounds creates the colorful tracks that we are so used to in the 80’s aesthetic.
So what exactly is synthwave music and what elements are needed to create your own 80’s retro futuristic track? Here are just a few of them that should give you some inspiration on your next synthwave track.
- That Dangerous Distortion
What makes synthwave so unique from many other genres of music is that even with a slower, more soothing track, there are always some elements of danger and mystery. This slightly uneasy, but satisfying sensation in synthwave is brought out through distortion.
Knowing how and exactly where to use distortion will allow you to create the fuzzy, alien sound that will help your track to feel a bit more dangerous. But be very careful when using distortion in your track. While you can use distortion basically anywhere throughout the track, at some points it can become a little overwhelming if used to often. So use it sparingly while allowing your tracks to sound a little more threatening and mystical.
2. VHS Sound with Bitcrushing
The VHS; what an absolute nostalgia trip. It was the video format of choice back in the 80’s, hence why a lot of sound design in retro aesthetics is attributed to this device. If you are looking to get a similar vibe than on those old VHS tapes without having to record your audio onto a tape recorder (because you either don’t have one or don’t want to go through the hassle of working with one) there are some other things you can do.
First, there is bitcrushing, which is an obvious pick for synthwave, as it reduces the resolution of the sound. This lower resolution creates a sound effect that is closer to what they had in the 80’s as opposed to the high-fidelity sound that we have today. By bitcrushing certain parts of the track (maybe the whole thing if you’re feeling brave), add a little warmth which should fit in with the liquid flow of the rest of your synthwave track.
3. Keep the Notes Limited
If you are making a chord progression for the background, focus on keeping the note count low. A typical synthwave track had no more than 6 voices. While you can make more than 6 simultaneous sounds work in a synthwave track, it is still advised to keep to as few notes as possible.
This may seem a little limiting at first, but understand that you are going back to a simpler time. As technologically advanced as the 80’s were in their own way, it was still far more simplistic in comparison to what we have today. So keep things as simple as possible. While you will be using some saturation to add richness to your track, making it sound slightly fuller, the bass and other fundamental features should be kept minimal or tamed to some extent.
4. That Old Tape Saturation
This may be a little harder to pull off than high levels of saturation using analog-to-digital convert (which just ends up clipping the audio anyway), but if you can manage to incorporate tape saturation into your song, then you have the ultimate trip down the nostalgia lane. When an input voltage goes past its limit in analog sound, you get a whole myriad of randomized effects. Since the saturation on tapes is not linear like it is on digital audio, it is far less predictable, so it makes for an interesting distortion effect.
Much like the fuzz and distortion we mentioned earlier, be careful with the tape saturation. It’s a strangely satisfying effect, but considering how chaotic it can be, you should know how to work with it and how to use the sound to the advantage of your track.
5. Hard Snares and Guitar Solos
I don’t have to tell you that rock music was everything in the last few decades leading up to the 2000s. And while rock is still running strong to this day, the 80’s is the decade that one could argue rock was at its peak. So naturally, incorporating a hard snare and some guitar solos into your synthwave track is really going to hammer home that 80’s aesthetic in your audio.
Plugins like the Gated Snare are going to give you a nice, meaty rhythm that closely resembles the 80’s percussive sound. Couple that with a guitar solo with tons of bends and distortion and you have yourself a grouping of the 80’s most indicative instruments. As far as guitar solos go, remember not to overdo them. While synthwave does borrow some elements from rock music, the majority of the track should be electronic. Consider the guitar solos a nice garnish to the main course which is the synthwave’s chorus of electronic sounds.
The Final Element
As with any other music project that you are currently working on, CloudBounce may just be your final element to creating the perfect track, regardless of the genre. Your music needs clear and high-quality sound if you want your audience to enjoy it to the fullest.
With CloudBounce this is possible, without the need for any studio quality equipment or in-depth knowledge of sound engineering. There is nothing stopping you from bringing that futuristic flavor of the 80’s into your life today.
