What is synthwave music7 min read

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Synthwave, sometimes called outrun, is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the early 2010s. It features elements of 1980s pop and electronic music, often incorporating references to vintage science fiction and action cinema.

Synthwave is commonly associated with a retrofuturistic visual aesthetic, featuring images of neon-drenched cities, chrome, robots, and spacecraft.

The style emerged in the early 2010s, drawing inspiration from the soundtracks of 1980s arcade games, 1980s science fiction films, and 1980s television series. It developed primarily in the United States and Europe, and has been popular within the underground music scene.

Synthwave often features synthesizers, drum machines, vocoders, and electric guitars. It is typically produced with vintage equipment and often features digitally-sampled sounds or sounds recorded from analog tape.

The term “synthwave” is a portmanteau of the words “synth” and “wave.”

What makes a song Synthwave?

Synthwave (also known as outrun, retrowave and futuresynth) is a genre of electronic music influenced by 1980s film soundtracks and video games. It features synthesizers and low-pass filters with a tempo of around 120 beats per minute.

Synthwave often contains references to 1980s pop culture, including movies, television, and cartoons. Its sound is generally upbeat and melodic, with a focus on retro aesthetics.

The synthwave genre emerged in the early 2010s, drawing inspiration from the music of artists such as John Carpenter, Vangelis, and Tangerine Dream. It saw a resurgence in popularity in the mid-2010s, in part due to the success of the soundtrack to the 2010 film Drive.

What makes a song synthwave?

Synthwave is typically characterized by its retro aesthetic, often featuring analog synthesizers, low-pass filters, and a tempo of around 120 beats per minute. The genre often contains references to 1980s pop culture, including movies, television, and cartoons.

Its sound is generally upbeat and melodic, with a focus on retro aesthetics. Some synthwave songs feature vocoders and heavy use of effects pedals.

The synthwave genre emerged in the early 2010s, drawing inspiration from the music of artists such as John Carpenter, Vangelis, and Tangerine Dream. It saw a resurgence in popularity in the mid-2010s, in part due to the success of the soundtrack to the 2010 film Drive.

Is Synthwave a EDM?

Synthwave, also known as outrun, is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the early 2010s. It is characterized by its retro-futuristic sound, inspired by 1980s films, videogames, and pop music. While synthwave is often associated with EDM, the two genres are not interchangeable.

Synthwave’s origins can be traced back to the early 2000s, when a group of underground musicians began experimenting with retro-futuristic sounds. This movement was later dubbed "synthwave" in 2010, when the first wave of artists began to gain mainstream popularity.

Synthwave shares some similarities with EDM, most notably its focus on electronic sounds. However, there are several key differences between the two genres. For starters, synthwave is typically slower and more melodic than EDM. It also tends to feature more traditional instrumentation, such as guitars and drums.

Most importantly, synthwave is distinguished by its retro aesthetic. While EDM is often associated with modern sounds and styles, synthwave pays homage to the 1980s. This is reflected in its production values, songwriting, and overall vibe.

synthwave is not limited to any one style or sound. While some artists leans towards EDM, others take a more rock-oriented approach. Ultimately, the genre is defined by its retro-futuristic sound, which can be applied in a variety of ways.

So is synthwave a EDM? In a sense, yes. But synthwave is also much more than that. It’s a genre that pays homage to the past while looking towards the future. Ultimately, it’s up to the listener to decide what they want to call it.

What era is Synthwave?

Synthwave is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the early 2010s. It is heavily influenced by the sound of 1980s new wave, synthpop, and electro.

Is Synthwave still popular?

Synthwave, also known as outrun, is a genre of music that emerged in the early 2010s. It is characterized by its retro-futuristic sound, inspired by 1980s science fiction, action movies, and video games.

Despite its popularity in the early 2010s, there is no clear answer as to whether synthwave is still popular today. Some say that the genre has died out in recent years, while others believe that it is still going strong.

There are a few factors that could contribute to the decline of synthwave’s popularity. First, the genre has been around for a while and may be starting to lose its appeal. Additionally, the popularity of EDM and other electronic genres may be siphoning listeners away from synthwave.

However, there are also a few reasons why synthwave may still be popular. For one, the genre has a strong following on social media, and there are many artists who are still producing synthwave music. Additionally, synthwave has been gaining attention from the mainstream music industry, and there are a few artists who have successfully crossed over into the mainstream.

In the end, it’s hard to say whether synthwave is still popular today. There are clear signs that the genre is starting to lose its appeal, but there are also indications that it is still going strong. Ultimately, it will be up to the listeners to decide whether synthwave is here to stay.

What instruments does synthwave use?

Synthwave is a genre of music that emerged in the mid-2000s. It is often described as a combination of electro, new wave, and synthpop. The instruments used in synthwave music vary, but typically include synthesizers, drum machines, and electric guitars.

Synthesizers are a key component of synthwave music. They are used to create the funky, retro sound that is characteristic of the genre. Drum machines are also commonly used in synthwave music. They help to create the driving beat that is so essential to the sound. Electric guitars are used to add power and energy to the tracks.

While the instruments used in synthwave music vary from track to track, there are some that are commonly used in the genre. If you’re interested in creating synthwave music, or just want to learn more about it, these instruments are a good place to start.

How do you structure a synthwave song?

Structuring a synthwave song can be a bit tricky. It’s important to get the tone and feel of the song just right, in order to create the desired effect. Here are a few tips on how to do just that.

1. Start with a catchy melody

The first and most important part of any synthwave song is the melody. This is what will hook listeners and keep them hooked. Make sure your melody is catchy and easy to remember.

2. Add in some elements of nostalgia

Synthwave is all about evoking feelings of nostalgia. So be sure to add in some elements that will remind listeners of the past. Whether it’s through the melody, the lyrics, or the overall vibe of the song, make sure your listeners feel like they’re taking a trip down memory lane.

3. Use powerful synth sounds

Synthwave is all about the synth sounds, so be sure to use them to their full potential. Make sure your sounds are powerful and emotive, and that they convey the feeling you’re going for.

4. Keep the arrangement simple

Synthwave songs don’t need a lot of complicated arrangement. Keep things simple and straightforward, and focus on creating a cohesive and unified sound.

5. Use a strong beat

A good beat is essential for any synthwave song. Make sure your beat is powerful and driving, and that it will keep listeners moving.

6. Use reverb and delay effects

These effects can help give your song a more retro feel. Use them sparingly, however, or you risk overdoing it.

7. Finish with a strong chorus

The chorus is the most important part of the song, so make sure it’s strong and memorable. Make sure your listeners will be singing along by the end of the song.

What is 80s aesthetic called?

The 80s aesthetic is a popular style that was popularized in the 1980s. This style is characterized by bright colors, bold patterns, and a lot of glitter. The 80s aesthetic is often associated with the 1980s pop culture, which is known for its flashy and glamorous style.