Synthwave Production Explained
Studio production pro Thomas Cochran teleports you back to the '80s with in-depth Synthwave production video tutorials that show how to create the sounds and produce the tracks that make this popular genre so powerful. These videos are perfect for beginner Synthwave producers or anyone looking for more insight on how this genre is made.
Getting Started
• Introduction & Song Demo (03:37) - In this video, Thomas introduces the course, what will be covered, and plays the song that you'll be making together.
• Characteristics of a Synthwave Track (04:55) - Learn what makes a Synthwave track distinct from other electronic music genres and the common bpm's of the style. This video also discusses the various subgenera's of Synthwave music and the types of sounds that are used.
Drums & Drum Arrangement
• Kick & Snare (14:16) - Thomas discusses what vintage drum machine samples are used for the drums in Synthwave tracks, and also explains how to create a driving drum patten that will be used as the foundation for the entire track.
• 80's Synth Toms (07:57) - This video shows how to take the tom drums from a DMX style drum machine and use them to create an 80's inspired fill for our drum pattern. This drum fill will be used to give variation to the drum part.
• Hi-Hats (09:08) - Learn what types of hi-hat samples are used in Synthwave tracks and the types of patterns that are used. These simple hi-hat pattens will provide an Additional element to the drums that will help move the track along.
• Setting Up a Gated Reverb (11:26) - Thomas now shows how to recreate the classic 80's gated reverb effect for drums, along with how to compress the reverb to make the sound even more punchy.
Synths & Melodic Arrangement
• Stab Bass (14:28) - Discover the characteristics of a Synthwave stab bass and how it's used to give the song its driving feel, while being used as the melodic foundation for the track.
• Arp Layer (10:55) - This video shows how to now create a synth arpeggio layer to accent the bass line, and help cary the melody of the track, as is commonly done in Synthwave music.
• Chords (14:54) - See how chords are used in Synthwave music to fill out the track, and what suspended chords are and how they're used in Synthwave to create that nostalgic feeling.
• Lead Synth & Counter Melody (13:54) - Learn how lead synths are used as a focal point for the musical progressions in Synthwave music, including how they provide a counter melody that will accent the chords.
• Vibrato Lead (07:44) - This video shows how to create a lead sound inspired by classic 80's guitar solos, and help create an epic feel and further focal point for the song.
• Delayed Synth & Keys (14:50) - Now watch how to add a "dreamy keys" element to the track that makes use of reverb and delay, and further plays up the nostalgic musical qualities commonly found in Synthwave tracks.
• Pad (06:55) - Rich synth pads are commonly found in Synthwave tracks, providing an ambient background element for the song. See how!
Song Arrangement & Mixing
• Song Arrangement & Fills (14:01) - This video covers creating the common song arrangement for Synthwave music. While the arrangement of Synthwave tracks are more simple, the chord progressions and leads are layered together in such a way to keep interest by utilizing evolving musical sequences. Thomas explains!
• Mixing (13:47) - Discover how bus mixing and processing is used to blend the song together, including how to adjust the volumes of the different elements so that the track is nice and balanced.
• Mastering (12:12) - Learn the basics of mastering Synthwave music, including brightening up the track for added clarity and dimension, and using limiters and compressors to avoid unwanted volume level differences, plus beefing up the track overall.