(synthwave) Shadow Of A Doubt

[raymondh]

Hi everyone,

As usual this song isn't pure Reason, it is hardware synths, processed with a lot of Reason Rack Plug-ins, using Reaper as DAW. There are a couple of rack extension synths used though, Polysix RE and Viking 2.
Very busy arrangement, mostly for layering to get a big sound - over 100 tracks, and using the excellent trackspacer VST to carve out frequencies to let the vocals and drums cut through the density of the polysynths.

[ChulaCoola]

What is synthwave, and what time period was it? Who are some bands in this genre?

I finally listened to this and it sounds great! It reminds me of maybe Duran-Duran or something like that, especially the vocals. I am not terribly knowledgeable about 80's pop- rock music, as I was far more into the 60's/70's rock at the time. But I definitely heard PLENTY of 80's music. So maybe somebody can correct me on who that sounds like.

Yes, it does have a big sound! I like it!

[raymondh]

What is synthwave, and what time period was it? Who are some bands in this genre?

I finally listened to this and it sounds great! It reminds me of maybe Duran-Duran or something like that, especially the vocals. I am not terribly knowledgeable about 80's pop- rock music, as I was far more into the 60's/70's rock at the time. But I definitely heard PLENTY of 80's music. So maybe somebody can correct me on who that sounds like.

Yes, it does have a big sound! I like it!

Thank you very much! Appreciate you taking the time to listen and comment.

I really don't know much about genres (generally) - but for me the synthwave sound is characterised by a few formulaic elements - the 8th or 16th note simple basslines (with some sidechaining etc), simple drum patterns with 4 on floor kicks and prominent snares with gated reverb, arpeggios or synth lines, more instrumental than vocal, etc. And while synthwave often goes synonymous with retro 80s, TBH I don't remember listening to anything in the 80s that sounded like today's synthwave
Some others here might have a much more educated view on what defines the genre!

[TritoneAddiction]

Sounds great. Really nice tune!

[bossa]

Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synthwave

[Bloma]

Cool song. Synths sound really great.

I honestly could imagine it quite a bit more intense as it builds, for example more prominent hi hats/percussion that really emphasize the groove. The tom roll that hits at 2:19 sounds great, but the section after doesn't do it justice.

I feel the clap/snare doesn't quite sit right in the mix. It could do with a bit more thwak.

I could also imagine a bit more delay or something like that on the vocals in the chorus to give it a lift.

The sidechain is at a good level I think.

[robussc]

Looking forward to listening as I’m an aficionado of the genre. And yes, today’s synthwave is generally a lot more muscular (for lack of a better word) than that produced in the 80s, IMHO.

[mimidancer]

pretty

[robussc]

Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed much of it. The vocal in the bridge is especially striking, I think the main vocal should be rethought in that light, because the singer seems a bit emotionless? Of course a cold vocal is perfectly suited to synthwave but this doesn’t seem cold, just flat.

[Mattvank]

Made for playing live. The melody and voice catch me immediately. Makes hungry for more:)

[raymondh]

thanks everyone!

[Noplan]

Good work, I like it. I find the vocals a bit too dry. There is also space for a long delay in the verses between the vocal breaks. I kind of expected it.

[jappe]

I love everything with this song.
The vocals sticks out in a nice way in this busy mix!
I'm curious about ifTrackspacer is better in any way than the Carve EQ ducker RE. I remember someone asking the dev how many bands Carve used...unfortunately I don't remember the reply...

[tomusurp]

Oh yeah, the sounds and mixing is nice. Love the bass sound except I think you should have made it slightly more melodic. Overall it's very good, and I see the bass melody is changing during the hook at around 1:10 mar. Very well mixed, and I love that raspy panning sound that goes from left to right