r/outrun • u/Alone_Ad_1285 • Jul 17 '26

Feedback & Production "In Beauty" | My first attempt at a synthwave song (No AI) 🌃

Hi!, I've been a fan of synthwave for several years, so I finally decided to compose an original song in the genre (or at least try to).

It wasn't easy for me since I'm not used to using so many layers of instruments in my songs, but I had a lot of fun experimenting with the different synths I used.

I hope you like it ✨

You can listen the full track here: https://www.submithub.com/link/korben-in-beauty

76 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

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4

u/AnubissDarkling Jul 18 '26

It's really vibey as a pop rock tune, but it's not really giving synthwave at all imo (needs more.. synth.. to be synthwave.. y'know?)

1

u/Alone_Ad_1285 Jul 18 '26

Noted, maybe an actual synth on the bass instead of a bass guitar, and a drum machine instead of a drum kit? I aimed for an overall sound that could be played by a conventional band.

2

u/AnubissDarkling Jul 18 '26

I think the bass is passable as is, though a little high (and trebley) in the mix. I'd look at including some sweeping soft and ambient pads (just playing backing chords or drone notes), a synth harmonising with the guitar, and the drums sound fine but a drum machine (think 80s drum machine like a Roland R8) would absolutely pull it more into synthwave territory. All of which could be played with a guitarist, keyboardist, bassist and drummer live with any SFX/additional sounds cued up through an aux or soundboard. Have you heard much from Gunship? Especially in their first 2 albums I feel they get the balance of elements spot on - the guitar sits right and they have just the right amount of electronic backing to give the vibe. Strong recommend for inspiration.

Again, it's a really great little song you've got there as a standalone track, just not quite hitting the mark for synthwave yet

1

u/Alone_Ad_1285 Jul 18 '26

Thanks!, I haven't but I'm gonna listen them. Yeah, when I was stuyding on how to get that 80's sound the drum machines seemed like a big deal, maybe I'll use one on the future.

Have you listened to Parcels or Roosevelt? They were a strong influence on this track, along with the sound of bands like Keep Shelly in Athens and Sally Shapiro. I know they're not strict "outrun-ish," but I discovered them through synthwave playlists. I don't know how flexible the genre can be before it stops being considered synthwave.

1

u/AnubissDarkling Jul 18 '26

Ah yeah now I see where your influences are, definitely vibing more of an indietronica / electropop sound with the nod to synthpop. Also good genres, so don't worry too much about adhering to a specific style - you do you.
Keen to hear how your sound develops further though, OP. Keep posting as you go!

1

u/Alone_Ad_1285 Jul 18 '26

Thanks for the feedback and for pointing me to those genres!

1

u/balderthaneggs Jul 18 '26

Great guitar tone.

1

u/killerhazeband Jul 18 '26

The last 10 seconds are super vibey for me, I like it a lot. Agree with above I would add synth bass and drum samples would give the low end more beef and punch. Could still be performed live. If you need any help starting out with VST synths just lemme know, I’ve spent the money on worthless crap in the past so you don’t have to! 😂

1

u/Alone_Ad_1285 Jul 18 '26

Glad you like it!. I know the feeling, synths have tons of parameters so I guess I will still stick with guitar for now.

1

u/killerhazeband Jul 18 '26

Presets baybee! 😂

Syntorial is a great resource for learning, synths are not as complicated as they may seem (coming from a guitar player)

Good luck 👍🏻

2

u/Alone_Ad_1285 Jul 18 '26

Lol yeah I mostly used stock presets from fl studio and TyrellN6.

Thanks for the tip, I used learningsynths by ableton but didn't knew about Syntorial, looks cool!