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A Deep Dive into Dreamwave: Synthwave's ethereal subgenre!
When I first started writing songs, I had no idea what genre I would choose musicwise. I was drawn to electronic music. When I first started composing, I discovered how to make Trance, Techno, Progressive House, and straight up electronica style songs and found that I could be successful in every one of them. But I had to find a niche. That is, a music style that would resonate with a certain audience.
I had a wide variety of tastes, as you can tell. Many people only listened to Country, Classic Rock, Folk Music, Jazz, and so forth. Me? I listened to all of them. I was not fixated on a certain music genre.
With a diverse music taste, I struggled to pinpoint my favorites.
As you can see, on my Bandcamp profile all of my songs have at least one or two of these aspects:
The 1980s vibe
The retro gaming vibe
The Pure Moods ethereal vibe
The two main influences I've found in my music are '80s and Pure Moods. Upon discovering artists like Sleepthief, Blue Stone, and Enigma, who blend electronica with ethereal soundscapes, I found out how I can also incorperate a blend of these characteristics in my musc. To personalize it further, I replaced the modern electronica sounds they used with 1980s synthesizers, defining a genre that uniquely combines the atmospheric allure of Pure Moods with the nostalgic sounds of '80s synths. Its called "Dreamwave".
Defining my genre!
Electronica (Genre): EDM or Electronic Dance Music!
Synthwave (Niche): 80s inspired music with retro synths!
Dreamwave (Microniche): a combination of ethereal and dreamy aspects of Pure Moods.
Dreamwave? Think of what Sleepthief @sleepthiefmusic or Enigma would have sounded like in the 80s. That's me! The dreamy & nostalgic: introspective wave of ethereal beauty.
So, what would this music sound like? Video game music, ethereal characteristics, nostolgic 80s sounds? Combined??? That would simply be heavenly to me. Take DK Island or Sonic video game music for example, or even the new stuff NewRetro.net has been putting out on FB. This combined with some world music would be right on target!
You may now call me the "Synthwave Sleepthief" or the "Synthwave Enigma"!
In the vast ocean of synthwave subgenres, Dreamwave emerges as a dreamy, nostalgic, and introspective wave that carries listeners to distant realms of ethereal beauty. Here we'll explore the unique characteristics of Dreamwave, distinguish it from other synthwave subgenres, and provide insights for EDM synthwave producers looking to incorporate the dreamy elements into their music.
More details below!
Understanding Dreamwave:
Dreamy Atmosphere and Nostalgia: Dreamwave captures the essence of dreamy soundscapes and nostalgic sentiments. The music often feels like a journey through a hazy and utopian past, invoking a sense of longing and reflection.
Smooth Melodies and Lush Synths: At the heart of Dreamwave lies its signature smooth melodies and lush synthesizers. The genre often features rich, layered arrangements that create a soothing and emotionally resonant sonic experience.
Cinematic Grandeur: Dreamwave has a cinematic quality, as if each track serves as a soundtrack for a nostalgic movie scene. The music is immersive, painting vivid imagery and evoking emotions through its sonic storytelling.
Distinguishing Dreamwave from Other Synthwave Subgenres:
Here are some beautiful musical examples that will both knock your socks off and bring tears to you eyes. Relaxation and excitement!
Dreamwave sets itself apart through its emphasis on dreamy atmospheres, introspective melodies, and a more relaxed tempo compared to other high-energy subgenres like Outrun or Dark Synth. While outrun may evoke the thrill of a neon-lit race, Dreamwave is more about the contemplative and emotional aspects of the retro-futuristic experience.
Incorporating Dreamwave Elements into EDM Synthwave Production:
Layered Synth Pads and Arpeggios: Build your tracks with layered synth pads and arpeggios to create the lush and dreamy texture characteristic of Dreamwave. Experiment with warm and nostalgic tones to enhance the emotional depth of your music.
Smooth Transitions and Progressions: Pay careful attention to smooth transitions and progressions between sections of your track. Dreamwave often features gradual shifts, allowing the listener to be gently carried through the sonic landscape.
Emotional Melodies and Chord Progressions: Infuse your music with emotional melodies and chord progressions. Dreamwave is about connecting with the listener on a sentimental level, so explore harmonies that evoke a sense of introspection and yearning.
Dreamwave Synthwave Playlist:
Check out all the tracks on the given video above. Be sure to add these dreamy soundscapes to your easy listening song list. And if you are interested in making Dreamwave music, you can surely look to these for examples and inspiration. Happy listening!
1. Tracklist: 0:00 kiile - Destiny / destiny-2 https://kiile.bandcamp.com/https://open.spotify.com/track/7diB9C...5:34
2. mitch murder - remember when / mitch-murder-remember-when https://mitchmurder.bandcamp.com/https://open.spotify.com/track/55rIKG...11:36
3. Timecop1983 - Forever And Ever / forever-and-ever-exclusively-for-synth-lov... https://timecop1983.bandcamp.com/15:41
4. Timecop1983 - Daybreak / synthwave-diva-demo-timecop1983 19:27 IndiGhost - Pastel Sunset / pastel-sunset https://indi-ghost.bandcamp.com/https://open.spotify.com/track/52y7YL...23:53
5. TOMMY '86 - Offshore / offshore https://tommy86.bandcamp.com/28:48
6. SelloRekT /LA Dreams - See It In Your Eyes / see-it-in-your-eyes-1 https://ladreams.bandcamp.com/https://open.spotify.com/track/355zmc...33:46
7. RINGS - SECOND LIGHT / second-light https://rings84.bandcamp.com/36:46 DREAMCOAST - New Theory / dreamcoast-new-theory https://dreamcoast.bandcamp.com/39:22
8. LONDON LAZERS - Nobody / nobody https://londonlazers.bandcamp.com/43:23
9. mitch murder - breaking waves / mitch-murder-breaking-waves https://open.spotify.com/track/1fwp9t...
Conclusion:
As you embark on your journey into Dreamwave Synthwave, let the dreamy waves guide your creative exploration. Incorporate lush synths, emotional melodies, and cinematic elements to craft a sonic experience that transcends time and space. With its unique blend of nostalgia and futuristic dreams, Dreamwave stands as a captivating subgenre within the rich tapestry of synthwave music.
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