Where synthwave comes from
The genre emerged online in the mid to late 2000s from French electronic acts such as Kavinsky and College, and was boosted by the 2011 film Drive. Sub-styles include darksynth, outrun and the slower, dreamier chillwave.
What makes a track sound like synthwave
- 16th-note bass arpeggios
- Big gated snares
- Chorus and tape effects on synths
- Nostalgic, cinematic mood
Typical structure
Atmospheric intro, steady build as the arpeggio enters, a melodic main section, breakdown, and a final lift with all layers.
Vocals in synthwave
Synthwave is often instrumental, but sung versions use airy, reverb-washed vocals that sit back in the mix. Ask for "dreamy, distant vocals" and let the synth lead carry the hook.
Prompting tips
Pick a sub-style: "outrun" for driving tracks, "darksynth" for heavy and aggressive, "chillwave" for slow and hazy. Mention a sax solo if you want the classic touch.
Without the gated snare and arpeggio the result sounds like modern EDM. Name both.
Prompts to start from
Outrun synthwave at 110 BPM, driving arpeggiated bass, gated reverb snare, neon lead melody, night drive mood
Darksynth track with distorted bass, aggressive drum machine, horror movie pads and a heavy final section
Slow chillwave at 85 BPM, hazy pads, tape wobble, soft drum machine and a lonely saxophone solo