SONGWRITING COMPETITION - SWC079 March 2024 - Winners announced

[Mister Fox]

Hello and welcome to the Songwriting Competition 079 - March 2024



BEFORE WE GET STARTED:

• Please consult the official and very simple "Rules and Guidelines" (TL;DR version) for the Songwriting Competition regarding principles of the game, it's engaging game mechanics (allowed editing/re-submission of your entry until the deadline has been reached) and upload/submission guidelines.
• The general idea of this game is to "...just make music", to also challenge yourself by stepping a bit out of your comfort zone, and take a dip at realms you've never worked in before. Instrumentals are just as welcome as productions with vocals.
• The Genre and "Premise" of this months challenge can be found in in post #002
• Filename Template (Important): SWC079__ArtistName__TrackName.wav or .mp3
  • example: SWC079__MisterFox__ColorOfTheSky.wav
  • example: SWC079__Mister_Fox__Color_of_the_sky.wav

Read more about this month's competition further down below. And if you got any question, please also reach out on Discord.



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SONGWRITING COMPETITION THREAD INDEX

Post #001 -- Introduction post and index for the various stages of the Songwriting Competition. Will be updated as we progress
Post #002 -- Submission Period: General Information, Source Material, Sponsors
Post #003 -- Cheat Sheet: A couple of examples / audio demos for this month's challenge (limited if genre is "free to select")
Post #039 -- Voting: Summarized entries and start of voting process
Post #058 -- Results: Results of the Songwriting Competition

[Mister Fox]

CURRENT CHALLENGE - GENERAL INFORMATION

Time Frame: Friday, 01st March 2024 to Sunday, 24th March 2024 (24 days)

Challenge submission will end on 24-MAR-2024, 23:59 UTC+1/CET (Germany) - until further notice.

Want to find out if you're still within the deadline, please either consult the Global Countdown (dedicated page), or the countdown on the landing site. There will also be short reminders on Social Media and on Discord. Does the game time frame feel too long? Why not set a personal shorter one of 5-7 days absolute max to push yourself to focus on the essentials, then use the rest of the time to ask for feedback and possible refinements.



SONGWRITING THEME: "Chip away"
GENRE: Synthwave



Image Source: Andreas Lischka (via Pixabay), released under Creative Commons CC0



A few word about this month's theme:

Ti SN76477, Sharp LR35902, Yamaha YM21280, Ti SN76496 / Yamaha YM2612, MOS Technology SID 6581, Ricoh RP2A03, Sony SPC700, Ensoniq 5503, Roland LA32, E-mu EMU8011, QSound DSP16A, MOS Technology 8364 "Paula", Ensoniq ES-5506 OTTO...

If some of these sound chips instantly ring a bell for you, then you might know where this month's songwriting game direction is going. These are all chipsets from early 1980s to mid/late 1990s. Chips that have not only shaped generations of video game music, but also formed the (technological) basis for certain cutting-edge instruments and samplers that have changed the audio industry forever. We still use or emulate some of these tools today. Just to name a few of them: Yamaha DX7, Roland D-50 (and it's derivatives), E-MU Emulator/Proteus Series, the Ensoniq Mirage, Ensoniq SQ-80, Kawai K1, the Dewanatron Swarmatron concept was heavily inspired by/built upon a 1970s Texas Instruments chip, etc.

The task is simple: make "retro" music. Ideally even with some of these sound chips (or their evolution) as center-piece instruments. Please read more about the "fine print" further down below.
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Your task for this Songwriting Competition:
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This month, you can create a production in any "Synthwave" genre or sub-genre you feel like.


"Synthwave" (umbrella term) is a "revived derivative" from Synth-Pop, a music genre from the late 1970s to mid/late 1980s which dominantly featured synthesizers and other electric instruments rather than acoustic ones. The Synth-Pop genre found a slow "revival" with a new "genre label" during mid 2000s, also thanks to video games and certain media adapting stories and/or aesthetics that were set in the 1980s.

The genre quite literally exploded early 2010s with movies like "Tron: Legacy" (2010, the OST itself being heavily inspired by the first TRON movie soundtrack by Wendy Carlos) or "Driver" (2011), and in the video game realm with games like "Hotline Miami" (2012), "FEZ" (2012, blending pixel art, with chiptune/electronic music) and "Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon" (2013, itself being a spoof of 1980s action flicks). Another "jolt" happened in 2016 with the Netflix series release "Stranger Things" (2016), and in parallel with "Sci-Fi/Indie Horror" games like "Stories Untold" (2017), with similar 1980s aesthetics. Just to scratch the surface.

"Synthwave" also covers the sub-genres Synth-Pop (it's roots), Retrowave, Dreamwave (which can easily drift into Vaporwave), Darkwave, Video Game Music (most notably the 4th and 5th generation of video game consoles) and Chiptune. Some mix techniques for current style iterations are heavily inspired/adapted from modern day electronic music.


This month's general idea is based upon various requests on the forum, on Discord and behind the scenes (via email). In fact, an old request was to go "chiptune with a theme". And while this particular genre does indeed cover "Chiptune" as sub-genre, and you are allowed to go that route, maybe try to find a middle-ground. The idea is to have a "general vibe" from that era, but it can be as modern as you want it to be.

You set your own parameters and limitations. And as usual - vocals are optional. Don't feel pressured to provide any. Maybe instrumentals are working better this month, you never know.

Bonus comment:
There might be a follow-up to this month's general premise later down the line with a future Songwriting Competition.


Have fun, everyone!

Looking forward to the results!

Songwriting Rule Summary / Add-On Rules:

► Show Spoiler

• create a production fitting to the given theme, genre and general premise
• you can use any tool that is at your disposal (samples, virtual instruments and/or real instruments), exceptions apply regarding vocal sample usage)
• IMPORTANT: if you use non-licensed material (as in: non royalty free material from sample CDs, etc), give full credit to the source material
• for newcomers: no finished productions that have already been released outside of the time frame of the current Songwriting Competition (Spotify, iTunes, Bandcamp, etc), no cover versions or remixes of other artists, no ripped acapella's -- please only showcase your own new and original content (you are allowed to "remix yourself", recreate an old project, etc)
• do not go higher than -14,0 LUFS ILk/-1,00 dBTP in terms of perceived loudness (mastering). Music doesn't have to be squashed to bits in order to be impactful
• name your files properly prior to uploading and make the production downloadable. If you opt to present your entry through SoundCloud, the forum can also convert your links into a Soundcloud player through the [soundcloud] BBCode from the text editor (orange square with a white cloud in it)
• ADD-ON RULES:
  • Filename Template: SWC079__ArtistName__TrackName.wav or .mp3
  • <no (additional) add-on rules specified>

For a full set of rules, please consult the Official Rules and Guidelines (most notably Rule Book - post #6). If you got any questions regarding the game mechanics or similar, please either utilize the SWC - Gossip and Discussion thread, or reach out through Discord.

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LICENSE SPONSORS (Bonus Prizes):

A huge thank you goes to our very generous License Sponsors for this month's game. Those being (in alphabetical order):

Cherry Audio, Ghostwave Audio, Hollow Sun, Hornet Plugins, IK Multimedia, JRR Sounds, kv331 audio, Luftrum, Musiclab, Rekkerd Sounds, satyatunes - Sound / Graphic Design, and Tone2.


A detailed list of offerings can be found in the following information block.

► Show Spoiler

Available Bonus Prizes for Songwriting Challenge participants:

Note: All licenses are NFR (Not-For-Resale), except where noted.
Changes to available prices on short notice may be possible and will be announced separately.


RECURRING LICENSE SPONSORSHIP:


Cherry Audio is kind enough to give away one license of Voltage Modular Ignite, plus either a license of "Year One Collection" or "Year Two Collection"
Licenses will turn into NFR
More info on Cherry Audio: https://cherryaudio.com



IK Multimedia is kind enough to give away one license of MODO BASS 2 to the winner
License will turn into NFR
More info on IK Multimedia: https://www.ikmultimedia.com



Musiclab is kind enough to donate any 1 guitar of your choice to the winner
License will turn into NFR
More info on Musiclab: https://www.musiclab.com



Tone2 is kind enough to donate a license of Saurus4 to the winner
License will turn into NFR
More info on Tone2: https://tone2.com



kv331 audio is kind enough to either give away a SynthMaster 1+2 Bundle, or a freely selectable set of 3 SynthMaster Expansions
Licenses will not turn into NFR, you need to have a kv311 audio user account in order to pick up Expansions
More info on kv331 audio: https://www.kv331audio.com



JRR Sounds is kind enough to give away any-1 sound sets or sample set of winner's choice (exception: Bundles)
More info on JRR Sounds: https://www.jrrshop.com/jrr-sounds



Luftrum is kind enough to give away either a license of Lunaris 2, a license of Bioscape, or any two sound sets of winner's choice
License will turn into NFR
More info on Luftrum: https://www.luftrum.com/



Rekkerd Sounds is kind enough to give away 1 sound set of winners choice (exception: Krezie EDM and Neurofunk Vol. 1)
License will turn into NFR
More info on Rekkerd Sounds: https://sounds.rekkerd.org/



Ghostwave Audio (Vincent Bastiat) is kind enough to donate any 2 sound sets to the winner
License will turn into NFR
More info on Ghostwave Audio: https://ghostwaveaudio.com



Hollow Sun is kind to donate one license of "Music Laboratory Machines - The Suite I" to the winner
License will turn into NFR
More info on Hollow Sun: http://www.hollowsun.com



Hornet Plugins is kind enough to give away one license from the depicted tools (see image) to the winner
License will turn into NFR
More info on Hornet Plugins: https://www.hornetplugins.com



Sound / Graphic Designer, and honorary Mix Challenge staff satYatunes is donating one commercial product of winner's choice (until further notice)
More info on satYatune's page: https://satyatunes.com/



THANKS FOR THE DONATIONS!
And also a thank you to all former contributors as well.

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Good luck to all participants.
And most importantly, have fun!

[Mister Fox]

AUDIO EXAMPLES:
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Articles and Info Pages:

A great starting point is the "Addendum"/Supplementary thread for the Songwriting Competition
Songwriting Competition - Addendum: Music Maps and BPM Charts

Additional Articles on Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synthwave




Music examples (selection for inspiration):

Technology examples and why "the era" sounded like it did (assorted, 05 videos)

► Show Spoiler

Espen Kraft - Why does 80s music sound so good? (2018)
Koji Kobura - Most Iconic 80's Synth Riffs Vol. 1 (2021)
Estuera - Famous synth sounds of the 80's and 90's Part 1 (2020)
The 8-bit Guy - How Oldschool Sound/Music worked (2015, focus on old computer and game console sound chips)
Beeble - didn't know Commodore 64 had that BASS (2021, showing off the sound of the SID 6581)

Songs (23 videos)

► Show Spoiler

Machinae Supremacy - Player One (2004 - mostly associated with "SID Metal" -- which is a blend of Heavy Metal and Chipsounds, heavily utilizing the Elektron SidStation)
Mars Wind - 80s Style (Beach Edit) (2005, Soundcloud - a project by Illformed and in_tense, purposely focusing on the SID 6581)
Daft Punk - End Of Line (2010, TRON: Legacy Soundtrack, also see Derezzed - which has an outstanding music video)
Disasterpeace - Adventure (2012, FEZ Original Sound Track, Chiptune)
Dynatron - Pulse Power (2012)
Porter Robinson - Sad Machine (2014, heavily aiming at "modern Electronic/Synth-Pop", but uses "bitcrushing" to get the feeling of "old synths" across)
Carpenter Brut - Run, Sally, Run! (2015, EP III - which also features the way more known "Turbo Killer")
FM-84 - Running In The Night (feat. Ollie Wride) (2016)
Timecop1983 - Falling Apart (feat. by an Ion) (2017)
PYLOT - Caine (2017)
TOKYO ROSE - Heat (2017)
Kalax - Neon Blood (feat. McRocklin) (2019)
Essenger & PYLOT - Offworld (2020)
Pornophonique – Wave After Wave (2020, blending Chiptune with Hard Rock)
Yota - Images (2020)
NINA - The Wire (2020)
Jessie Frye - Faded Memory (2020)
Machinae Supremacy - We Are The Ones Who Will Change The World (2021, "SID Metal")
Street Cleaner - Edge (2021, going towards Darkwave)
DROIDGLOW - Street of Madness (2023, Darkwave)
Mitch Murder - Cyan Skyway (2023)
Xtract - Audiotool Day 2016 (2023)
Virtua - Akraa - Tomorrow (2023)

Notable mentions:
Lofi Girl - Synthwave Radio (24/7 hour streams)
Wave (Retro Playlist) (2024, February)
Retrowave / Synthwave / Darksynth (Playlist) (2024, January)
Sexy Synthwave (Playlist) (2023, February)

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Some Instruments / Samples worth looking at (selection):

The following assorted list is by no means "complete" in any shape or form. You can find a lot of "modern emulations" of certain sound chips / hardware by just typing "<hardware> VST" or "<chipset> VST" into your preferred search engine.

► Show Spoiler

Digital Suburban Dexed (a free and open source Yamaha DX7 emulation)
Plogue (covering: "arcade"/retro sound chips, and the most extensive emulations of chipsets used in the Sega Genesis/Megadrive, Yamaha DX-series/TX81Z/SY77, SPC700 chip, and MOS Technology SID series -- most of them can even load SYSEX from the actual hardware)
Arturia V-Collection (covering: Ensoniq SQ-80, Yamaha DX7, Roland Juno-6, Oberheim OB-X, E-MU Emulator II, Fairlight CMI Series II, and many more)
TAL Software (focusing on Roland synths and AKAI sampler concepts)
Full Bucket (freeware synths covering: Korg, Crumar and ARP Instruments)
Nils Schneider Kawai K1 (freeware emulation project of the Kawai K1)
Siegfried Kullmann SQ-8L (a free/sadly discontinued Ensoniq SQ-80 emulation)
Digital Sound Factory (covering: all E-MU Samplers/Romplers like the Proteus Series, ZR76, MR, Emax and ASR - most libraries need Kontakt Full, a free "Proteus Rack Lite Library" is available)
DiscoDSP OB-Xd (free/open source and commercial/maintained code variant of an Oberheim OB-X)
Korg (covering: synths and drum machines like Electribe-R, M1, Triton and more)
Inphonik (covering: an EMU SP-1200, and a YM2612 based synthesizer)
Aly James Lab (covering: Linndrum LM-1, Simmons SDS-V, Oberheim OB-Xa, and two synths based on the YM2612/SN76489 as used in Sega Genesis/MegaDrive and Master System)
DISTRHO - Cardinal ( proper open-source variant of VCV Rack, usable as plugin), take a look at "8Mode softSN Machine"
Mike Clarke INSIDIOUS 6581 (based upon the MOS Tech SID 6581, needs Native Instruments Reaktor, a Reaktor Player based updated/commercial version is ISW inSIDious)

Notable mentions:
Meat Beats (sample based instruments, covering Roland Alpha Juno 01, E-MU Orbit, and various Digital Pianos from Roland/Korg/E-MU racks -- free taster packs available)
Strix Instruments (EMISYNTH, a collection of rare Soviet children’s synthesizers, needs Kontakt Full)
Samples From Mars (covering sample sets from vintage synths and drum machines, available in multiple file formats)
Drum Samples Archive (released under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 by Kai, a community collection project)

There is of course also
IK Multimedia "Sampletank CS" and "Syntronik CS" with hundreds of samples from vintage synthesizers,
UVI with "UVI Workstation" (with a plethora of sample based add-ons like "Digital Synsations", the "Synth Anthology" or "Vintage Vault" -- unfortunately you can't load your own samples into samplers like E-MU)
...and the Roland Corp "Roland Cloud" (subscription model!!!, individual modules available at steep pricing)

Please also take note of the "More tools of the trade" section further down below, which covers additional sources for instruments and samples.

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Please also check in with the following threads in the the Gear Talk sub-forum, if you're on the look-out for new tools:
Places to fuel your GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) (the starting point if you're in need of audio tools -- from free to affordable).


if you're new to/need help with songwriting - please check out the following tools:

► Show Spoiler

Harmony Theory and Chord Progression tools:
ScalerPlugin Pty Ltd - Scaler 2 (collaboration w/Plugin Boutique, currently the most comprehensive chord/harmony tool out there)
Xfer Records - Cthulhu
W.A. Production - InstaChord and InstaScale
CodeFN42 - Chordz (Transition is also recommended, if you want more experimental/generative MIDI, free, Windows only)
trackbout - Ripchord (free/open-source MIDI chord generator, think Xfer Records Cthulhu, but simplified)
Fabrizio Poce / J74 - Progressive ("Max4Life" is needed, Ableton Live bound)

For pattern and generative sequencing:
Surge Synth Team - Stochas (free/open-source MIDI probabilistic polyrhythmic sequencer)
2Rule - TugMidiSeq (polyphonic arp and seq creator MIDI plugin, free, cross-platform, mostly VST3 only)
Axart Software - AutoBeat (12-track MIDI beat generator, free version is without MIDI drag and drop)
Rose Hill Tribe - BabyDrummer (MIDI drum pattern sequencer, inspired by FL Studio's Step Sequencer, free, Windows only)


Please note, that a lot of DAW also have Harmony Theory and/or Chord Generation tools built in. VCV Rack and DISTRHO Cardinal also have various step and pattern sequencers that you can use to control other synths with. Please consult the manual of your go-to software for more information.

More tools of the trade

► Show Spoiler

Need a good starter kit of free instruments?

Instruments:
AKAI - MPC Beats (limited to 1 instance, 8 MIDI + 2 Audio tracks, but can be used as VSTi in any other DAW)
Apisonic Labs - Speedrum (a "spiritual successor" to One Small Clue POISE, Lite version available)
Big Fish Audio - Momentum (a free and powerful WAV/AIFF loop mangler)
IK Multimedia - MODO DRUM CS (one drum kit)
Rayzoon - Jamstix (an amazing drummer brain)
IK Multimedia - MODO BASS 2 CS (one e-bass)
Spitfire Audio - LABS
Spitfire Audio - BBC Symphonic Orchestra Discover
Pianobook - started by Spitfire Audio's co-founder Christian Henson, offers many free/affordable sample sets in various formats
Decent Samples - project started by David Hilowitz as alternative to NI Kontakt (Full), offers many free/affordable sample sets
Orchestral Tools - SINEfactory
Vienna Symphonic Library - the "HELLO Free Instruments" series (offering an Orchestra, Piano, Small Percussion and more)
Project Sam - Free Orchestra 1 and Free Orchestra 2 (the latter has just been released, Kontakt Player license included)
Soundpaint - started by 8dio's CEO Troels Folman as more advanced sample player engine to NI Kontakt (Full), offers many free sample sets
Sound Props - "Free Series" (offering a synth, guitars, bass and drum sample sets for free/small donation, needs Kontakt 6+ Full)
kv331 audio - Synthmaster Player (the free version comes with over 600 presets!)
Cherry Audio - Voltage Modular Nucleus ("entry level" to Modular Synthesis), Synthesizer Expander Module and Surrealistic MG-1 Plus
DISTRHO - Cardinal (a proper open-source variant of VCV Rack, plugin variants available)
Surge Synth Team - Surge-XT (a free and open source hybrid synthesizer)
Matt Tytel - Vital (spectral warping wavetable synth, a free "basic" version is available)
TAL Software - among offering outstanding and affordable studio tools, their free synth/plugin selection is nothing to scoff at
Phuturetone - offering various interesting synthesizers (also check out the Plugins4Free backup for even more VST plugins)
Sonic Charge - Cyclone (Yamaha TX16W/Typhoon sampler)
CWItech - TX16Wx Software Sampler (If you want a highly powerful Soundfont2 loader / sampler)

Please do remember, our kind License Provider Musiclab also offer 14 day trial versions of their virtual guitar range.


In need for presets for your synthesizers, or even more samples?
Soundpacks - an information page highlighting sample sets and preset packs that have been released for free
PresetShare - a free synth presets exchange platform (account signup needed)
Tom Wolfe's Synth Vault - the free Monthly Preset Club (account signup needed)
VSTBuzz - Freebie Collection page, plenty of good material to find there (often Native Instrument Kontakt bound)


More recommendation for free/affordable tools can be found at the #audio-tech-deals section on our Discord server.

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UPDATED: 29-FEB-2024 10:10 UTC+1, updated 03-MAR-2024 10:10 UTC+1

[Arelem]

Hello Everyone,

I've been absent for a bit; I had a lot going on. For this month's theme/genre, I struggled a little bit because I'm not a fan of synth-wave in particular. However, I was able to make something that I really think came out great! It is a cross between mid-tempo and synth-wave. It does lean heavily into mid-tempo but there are obvious synth-wave elements and influences. It's good to be back and I hope ya'll like it.
(EDIT) Made a few minor changes, mostly in the mixing. Also added a counter-melody to the drop at the end of the track.
(EDIT 2) Changed out the kick for something more genre appropriate. Had to adjust some levels to get it to punch through properly but nothing major.


Details:

► Show Spoiler

DAW: FL Studio
The main synth was designed in Vital and EQ'd and OTT and EQ'd some more.
The bass that accompanies it is done with SubLab
The Arp is a Flex preset with some delay on it.
During the middle, the bass was designed in Vital and the lead is another Flex preset.
The pumping 'static' was done by blurring and ambient sample in Edison and then distorting it heavily. I then used gross beat and some automation to get the gating effect.
The mastering uses True Iron for some saturation, a custom patcher preset that cuts the sides of the sub frequencies, Maximus for compression, and bx True Peak limiter.

[TrojakEW]

For this month's theme/genre, I struggled a little bit because I'm not a fan of synth-wave in particular. However, I was able to make something that I really think came out great! It is a cross between mid-tempo and synth-wave. It does lean heavily into mid-tempo but there are obvious synth-wave elements and influences. It's good to be back and I hope ya'll like it.

You are not alone. For me the synthwave is also "struggle" but at the same time fun. If I have no clue what I'm doing, it leads me to discover and learn something new that was ignored by me before.

In regards of your track, yup there is one element of synthwave for sure and it is that synth lead at 2:00. What I found after listening to some synthwave track compared to your is the aggressive mood of your track. I'm yet to find I track that sounds hard in the synthwave style. Even track with scary theme in synthwave sound almost soothing. It paint the proper atmosphere without being to aggressive. In your track the choice of bass and drumkit leads to that hard and violent mood.

Still I'm also beginner in this style so this is only my view based on my experiment and listening to examples. For sure my track will be too mixed bag.

[JeroenZuiderwijk]

Hello Everyone,

I've been absent for a bit; I had a lot going on. For this month's theme/genre, I struggled a little bit because I'm not a fan of synth-wave in particular. However, I was able to make something that I really think came out great! It is a cross between mid-tempo and synth-wave. It does lean heavily into mid-tempo but there are obvious synth-wave elements and influences. It's good to be back and I hope ya'll like it.

Welcome back Arelem,
That is an inspirational track. I had some doubts about this month challenge but it is good to hear some example material from other participants....gives me some energy to write something myself.

Cheers,

Jeroen

[Arelem]

Since I'm seeing others have similar reservations about synth-wave that I have, I thought I'd share some of the types of tracks that were more inspirational to me as they have a different vibe to your 'traditional' synth-wave tracks. They tend to be classified as Melodic Midtempo, Darksynth, or Darkwave so you can try searching those genres for inspiration as well.

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=sL55w ... 6T_PiEsLPL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK3IDE2me8Y

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=R9Yv_ ... zEg6hA9NCM

[APi_ZZ]

This challenge is different. At least on my side of it.
First: Considering myself more of a proghead (uh? synthwave, what's up?), I realised (by a serious look on my HD) that I own tons of albums considered (somehow) related to synthwave. Well, then that ain't bad at all.
Next, another look on my HD (now the DAW samples dept.) revealed some batches of suited -eh- samples, apparently well representing sounds from the 80s synthwave phase.
Then, The notorious lazy side of me decides to work with those samples, nothing fancy (so to say) -- this is my result.

So there are samples from these departments: drums, bass, synths (kinda obvious), sequences, pads, mallet (bells), FX and voices.
Carefully mixed and aligned and (partly) processed.

As I said, nothing fancy. And -oh!- track title first was considered to be Ship Ahoi (dissed for being too cheap).
So now: Wynth seems to be a star system in the Wyloff sector (according to jedipadia); I singlehandedly decided this system to be saved. More cool, I think ...

[Mister Fox]

A friendly reminder:
Including today, 14 days left to submit your production.

So far, we have 2 entries and already some valuable feedback.



If you want to access the extended game mechanics of the Songwriting Competition (asking for feedback during production), please try to release your first edits within the next 7 days to have enough time to get possible feedback (if needed/wanted) and continue to work on your song.

To those sitting on the fence - please don't feel scared off and think "the bar is set too high, I will never make it" - set yourself a shorter private deadline. Just make music, submit your entry, join the conversation. See where this goes.

By joining, you're already a winner. The rest is bonus.

[KukoBass]

Hello everybody,

though I grew up in the Synthwave era, I have no experience with writing Synthwave music myself, except maybe for my first entry in SWC055 (May 2022, Theme "Synth Racks, Patches and Cables").
viewtopic.php?p=12873#p12873
The vocoder part is connected to my entry from then: While I was then "living my life in a worst case scenario", now "Things are getting better, bit by bit" and I'm thankful for that.

This is my updated entry for this month:



The Wav is here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Jt36Oh ... drive_link

Tools used:

► Show Spoiler

DAW: Ableton Live 12
Chords and drums generated by WA Production "Instacomposer 2"
Bassline inspired by WA Production "Instacomposer 2"

Drums:
IK Muldtimedia Syntronic 2, synth model "Modulum", preset "Aeon Buffalo Drumkit 1"
I doubled the drum kit with Ableton Live "606 Core Kit" for low end for the kick and high frequencies for the hi-hats.
Drum bus:
IK Multimedia TR5 Classic Comp, Ableton Live "Utily" for making everything below 120 Hz Mono, Ableton Live 12's new tool for dynamic saturation and colouration "Roar", Ableton Live "EQ Eight" for high-pass-filtering from 30 Hz upwards

Synth Bass:
IK Muldtimedia Syntronic 2, synth model "V-80", preset "Bold Takanawa Bass"
Ableton Live "Utily" for making everything below 120 Hz Mono and the fade-out at the end of the song, Ableton Live "EQ Eight" for high-pass-filtering from 30 Hz upwards and low-pass-filtering around 3 kHz

Swooshing Chords at the beginning:
Cherry Audio Polymode Synthesizer, preset "Lots of Mod"
Ableton Live "EQ Eight" for high-pass-filtering from 85 Hz upwards, Ableton Live "Utily" for the fade-out at the end of the song

Chords:
IK Muldtimedia Syntronic 2, synth model "Harpy 260", preset "A Siren's Pad"
Ableton Live "EQ Eight" for high-pass-filtering from 90 Hz upwards, Ableton Live "Utily" for the fade-out at the end of the song

Melody Synth:
Cherry Audio Polymode Synthesizer, customized sound based on the preset "Vibrato Organ 1"
Ableton Live "Autopan" for some movement in the sound and "Roar" for some colouration

Vocoder:
Vox recorded through my ZOOM H4n Pro recorder,
Ableton Live Vocoder, 16 bands, modulating the chords of IK Muldtimedia Syntronic 2, synth model "Harpy 260", preset "A Siren's Pad"
Ableton Live "Roar" for colouration of the sound

Master Chain:
Hornet ThirtyOne MK2 Equalizer
brainworx bx_masterdeck True Peak to make the song louder and to make bass frequencies below 120 Hz mono
LUveler to make sure the loudness is below the target of -14 LUFS integrated -1 dB peak

Tools used for mixing:
AYAIC Mix Monolith
Polyverse Wider 2
spl Hawkeye to check for possible sound problems
YouLean Loudness Meter 2 Free to check for loudness problems
Hornet VHS 1.31 to calibrate the frequencies for my Superlux HD 681 headphones for mixing