Synthwave / Retrowave Track — Neon Nights

## Synthwave / Retrowave Track

**Genre**: synthwave, retrowave, outrun
**BPM**: 100-118
**Key**: A minor or E minor (minor keys essential for that nostalgic drive)
**Duration**: 3:00-4:30

### Sound Design:

**Lead Synth**: Saw wave with slight detuning
- Portamento (glide between notes)
- Reverb: large hall, long tail
- The "voice" of the track — emotional, soaring

**Bass**: Pulsing arpeggiated pattern
- Square or saw wave, low-passed
- 16th note arpeggios driving the track forward
- Side-chained to kick for that pumping feel

**Pads**: Wide, warm, evolving
- Juno-style chorus effect
- Slow filter movement
- Fills the stereo field

**Drums**: Gated reverb (ESSENTIAL for 80s sound)
- Snare: HUGE gated reverb (Phil Collins style)
- Kick: punchy, 4-on-the-floor
- Toms: big, gated, used for fills
- Hi-hats: crisp, mixed slightly back

**FX**: 
- Sweep risers between sections
- Reverse cymbal hits
- Occasional vinyl crackle
- Laser/zap sounds (subtle)

### Structure:
- **Intro** (0:00-0:30): Arpeggio fades in, drums enter, pad swells
- **Verse/Drive** (0:30-1:15): Full groove, bass driving, lead plays melody
- **Chorus/Soar** (1:15-1:45): Lead goes high, everything opens up, euphoric
- **Breakdown** (1:45-2:15): Strip to arpeggio + pad, atmospheric, reflective
- **Build** (2:15-2:30): Elements return, energy building
- **Final Drive** (2:30-3:30): Everything at full power, lead solo over the top
- **Outro** (3:30-4:00): Arpeggio alone, fading into the neon distance

### Mix Character:
- Slight tape saturation on everything
- Wide stereo image (pads and delays)
- Bass and kick centered, tight
- Reverb on EVERYTHING (it's the 80s)

### Reference:
Kavinsky "Nightcall", The Midnight, FM-84, Timecop1983, Gunship