High Energy and Drive: Using Outrun and Retrowave

In synthwave music, high energy and drive are core elements that significantly enhance the emotional impact of trailer music. Two of the main subgenres associated with this intensity are Outrun and Retrowave. By incorporating techniques and stylistic choices characteristic of these subgenres, you can create compositions that engage listeners and move them emotionally. This chapter will explore how to effectively evoke a sense of excitement and momentum using Outrun and Retrowave elements in your trailer music.

Understanding Outrun and Retrowave

1. Outrun

  • Definition: Outrun is a subgenre of synthwave, characterized by its fast-paced, energizing rhythms and often a nod to retro aesthetics, heavily influenced by 80s driving games and neon-soaked visuals.
  • Musical Characteristics: Typically features upbeat tempos, driving beats, and arpeggiated synth lines that capture a thrilling sense of speed and adventure.

2. Retrowave

  • Definition: Retrowave embodies the nostalgia of the 1980s while incorporating modern production elements. It's often more melodic and incorporates elements from synth-pop, movie soundtracks, and electronic music.
  • Musical Characteristics: Infused with catchy hooks, warm synths, and rhythmic grooves, Retrowave music can evoke feelings of nostalgia and joy, while maintaining an upbeat vibe that complements trailer content.

Techniques for Evoking High Energy and Drive

1. Upbeat Tempo

  • Choosing the Right BPM: For Outrun tracks, tempos typically range between 120-150 BPM. Selecting an appropriate tempo sets the groundwork for energetic compositions.
  • Consistent Groove: Maintain a driving groove that propels the music forward. Ensure that the kick and bass create a solid foundation that invites movement and action.

2. Driving Rhythms

  • Syncopated Drum Patterns: Incorporate energetic drum patterns characterized by syncopation and variation, which adds excitement and keeps the listener engaged.
  • Layered Percussion: Use a combination of traditional drum machine sounds and additional percussion elements (e.g., tambourines, shakers) to create textures that enhance the rhythmic drive.
  • Four-on-the-Floor Kicks: Embrace the classic four-on-the-floor kick drum pattern that drives the rhythm forward and provides a strong foundation for the energetic atmosphere.

3. Arpeggiated Synth Lines

  • Dynamic Arpeggios: Utilize arpeggiated synth lines characterized by rapid note sequences that propel the music forward. Outrun music frequently employs arpeggios to create a sense of continuous motion.
  • Modulation Techniques: Experiment with modulation, such as LFO-controlled filter sweeps or pitch bends, to add movement and fluidity to your arpeggiated lines, keeping the energy lively and engaging.

4. Catchy Melodies and Hooks

  • Melodic Focus: Compose memorable, high-energy hooks that capture the listener’s attention. Utilize pentatonic or major scales to create uplifting melodies that resonate with audiences.
  • Call and Response: Integrate call-and-response techniques within the melodic structure; this not only adds interest but reinforces excitement and dynamics in your composition.

5. Dynamic Builds

  • Crescendos Leading to Drops: Craft dramatic crescendos that build tension before dropping into energetic sections. Use dynamic automation and layering to enhance the sense of buildup and release.
  • Exciting Fills: Implement drum fills or synth swells that build anticipation leading into climactic moments, amplifying the excitement effectively.

6. Sound Design Choices

  • Choosing the Right Sounds: Select specific synth tones that embody the characteristics of Outrun and Retrowave. For instance, use punchy bass synths, bright leads, and lush pads to create an inviting and energetic sound palette.
  • Analog Warmth vs. Digital Clarity: Striking a balance between analog warmth in synths and the clarity of digital sounds can create a multifaceted sonic texture that feels both nostalgic and modern.

Example Workflow for High Energy Trailer Music

  1. Set the Tempo: Choose a BPM within the range of 120-150 depending on your project’s energy needs.
  2. Create the Kick Pattern: Lay down a driving four-on-the-floor kick as the foundation of your rhythm.
  3. Add Percussion: Layer with snare, hi-hats, and syncopated percussion elements to create excitement and intensity.
  4. Design Synth Lines: Introduce arpeggiated synth lines using a selected synth plugin; experiment with rhythms and modulations to fit the energetic vibe.
  5. Compose Melodies: Write engaging melodies that are catchy and uplifting. Consider utilizing a call-and-response structure.
  6. Build Dynamics: Use automation to create crescendos leading into high-energy sections, incorporating fills to heighten anticipation.
  7. Polish and Mix: Refine the mix, ensuring each layer is balanced. Pay particular attention to how the energy transitions define dynamics and emotional weight.

Conclusion

Effectively evoking high energy and drive in synthwave trailer music involves harnessing the defining features of Outrun and Retrowave to create engaging musical narratives. By implementing energetic rhythms, catchy melodies, and dynamic builds, you can enhance the emotional impact of your compositions and ensure they resonate with audiences. In the following chapters, we will further explore how to integrate these techniques into a cohesive arrangement and navigate the final stages of production to create polished trailer music.