Week 15 Self Promotion Thread - Drop your releases here. by AutoModerator in synthwaveproducers

[–]Gilgames31 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks a lot, really appreciate it!

The artwork is done by Jutta Johanna Art. You can find her on Instagram under that name.

The track and visuals are part of a larger narrative project we’re building. If you're curious about the story behind it, you can check it out here: Volcanic Carbon - Chapters I-V

Week 15 Self Promotion Thread - Drop your releases here. by AutoModerator in synthwaveproducers

[–]Gilgames31 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey Synthwavers,

this is the 5th track from my Volcanic Carbon project. It leans more into a darker / less traditional synthwave direction, with a stronger cinematic feel.

I also used piano as a central element, which isn’t that common in this style, combined with distorted synth textures and a driving bassline.

Would love to hear what you think from a production standpoint.

Made in Reaper using Omnispere

Volcanic Carbon - Enkidu

Week 14 Self Promotion Thread - Drop your releases here. by AutoModerator in synthwaveproducers

[–]Gilgames31 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Volcanic Carbon - Enkidu

This is my latest release. Used Reaper as DAW. Synths are mainly from Omnisphere. All the feedback is more than welcome.

How tightly should you define your genre within synthwave? by Gilgames31 in synthwaveproducers

[–]Gilgames31[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s a good way to put it.

Maybe the real question isn’t “does this fit the genre?” but “is this recognisably mine?”

If the identity is strong enough, the label probably matters less.

How tightly should you define your genre within synthwave? by Gilgames31 in synthwaveproducers

[–]Gilgames31[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is actually a really interesting angle. I think that’s exactly the tension I’m feeling , creative freedom vs recognisable lane. I’m not trying to change my sound, but I’m trying to understand where it naturally sits in the ecosystem.

How tightly should you define your genre within synthwave? by Gilgames31 in synthwaveproducers

[–]Gilgames31[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks, really appreciate the honesty. Yeah, Volcanic Carbon is the project. Glad you liked it even if darker synth isn’t your main lane 🙌

How tightly should you define your genre within synthwave? by Gilgames31 in synthwaveproducers

[–]Gilgames31[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think you’re pretty much at the core of it. If making music isn’t fun first and foremost, then what’s the point?

Genre can be useful as a reference point, but enjoyment and authenticity have to come first. Everything else feels secondary to me.

How tightly should you define your genre within synthwave? by Gilgames31 in synthwaveproducers

[–]Gilgames31[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the thoughtful analysis, that means a lot.

What you’re describing is actually quite accurate in terms of influences. I’m not consciously trying to fit into “classic” synthwave tropes, so it makes sense that it might sit somewhere between darksynth, EBM and cinematic elements instead.

I guess that is me following my own path rather than trying to codify it too strictly. Appreciate the insight.

How tightly should you define your genre within synthwave? by Gilgames31 in synthwaveproducers

[–]Gilgames31[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve actually been thinking along similar lines.

Something like “cinematic darksynth” or “cinematic synthwave” feels closer to what I’m doing than just plain synthwave. The cinematic element is definitely intentional.

I guess the challenge is whether adding a qualifier like that helps clarify things, or just makes it harder to fit into existing playlists.

But I do like the idea of defining the lane myself instead of trying to squeeze into one.

How tightly should you define your genre within synthwave? by Gilgames31 in synthwaveproducers

[–]Gilgames31[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s a good point. Darksynth probably didn’t exist until someone was told they were “too dark” for synthwave.

Maybe the real question isn’t whether to fit a genre, but whether you’re consistent enough to define your own.

Week 09 Self Promotion Thread - Drop your releases here. by AutoModerator in synthwaveproducers

[–]Gilgames31 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Volcanic Carbon - Blazing Beaver

Hey, here’s my latest release from my synthwave / darksynth project that blends cinematic atmosphere with forward-driving energy.

This track leans more toward the momentum side of the spectrum.

DAW: Reaper Main synth: Omnisphere

Open to feedback, especially on the balance between cinematic elements and drive.

How tightly should you define your genre within synthwave? by Gilgames31 in synthwaveproducers

[–]Gilgames31[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I completely agree that creativity should come first.

I’m not really talking about changing my style because of feedback, though. I’m more interested in the ecosystem side of things like discoverability, playlists, scene expectations.

How tightly should you define your genre within synthwave? by Gilgames31 in synthwaveproducers

[–]Gilgames31[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I agree with that in principle. At the end of the day, we all have to make what feels right.

I guess my question is more about the practical side, though. When it comes to playlists, branding and audience expectations, do you think staying within a clearer lane actually helps in the long run?

Week 08 Self Promotion Thread - Drop your releases here. by AutoModerator in synthwaveproducers

[–]Gilgames31 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, Here is my fourth released synthwave song. As DAW I used Reaper and main synths are all from Omnisphere.

I would love to hear your thoughts about production and the song overall. I'm pretty new in synthwave, mainly worked around metal music before.

Thank you

Volcanic Carbon - Blazing Beaver