Chillwave is a microgenre of chill music that emerged in the late 2000s and early 2010s. It is often characterized by a dreamy and nostalgic sound similar to lofi in general but it often incorporates elements of 1980s pop/electropop and R&B music.
On top of the electronic vibe and ’80s VHS elements, some chillwave beats consist of lo-fi production techniques. They are not the same tempo and therefore I believe it is not the same warmth vibe they are offering, but from EQ’s perspective, they are similar.
According to some desk research artists associated with the genre include Washed Out, Neon Indian, and Toro y Moi. But I have to be honest, I am not aware of all of them. So I also spend the time of this research (and while writing this article) with listening to them!
Why did it become popular?
The micro/sub-genre was popularized through several online music blogs and social media platforms. In the end, many chillwave artists gained a following through self-releasing their music on the internet – which was quite OK by that time (Myspace, Bandcamp, YouTube).
The popularity of the genre on the other hand (at least from my point of view) has waned in recent years. Still good to see that some artists continue to produce music in the chillwave style.
Characteristics of Chillwave
Chillwave is a subgenre of chill music (but we are safe to say it is part of electronic music in a way). The genre offers a dreamy and nostalgic feel, often featuring heavily manipulated mellow vocals, reverb-drenched guitars, and super vintage synthesizers. The base usually consists of sampled drum machines offering a true retro vibe. From a tempo perspective, it is more moderate (moderate-to-low).
As mentioned already, chillwave is famous for its use of lo-fi production techniques. They give the music a hazy, washed-out, low-bass sound imitating vinyl. No wonder I guess that this genre is often associated with a specific visual aesthetic. I mean it draws heavily from the visual culture of the 1980s. This way the visuals strengthen the retro vibe of the audio as well with elements such as neon lights and VHS tapes.
Dawless music production – so creating music doesn’t have to require expensive equipment nowadays. With the right smartphone and some applications, anyone can make extraordinary music without the hassle of setting up complex gear.
In this guide, I will share with you some tips and tricks for dawless music production on mobile devices.
Ready? Hit play and let’s get started!
Identify what type of music you want to produce
Before you start creating music on your smartphone, you should identify what type of music you want to produce. I mean besides hit songs and the best to get money. Let’s put dreams aside and remain realistic. But why am I asking you to consider this as step one?
It simply helps you determine the best way to lay out your tracks, sound sources, and effects. An electro beat is different from chiptune in all aspects and a lofi again another peace of cake.
Honestly, if you do not have a clear view, spend some time on YouTube and find some inspirational artists. If you are experienced enough, feel free to experiment – though I guess you will then only run through this article.
Understand the basic concepts of music production
This point is also for starters and beginners. Music production indicates the practice of combining music, sounds, and effects to make a complete song at the end.
It includes selecting, sculpting or manipulating sound sources such as samples or synthetic instruments. But it may also mean manipulating and organizing audio elements by adjusting levels and adding effects such as reverb and delay.
Of course, you will not need all in the first round – the contrary: as per the first point. Find your genre first. See what is special in it.
As an example, I am a fan of lofi. It means I add less quantize to humanize it. I add swing and consider filtering low-end to create less bass which imitates a vintage vibe.
See? It is crucial to set things right before you start. The same goes for samples. Lofi uses samples, and electric music well, less, depending on the sub-genre you are into.
Select the right app for dawless music production
You are about to head into music production now right? Before getting started, however, you’ll also have to spend a moment thinking. Thinking and reading to find the most suitable app for you.
I will be honest, I am not associated, nor paid by any companies while writing this article, however, I have a strong pro toward Koala Sampler.
As linked above, my choice became that app. Before going deeper into this topic, I have tested FL Studio (mobile version), BandLab, and a few others. While all seem to do the job fairly well, somehow this startup grabbed my attention. First, process-wise the developer aimed to imitate a workflow that reminds me of SP404. As a lofi artist, it is like the holy Bible for a reasonable price. On the other hand, using it for a year now, I see continuous updates in functionality, which convinces me not to change.
Of course, many popular DAWs such as Pro Tools, Cubase, FL Studio, and Ableton offer mobile applications that allow you to record and mix without needing expensive equipment. Some are only available for iOS though.
Create and record your track with a smartphone
At last, let’s get into actual song production.
Most DAW mobile apps offer an array of virtual instruments to help you get started. Honestly, depending on your genre, use them for the first songs. Get comfy, before aiming hard. Different story, but when I bought my PO-33 KO, before heading into producing tons of albums such as Wabi-Sabi, I created a short EP using stock notes only.
This way I allowed myself if not mastering, but at least understanding the differences between a dawless (smartphone daw) music production and a regular use of Ableton Live with proper mouse, precision, keyboard, etc.
The first requires quite a bit of patience and time. Understanding the limitations is also crucial. Dawless music production on a smartphone is somewhat similar to smartphone photography. It may never reach the level of DSLR due to natural limitations, yet has its own essence and style. Furthermore, you will need less money to kick it live and in the end, you do not need to bring hefty pack with yourself to produce songs. Koala Sampler is ideal for sketching a beat on the bus. Image the same thing with your 88-key Novation or Korg synth along with a notebook and all the cables. Even if you have a cute granny next to you on the bus, helping you to hold some of the equipment, still sounds pretty lame right?
Later of course you can also record vocals or acoustic instruments with a microphone for a more organic and unique sound. Be sure to always use (quality but at least soundproof/noise cancel) headphones when recording to ensure a crisp and clear sound.
Lastly, do not forget to save your project after each step (but at least regularly) during the production process. Sh!t always happen, make sure that you never lose your work!
Experimenting with effects
Once you have a basic sketch of a song, you can start adding more creative effects by manipulating your tracks with plugins. For this, each app has its own effect course, therefore going too specific would be lame.
Personally, I do use Filter, Stutter (imitating glitches of a vinyl), some Compression, and occasionally Reverb as well. On top of that Tempo Delay and Vibroflange are being used to spice some samples.
Mastering
Finally, nothing against any smartphone application, but it is worth exporting the track and checking all the meters in a DAW on a PC. Personally, I can produce better beats with every song I create with Koala Sampler. Still, I like to call them “sketches” as it always feels to me like drawing while being outside in the city. I add colors later at home when I have space and all the tools. The same with the audio sketches. I love them when I finish them, but rather consider them as demos and add coloring later.
Let’s discuss a bit about Vaporwave in general. Be assured, I will not go deep in this article, but wish to go through the basics. Ready? Hit play and scroll!
History of Vaporwave
If I have to describe it shortly, I would say: Vaporwave is a sub-genre of electronic music. It has emerged in the early 2010s, maybe a bit earlier. I believe it is the best way to characterize it with a distinct aesthetic that often incorporates elements of 1980s and 1990s pop culture.
What does it actually mean? You need to think of elements such as retro computer graphics, early internet imagery, and corporate logos. As for the music itself, it is often features slowed-down and pitch-shifted samples from lounge, easy listening, and smooth jazz records. But it may feature chopped and screwed R&B, funk and disco tracks either. I mean the more popular it became, the more examples you may find.
The genre is often associated with a specific visual aesthetic, which includes glitch art and neon-lit landscapes.
Vaporwave as a genre is notable for its use of irony, nostalgia, and satire in its music and imagery. It often comments on consumer culture, capitalism and the nostalgia of the pre-internet era. Kind of a reminiscence, but a bit far from the lofi type of warm vibe.
Where to find it?
Vaporwave is often produced and distributed online. You can find tons of playlists on Spotify and enjoy arts and visuals on Twitter and YouTube as well. This genre is more like a phenomenon that is with us both visually and audio-wise. It’s often created by anonymous or pseudonymous artists, especially if they are to express criticism. The genre has also affected and created several subgenres such as future funk and hypnagogic pop.
Latte Chill and Vaporwave
I do not offer too many Vaporwave beats for now. The most notable EP would be Akira. It stands between Vapor and Electro to my point of view. I mean it is fully inspired by a famous anime in the ’80s. Aesthetic-wise I am connecting to that vibe with the samples as well, but I wanted to make it more upbeat and offered no major criticism. As I am not a fan of too many criticism, it is more my music, where I experimented with the genre.
If you have some time, check the link above, you may find and listen to a very short beat. Also, don’t forget to watch the movie. A great one to my point of view.
Summing it up: Vaporwave is a genre of music that offers a distinctive sound with aesthetic and cultural significance, which differentiates it from other electronic music genres.
