Vaporwave seemed to pop up out of nowhere in the early 2010s, yet it felt like it had always been lurking in the digital ether. Born from the depths of the internet and fueled by an odd mix of nostalgia, irony, and anti-capitalistic digital exploration, vaporwave became a cultural moment that stuck around far longer than anyone expected. Interestingly enough, it gives people something that's both familiar and new at the same time.

What sets vaporwave apart is its unique ability to take samples, often from 80s and 90s pop, jazz, and elevator music, and slow them down to a hypnotic crawl. Add a heavy dose of vintage 3D art, neon colors, and glitchy visuals, and you've got an aesthetic that feels like a blend of old-school mall culture, corporate jargon, and a touch of melancholic futurism.

In this guide, we're going to break down how you can create your own vaporwave tracks, covering everything from selecting the right samples to advanced production tricks for that unmistakable sound.

What Makes Vaporwave Sound Like Vaporwave?

If you're new to vaporwave or just want to understand why this genre sounds the way it does, you're in the right place. Let's take a look at a breakdown of the key elements that give vaporwave its signature sound.

1. Tempo: Slow It Down

Vaporwave tends to hang out around 75-85 BPM , which is slower than most genres. The pace is relaxed, and almost dreamlike. Think of it like slowing down a video on YouTube to 0.75x speed. The slower tempo is essential to creating that hazy, nostalgic vibe.

2. Reverb and Chorus Effects

A heavy reverb effect is one of the defining characteristics of vaporwave. It creates a spacious, washed-out feeling, almost like listening to music through a foggy glass window. Combine that with chorus effects , and you get that "nostalgic distance" that vaporwave is famous for.

3. Sample Manipulation

One of the most fun (and challenging) parts of vaporwave is the sample manipulation . Producers typically start with older tracks (think smooth jazz, 80s pop, or lounge music) and slow them down to a crawl. This stretches everything out, turning something upbeat into a hauntingly mellow experience.

Beyond slowing things down, the real trick is how the samples are pitched and warped. They can be chopped, looped, or re-arranged in ways that give them new meanings.

Common Chord Progressions

Vaporwave tends to favor certain chord progressions that evoke both comfort and melancholy. The most common are I-IV-V or ii-V-I progressions, which are staples in pop and jazz. But in vaporwave, they’re often stretched out, slowed down, and sometimes paired with dissonance to give them an eerie or melancholic feel.

Vaporwave Subgenres: A Deeper Look

Like any genre, vaporwave has subgenres that have emerged over time, each with its own take on the sound and aesthetic.

Future Funk: More Groove, Less Melancholy

Future funk is faster-paced and much funkier than its mellow cousin, with more emphasis on dance beats. Sampling disco, funk, and 80s pop, future funk brings the groove back into the picture while still maintaining that dreamy, nostalgic atmosphere.

Mallsoft: The Sound of Consumerism

Mallsoft takes vaporwave’s aesthetic of corporate and commercial music to the next level. Think of it as the background music playing in a mall, but distorted and stretched until it feels otherworldly.

Hardvapor: Darker, Heavier, and More Aggressive

Then, there’s hardvapor , a more intense and aggressive take on vaporwave. It's basically vaporwave, but cranked up with distorted bass, industrial noise, and sometimes even fast tempos.

Best Software and Equipment for Making Vaporwave

Now that you’ve got a good understanding of the vibe and sound of vaporwave, it’s time to get into the nuts and bolts of actually creating it. Here's what you need to get started:

A DAW

Your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) should be the heart of your production setup. It’s where you create, edit, and mix. While there are tons of DAWs out there, here are some of the best options for vaporwave:

• FL Studio: A surefire favorite for those who want to produce vaporwave, as it comes with powerful sample manipulation tools and solid built-in effects.
• Ableton Live: Ableton is another excellent choice, especially for those who prefer a more flexible, hands-on approach. It’s also perfect for sample-based production, which is crucial in vaporwave.
• Logic Pro X: If you're on a Mac, Logic Pro X is another great option. It's packed with high-quality plugins and a clean, user-friendly interface. While it might not be as sample-focused as FL Studio or Ableton, its suite of synths and effects can still help you achieve the dreamy, nostalgic sound you’re after.

Must-Have VST Plugins

While your DAW might come with some decent stock VST plugins, there are a few third-party VSTs I'd recommend to elevate your production game.

Reverb Plugins

Vaporwave thrives on spacious, ambient soundscapes, and that’s where reverb comes in. Here are a few of my favorites:

• ValhallaVintageVerb : One of the best for creating lush, dreamy reverb effects. It has a variety of vintage reverb algorithms that can help replicate the sounds of old hardware reverbs from the 80s.
• FabFilter Pro-R : A more modern option, but with incredible control over the character and decay of your reverb.

Chorus/Delay Effects

A chorus or delay effect can really help add dimension to your sounds. Here are some of my favorites:

• Soundtoys Microshift : Great for adding subtle (or not so subtle) width and depth to just about anything you run through it.
• Waves H-Delay : One of the most affordable yet powerful delay plugins on the market, great for analog-style delays.

Pitch Shifting Tools

Pitch shifting is essential for the hallmark slowed-down sound of vaporwave. While most DAWs have built-in pitch-shifting tools, some plugins offer more control and quality, such as:

• Pitch Shifter by Eventide : Perfect for dramatic pitch shifts, and it works well for everything from minor adjustments to extreme warping.
• Soundtoys Little Alter Boy : This is a pro-level tool for pitch and formant manipulation.

Optional But Fun: Hardware Options

If you really want to take your vaporwave songs to the next level, adding some hardware to your setup can be a fun and rewarding experience.

Cassette Players/Recorders

For that true “lo-fi” feel, you can’t go wrong with a cassette player or recorder . You can record samples onto cassette, then play them back to capture the subtle imperfections that are part of the charm of vaporwave.

Vintage Synthesizers

If you're into hardware synths, there are plenty of vintage options that scream vaporwave. The Roland Juno-106 or Yamaha DX7 are great choices if you're aiming for that authentic 80s sound. Even if you don’t want to drop cash on an original, there are plenty of modern recreations that do the job, like the Roland Boutique series or VST emulations of these classics.

Lo-fi Equipment

Lo-fi equipment like old drum machines (think Roland TR-808 or TR-909 ) or worn-out keyboards can add texture and character to your vaporwave tracks. Try to look for used options to save yourself some cash!

Finding and Choosing Samples

Samples are vaporwave artists' best friends. However, finding the right samples can feel like sourcing a needle in a haystack. That's why I want to make it a bit easier for you to source the right samples.

80s/90s Pop Songs

Pop music from the 80s and 90s is a goldmine for vaporwave samples. The era’s iconic synth sounds, catchy hooks, and sometimes cheesy production make them perfect for slowing down. Look at artists like Phil Collins , Madonna , or Cyndi Lauper for inspiration.

• Pro Tip : Look for songs with clean, distinct melodies or instrumental breaks, as they're easier to chop and manipulate.

Smooth Jazz

Smooth jazz was a hallmark of the 80s and 90s (think saxophones, electric pianos, and buttery guitar licks). Look for samples from artists like George Benson , Kenny G , and Grover Washington Jr.

City Pop

City pop is a subgenre of Japanese pop music from the late 70s and 80s, and it’s become a huge influence on modern vaporwave. Artists like Mariya Takeuchi , Tatsuro Yamashita , and Anri have produced some of the best examples of city pop, combining smooth jazz, funk, and pop in ways that scream nostalgia.

Mall Music/Muzak

Nothing says “vaporwave” like the sound of Muzak . This is basically your most generic, elevator or lounge music that played in malls, airports, and waiting rooms in the 80s and 90s. It's the epitome of nostalgic corporate chill.

Legal Considerations and Fair Use

Before you get too excited about those perfect samples, let’s talk about legal considerations . Sampling is a bit of a grey area in the music world, and while vaporwave is mostly about fair use and creative reinterpretation, it's still important to stay cautious.

• Public Domain : Some tracks might already be in the public domain, especially older music. If you’re using something from the 1920s or earlier, chances are it’s fair game. But always double-check!
• Fair Use : Sampling small portions of tracks can often fall under fair use (if you're in the U.S.), but this is a grey area. If you're just messing with a few seconds of a song, and it's transformed into something new (like slowing it down or altering it), that can generally be considered fair use. However, if you use a huge chunk of a song or the track is clearly not transformed, you could run into problems. It’s always a good idea to give credit where credit’s due, or at the very least, understand what risks you’re taking.
• Creative Commons : Many artists release their music under Creative Commons licenses, which allow you to use their work without worrying about licensing fees. You can find tons of free-to-use music on platforms like Free Music Archive or SoundCloud , though you’ll still need to check the license terms to make sure you're good to go.

Basic Production Techniques

Now that you've got your samples and gear, it’s time to start building your vaporwave track. This section will walk you through some basic production techniques to help you shape that signature sound.

1. Importing and Cleaning Up Samples

The first step is getting your sample into your DAW. Once you’ve found the perfect snippet, you’ll need to clean it up and prep it for manipulation.

Step-by-Step:

1. Import Your Sample : Open your DAW (FL Studio, Ableton, etc.) and drag your sample into the timeline or the sampler track.
2. Trim the Sample : Use the waveform view to zoom in on your sample and trim out any unwanted noise or silence at the beginning and end. You only want the part of the sample that you plan to use.
3. Normalize or Adjust Volume : You might notice some samples are too loud or too quiet. Normalize the volume of your sample (if needed) or manually adjust the volume levels to make sure it’s sitting right in the mix.
4. Fade in/Fade out : To remove any abrupt start or end of your sample, use a fade-in or fade-out effect. This is especially helpful with lo-fi or vinyl-like samples to give them a smooth, warm transition into your track.

2. Tempo Adjustment and Pitch Shifting

One of the defining characteristics of vaporwave is its slowed-down tempo. You’ll need to adjust the tempo of your samples to match the typical vaporwave range of 75-85 BPM . You’ll also likely want to shift the pitch of the sample to give it that dreamy, otherworldly feel.

Step-by-Step:

1. Adjust Tempo : Most DAWs allow you to change the tempo of an imported sample without affecting its pitch. First, find the tempo of your sample by enabling the "tempo detection" feature (in Ableton, for example, you can right-click the audio clip and select “Warp”). Then, change the project tempo to something within the 75-85 BPM range .
2. Pitch Shift : If you want to make the sample sound even more atmospheric, apply a pitch shift . This can be done manually in the DAW’s audio editor or through a pitch-shifting plugin.
   • FL Studio : Right-click on the sample > “Pitch” > adjust the pitch knob.
   • Ableton Live : Use the Pitch Shifter under "Audio Effects" and dial it in.

3. Adding Reverb and Chorus Effects

Vaporwave owes a lot of its signature sound to the lush reverb and chorus effects that give samples a sense of space and atmosphere. Here's how to apply them:

1. Reverb : Add a generous amount of reverb to your sample to create the feeling of space. You want a long decay time to make the sound feel distant and washed-out.
2. Chorus : You can also add a chorus to thicken the sound. Vaporwave often benefits from that "swimming" chorus effect, which can give your sample that slightly detuned, ethereal sound.

4. EQ Techniques for That Vintage Sound

To make your music sound warm and vintage, you'll need to apply EQ .

Step-by-Step:

1. Cut Highs : To get that lo-fi, vintage feel, start by rolling off the high frequencies (around 10-15kHz) using a high-shelf filter. This mimics the warmth and slightly muted sound of older audio equipment.
2. Boost Mids : If your sample feels a little thin, boost the midrange frequencies (around 400-800Hz). This will give your sample more body and presence, which is perfect for creating that nostalgic, "warm" vibe.
3. Cut Low-End : Vaporwave generally doesn’t need a lot of low-end rumble. So, cut the sub-bass (below 100Hz) to clear up space for other elements like the bassline or kick drum.

You can use just about any stock EQ that your DAW comes with.

Advanced Production Techniques

Once you’ve got the basics down, you can start looking at some more advanced techniques .

1. Creating Complex Layered Atmospheres

One of the key elements that makes vaporwave stand out is its ambient dimensionality. Layering is essential to create the full, immersive sound that vaporwave is known for. These layers can be made up of both samples and original sounds.

Step-by-Step:

1. Start with a Base Layer : Begin by selecting a sample or original sound that will act as the core of your atmosphere. This could be an ambient pad, a soft vocal chop, or a slowed-down melody.
2. Add Textural Layers : On top of the base layer, start adding more textural elements, such as soft synth pads, field recordings (like rain or traffic sounds), or subtle noise layers (like vinyl crackle or tape hiss).
3. Use Filters and Modulation : To make these layers more dynamic, use low-pass filters to roll off high frequencies and create a "cloudy" effect or apply modulation effects to give your layers movement and depth.
4. Automate Volume and Effects : Automate the volume and effects of each layer to bring certain elements in and out throughout the track.

2 . Microsampling Techniques

Microsampling involves taking tiny snippets from a sample and manipulating them in ways that create completely new sounds. Here's an example of how some vaporwave artists might approach microsampling:

1. Find the Right Sample : Start with a sample that has clear, identifiable elements (a vocal snippet, an instrumental line, a melody).
2. Chop It Up : Use your DAW’s editing tools to chop the sample into tiny sections (1-2 seconds max). You can take a single note from a melody, a short vocal phrase, or even a tiny glitch in a recording.
3. Manipulate and Resample : Rearrange these tiny samples to form new rhythms or melodies. You can pitch them, reverse them, stretch them, or even apply granular synthesis to re-contextualize them.
4. Reapply Effects : After microsampling, go back and add effects like reverb, delay, or distortion to further transform the sound and make it blend with the rest of your track.

3. Adding Original Instrumentation

While we get many retro futuristic sounds in this genre from sampling, adding original instrumentation or sound effects can give your tracks a unique flavor.

Consider taking an instrument you already own, such as an electric piano or bass guitar, and layering some new ideas on top of your current track. Don't forget to process it with similar effects, like reverb, chorus, or lo-fi distortion (one of my favorite lo-fi plugins is RC-20).

5. Advanced Mixing Techniques for the "Floating" Sound

To achieve that dreamy, floating vaporwave vibe, you need to know how to mix. Here are a few techniques you can use to get the most out of your songs:

1. Create Space with Reverb and Delay : One of the most important tools for achieving a "floating" sound is reverb . Use long reverb tails and delays to spread out the sound and create a sense of depth. Don't be afraid to go heavy on these effects to push the track back into the distance.
2. Subtle Panning : Use panning to spread your layers across the stereo field. This gives each element its own place and prevents the mix from feeling cluttered.
3. Low-End Management : Vaporwave doesn’t always need a lot of low-end, but the low frequencies should be carefully sculpted. Cut unnecessary sub-bass frequencies (below 100Hz) to clear space for atmospheric elements and leave room for your kick drum.
4. Sidechain for Movement : If you want to give your track that "floating" feel , sidechain your atmospheric layers to a soft kick or noise burst. This gives a rhythmic "pulsing" effect that adds life and movement to the song.

The Visual Aesthetic

Vaporwave production isn't the only thing that matters when making these songs. Visuals are just as important. The genre has built a unique identity that blends retro, surreal, and futuristic elements, and the aesthetic is a huge part of its allure.

The visuals that accompany your vaporwave music give it personality and context. Whether it’s album art with Greek statues or music videos with a 80s-era Nintendo racecar speeding off into a pixelated sunset, your visuals should capture the same dreamy, nostalgic feel that your music evokes.

While there are many ways to go about creating art for the genre, I like to start by combining old-school clip art photos from different time periods and styles. Try to incorporate classical and retro imagery. Think about statues, palm trees, VHS tapes, and 3D graphics. These help create that nostalgic yet futuristic vibe.

Make sure to use the appropriate fonts and color schemes as well:

• Bold, Blocky Fonts like futuristic sans-serifs , or pixelated fonts to match the lo-fi aesthetic. You might also incorporate Japanese characters, whether as part of a logo or in the background.
• Gradients : Using smooth, blended gradients is a classic vaporwave move. Think of sunset hues that fade into each other or pastel skies.
• Geometric Shapes : Use shapes like grids, triangles, and circles, often seen in ‘90s computer graphics. These can help create that digital-retro vibe.

Developing Your Own Style and Sharing Your Music

When making vaporwave, it’s easy to get lost in the haze of nostalgia. However, if you want your sounds to stand out, you’ll need to carve out your own identity. The beauty of vaporwave is that it offers plenty of room for experimentation, as you can combine elements from other genres and create something entirely your own.

Listen to vaporwave artists that you like and see what it is that you love about their music. Maybe they use certain sound effects or take cues from other popular types of electronic music.

Of course, building a community around your music is also a crucial part of developing your style and growing your audience. Platforms like Bandcamp, SoundCloud, and YouTube are great places to share your music. Make sure to engage with communities on Reddit and make it a point to collaborate with other artists to get the word out in the community. The vaporwave scene is full of listeners and creators who are excited to see what you come up with. So go ahead, experiment, take risks, and most importantly, have fun with it!