How to Make Electroclash: VSTs, Drum Kits, and Sample Packs

Electroclash is a bold genre that blends the synthetic beats of electro-pop, the edgy grit of post-punk, and the nostalgic flair of new wave. Emerging in the late '90s and early 2000s, it thrives on a retro-futuristic energy that continues to influence today’s indie music scene. Characterized by its minimalistic yet layered soundscapes, electroclash gives you the chance to experiment with textures, tones, and unconventional techniques.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the genre’s key characteristics, and production tips to help you make electroclash tracks that capture its essence.

Starting with Electroclash Samples

Samples make up a great part of the electroclash sound, fusing vintage textures with modern production. Thoughtful curation and creative processing of samples allow you to shape the genre's distinctive sonic identity.

Finding the Right Samples

• Retro Synth Loops: Look for loops that mimic 80s analog synthesizers to create nostalgic melodies.
• Minimal Drum Patterns: Incorporate sharp snares, punchy kicks, and crisp hi-hats to establish driving rhythms.
• Textural Sounds: Add depth with ambient pads, industrial noises, and glitchy FX.

Organizing Your Sample Library

• Sort by Type: Create folders for drums, basslines, melodic elements, and effects.
• Tag Your Favorites: Use descriptive keywords to quickly retrieve samples during production.
• Tempo and Key: Organize samples by BPM and key for seamless integration into your projects.

Processing Samples

• Layering: Combine multiple samples to create rich, textured sounds. For example, layer a warm pad with metallic noise for contrast.
• Resampling: Apply effects like reverb, distortion, or time-stretching, then re-record the manipulated sounds as new samples.

Integrating Samples into Your DAW

• Drag and Drop: Import samples directly into your timeline for quick placement.
• Pitch Shifting: Use tools like Ableton’s Warp or Logic’s Flex Time to match sample pitches to your track’s key.
• Time Stretching: Synchronize sample tempos with your project’s BPM for a cohesive sound.

Bassline – The Pulse of Electroclash

The Importance of Basslines

Basslines form the rhythmic and harmonic backbone of electroclash tracks. They’re bold, repetitive, and hypnotic, often serving as the groove’s anchor.

Choosing the Right Synth

• Arturia Mini V: Perfect for creating warm, Moog-inspired bass tones.
• Korg MS-20 VST: Ideal for punchy, gritty basslines with analog character.

Shaping the Sound

• Low-Pass Filters: Roll off high frequencies to create a deep, warm tone.
• Resonance: Add subtle resonance to highlight harmonics and give the bass a vintage feel.

Sequencing Tips

• Repetition with Variation: Craft simple 2-4 bar loops that are engaging and memorable.
• Octave Jumps: Add dramatic shifts by jumping an octave up or down within your sequence.
• Syncopation: Experiment with off-beat notes to add groove and tension.

Layering Vocals with Effects

Defining Electroclash Vocals

Vocals in electroclash are often heavily processed, robotic, or ethereal, acting as a dynamic counterpoint to the track’s synthetic textures.

Recording or Selecting Vocals

• Record Clean Takes: Use a condenser mic in a treated environment for the best results.
• Explore Samples: Platforms like Sample Focus offer royalty-free vocal samples that can be chopped and manipulated.

Processing Techniques

• Pitch Correction: Use autotune or hard pitch correction for robotic tones.
• Reverb and Delay: Add space and atmosphere with plate reverb and synced delay effects.
• Distortion: Apply light distortion for a gritty, punk-inspired edge.

Creative Vocal Manipulation

• Chopping and Slicing: Rearrange vocal phrases into rhythmic patterns.
• Reverse Effects: Flip vocals backward for eerie intros or transitions.
• Layering: Combine multiple vocal tracks with different effects for a rich, multidimensional sound.

Designing Synth Leads

Synth Leads as the Track’s Voice

Synth leads are often the most recognizable element of an electroclash track. They cut through the mix with dramatic, catchy motifs.

Selecting the Right Synth Sound

• Arturia Jupiter-8: Delivers lush, vintage-inspired tones.
• Roland Cloud SH-101: Ideal for sharp, focused leads.

Shaping the Sound

• Waveforms: Use sawtooth or square waves for bright, cutting tones.
• Unison Detuning: Slightly detune oscillators for a wide, rich sound.
• Filter Automation: Add motion to your lead by automating filter cutoff and resonance.

Writing Melodic Patterns

• Repetitive Motifs: Short loops create hypnotic grooves that are easy to remember.
• Pitch Bends: Add drama and expression with glides and bends between notes.
• Dynamic Progressions: Build tension with ascending scales and resolve with satisfying melodies.

Step by Step: How to Make Electroclash Music

Step 1: Choosing the Right Electroclash VST

Electroclash thrives on bold synths and edgy textures. Here are essential VSTs to kickstart your sound design:

• Arturia Synths: Emulate iconic analog synths like the ARP 2600 or Jupiter 8 for that vintage tone.
• Massive X by Native Instruments: Perfect for gritty basslines and evolving pads.
• Vital: A free, powerful wavetable synthesizer ideal for creating cutting-edge electroclash textures.

Tips for Setup:

• Use sawtooth or square wave oscillators for aggressive leads.
• Add pulse-width modulation for a distinctive, retro sound.

Step 2: Crafting Electroclash Drum Kits

Drum kits are the backbone of electroclash, combining punchy digital drums with lo-fi aesthetics.

Elements of an Electroclash Drum Kit:

1. Kicks: Sharp, electronic kicks like those in the Roland TR-808 or 909.
2. Snares: Snappy, gated snares with a metallic edge.
3. Hi-Hats: Tight, closed hats with a slight swing to add groove.
4. Percussion: Electronic toms or claps, layered with distortion.

How to Build Your Kit:

• Layer samples from classic drum machines (TR-707, LinnDrum) with modern digital effects.
• Use a sampler plugin like Battery 4 to organize and tweak your kit.

Step 3: Electroclash Sample Packs

Sample packs streamline production by offering pre-made loops and one-shots. Browse Sample Focus for royalty-free samples​.

How to Use:

• Drag loops into your DAW to form the base of your track.
• Chop and pitch-shift vocal samples to create a robotic, punk vibe.

Step 4: Building an Electroclash Track

Electroclash tracks are characterized by their raw, danceable energy. Here’s how to construct one:

1. Start with a Beat:
   • Program a 120-135 BPM drum groove.
   • Add syncopation using percussion or claps for a danceable feel.
2. Design the Bassline:
   • Use monophonic VSTs like Korg MS-20 to create growling, rhythmic basslines.
   • Add glide/portamento to create smooth transitions between notes.
3. Layer the Synths:
   • Stack multiple synths for a full sound.
   • Use effects like delay, chorus, and phaser to add motion.
4. Add Vocals:
   • Electroclash often features spoken-word or vocoder-processed vocals.
   • Experiment with distortion for a lo-fi aesthetic.

Step 5: Mixing and Mastering Electroclash

Electroclash demands a mix that’s raw yet balanced.

Mixing Tips:

• Use parallel compression on drums to maintain punch.
• Apply saturation to synths for warmth and texture.
• Carve out space in the mix with EQ—dip frequencies in the mids to avoid mud.

Mastering Settings:

• Add slight tape compression for analog warmth.
• Use a limiter to maintain a high RMS level without clipping.

Step 6: Refining with Electroclash VST Effects

Beyond synths, effects VSTs add the necessary grit and polish:

• Decimort 2: Add bit-crushing for a lo-fi sound.
• FabFilter Saturn: For subtle distortion and harmonic excitement.

Final Words

Electroclash means blending nostalgia with innovation. Creating electroclash music calls for the right tools, a feel for its raw energy, and a spirit of trial and error. With quality VSTs, custom drum kits, and inspiring sample packs, you can get the genre's vibe.

To capture its raw energy, focus on sampling, punchy basslines, dynamic vocals, and futuristic synth leads, creating tracks that embody its distinctive sound.