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Make Chillwave music

Chillwave is a dreamy, nostalgic electronic style with hazy synths, washed-out textures and laid-back grooves, usually around 90 to 115 BPM. Warm, retro tones and a soft-focus mood define it.

Tempo: 90–115 BPM · Warm major and minor, dreamy

What defines chillwave?

Chillwave is electronic music in soft focus. Warm, hazy synths and washed-out, reverb-soaked textures sit over laid-back grooves, and the whole thing carries a nostalgic, slightly retro glow. The melodies are simple and dreamy, more about feel than flash.

The mood is the genre. Chillwave wants to sound like a faded memory, so the textures stay warm and blurry and the groove never pushes too hard.

Signature elements of Chillwave

How Songen makes Chillwave

Songen generates a chillwave loop with the lead, dreamy chords, bass and drums as editable MIDI. Start there, then wash out the synths, soften the groove, or simplify the melody.

Chillwave FAQ

What BPM is chillwave?
Chillwave usually sits around 90 to 115 BPM, a relaxed mid-tempo that suits its dreamy, laid-back mood.
What makes a song chillwave?
Hazy synths, washed-out reverb-heavy textures and laid-back grooves, with a nostalgic, retro tint. It's all about a warm, soft-focus atmosphere.
What kind of drums does chillwave use?
Laid-back, mid-tempo grooves with soft, dusty kicks and snares washed in reverb.
What instruments does chillwave use?
Hazy, warm synth pads and leads with a retro tint, simple dreamy melodies and a smooth, rounded bass.