Sometimes the best music comes from the most unexpected constraints. Let's explore a realistic workflow showing how an electronic producer might approach a challenging ComposerDeck challenge and transform it into a finished synthwave track. This case study demonstrates proven techniques and thought processes that working producers use to turn creative limitations into artistic advantages.
About This Guide: This is a practical workflow case study based on real production techniques used by electronic music producers. While presented as a narrative for readability, each step represents actual approaches and methods documented in the electronic music community.
The Challenge: Turning Constraints Into Opportunities
Example ComposerDeck Challenge
Musical Constraints:
- • Key: F# Minor
- • Tempo: 85 BPM
- • Time Signature: 7/8
- • Must include: Arpeggiated synth
- • Forbidden: Traditional drums
Creative Prompt:
"Create a track that sounds like driving through a cyberpunk city at 3 AM, but the city is slowly being reclaimed by nature."
Initial Reaction: The Producer's Dilemma
At first glance, these constraints might seem incompatible with synthwave. 7/8 time at 85 BPM challenges the genre's typical 4/4 groove, and prohibiting traditional drums removes a cornerstone element. However, experienced producers know that such limitations often lead to the most innovative results.
The Producer's Toolkit
For this type of synthwave production challenge, a producer would typically work with a DAW and a combination of hardware and software synthesizers. Here's what a common setup might include:
Typical Software
- • DAW: Ableton Live, FL Studio, or Logic Pro
- • Synths: Serum, Omnisphere, Sylenth1
- • Drums: Native Instruments Maschine, samples
- • Effects: Valhalla reverbs, FabFilter plugins
Common Hardware (Optional)
- • Synths: Novation Bass Station, Korg Minilogue
- • MIDI: Any MIDI controller or keyboard
- • Interface: Focusrite Scarlett or similar
- • Monitors: KRK Rokit or Yamaha HS series
Note: Expensive gear isn't required. Many successful synthwave producers start with just a computer, free DAW (like Reaper), and free VSTs (like Vital or Surge).
Synthwave Influences
- • Carpenter Brut
- • Perturbator
- • The Midnight
- • Gunship
Production Resources
- • Splice sample packs
- • YouTube tutorials
- • r/synthwaveproducers
- • Production Discord servers
Learning Path
- • Study genre conventions
- • Analyze reference tracks
- • Experiment with constraints
- • Join production communities
The Workflow: From Constraints to Completed Track
Hour 1: Wrestling with 7/8
"My first instinct was to ignore the 7/8 time signature. I spent 45 minutes trying to make it work in 4/4, but it felt forced. Then I remembered something my music theory teacher said: 'Constraints aren't limitations—they're creative catalysts.'"
The Breakthrough Moment
Try counting in 7/8 while walking around your studio: "1-2-3-4-5-6-7, 1-2-3-4-5-6-7." The goal is to hear it not as a broken 4/4, but as its own unique rhythm.
Pattern: KICK-hat-SNARE-hat-kick-HAT-rest
Hours 2-3: Building the Foundation
The Arpeggio
Using a MicroFreak (or any arpeggiator), you could create a haunting F# minor arpeggio that "breathes" with the 7/8 rhythm. The arpeggiated-synth constraint becomes the track's emotional core.
The "No Drums" Solution
Instead of traditional drums, layer organic percussion: finger snaps, pencil taps on your desk, and the sound of rain from a window—perfectly fitting the "nature reclaiming the city" theme.
Hours 4-6: The Magic Happens
"This is where the track really came alive. I started layering textures that represented both the cyberpunk city and the encroaching nature."
Cyberpunk Elements
- • Gated reverb synths
- • Distorted bass
- • Glitchy effects
- • Neon-bright leads
Nature Elements
- • Field recordings
- • Organic percussion
- • Filtered bird sounds
- • Wind textures
The Blend
- • Pitch-shifted vocals
- • Granular synthesis
- • Convolution reverb
- • Spectral filtering
The Breakthrough: When Everything Clicked
"Around hour 5, I was layering this field recording of wind through trees over the main synth line. I pitched it down an octave and suddenly it sounded like the city itself was breathing. That's when I knew I had something special."
The "Breathing City" Effect
By sidechaining the wind texture to the kick pattern, you can make the entire track pulse like a living organism. The 7/8 time signature, initially a constraint, becomes the track's unique "heartbeat."
The Emotional Core
The F# minor arpeggio, processed through multiple delay lines, created a sense of nostalgia and melancholy that perfectly captured the "memories" aspect of the eventual title.
Technical Breakdown: How It's Made
Track Structure
Key Production Techniques
-
1
Polyrhythmic LayeringDifferent elements in different subdivisions of 7/8
-
2
Spectral MorphingGradual transformation from synthetic to organic
-
3
Dynamic SidechainingCreating the "breathing" effect
Sound Design Elements
From Studio to Release
A Simple Release Strategy
Start by uploading your track to SoundCloud or Bandcamp with clear tags (e.g., #ComposerDeckChallenge) and a short note about how the constraints shaped the production. Share a behind-the-scenes clip on social media explaining one specific technique you used.
Discovery Tips
Pitch the track to niche curators: synthwave YouTube channels, Discord communities, and playlist editors who appreciate unusual time signatures. Lead with the story—why 7/8, how you solved "no drums," and what listeners should notice.
Release Checklist
- 1Write a 2–3 sentence story of how constraints shaped the track.
- 2Export a 20–30s teaser highlighting the most unusual element.
- 3Tag platforms and communities likely to care (e.g., #7over8, #synthwave).
- 4Send a short, personal note to 3–5 curators explaining the hook.
Key Takeaways for Producers
Embrace the Weird
Constraints that seem limiting often lead to innovative solutions. Lean into them; they can become your signature.
Story Matters
Listeners connect with the story behind how a track was made. Make the process part of the art.
Constraints = Freedom
Boundaries create focus. Instead of endless options, constraints give you clear direction.
What's Next for You
Action Plan
- • Pick 3 random constraints and finish a 90-second draft
- • Share a teaser and a short note about your key constraint
- • Send to 3 niche curators who care about your hook
- • Iterate once based on feedback and release the v1
Advice for Producers
Don't skip the constraints that feel impossible. They often teach the most and lead to your most unique work. Treat each challenge as a way to discover a new way of thinking about music.
Ready to Build Your Own Signature Track?
This workflow shows how unexpected constraints can lead to extraordinary music. What will your next ComposerDeck challenge inspire?