Tech-Noir

The term 'Tech Noir' was originally coined by director James Cameron to describe the genre of his 1984 film The Terminator, specifically referencing the nightclub scene where the main characters meet.

While the aesthetic roots lie in the 1980s soundtracks of composers like Brad Fiedel and Vangelis, 'Tech-noir' as a distinct musical descriptor solidified in the mid-2010s alongside the explosion of the Synthwave and Retrowave scenes.

The British band Gunship released their seminal track 'Tech Noir' in 2015, featuring a spoken-word introduction by horror director John Carpenter, which became an anthem for the subgenre and helped define its narrative-heavy, cinematic sound.

It has since evolved into a specific mood within the broader Darksynth community, bridging the gap between nostalgic pop-infused Synthwave and the harder, more aggressive sounds of Cyberpunk music.

To compose Tech-noir music, focus on creating a cinematic atmosphere using vintage analog synthesizer emulations (like the Yamaha DX7 or Roland Juno) and heavy, gated reverb on the snare drums.

Establish a driving, rolling bassline (often using 16th notes) to create a sense of urgency and motion, typical of a chase scene.

Incorporate minor key harmonies and suspended chords to evoke tension and mystery, and consider adding spoken-word samples or narration to enhance the storytelling aspect.

Layer industrial sound effects, such as metallic clangs or steam hisses, to build a dystopian texture, and contrast these with melodic, neon-soaked synth leads.