Make It Last 2016 by Sascha Ende

Hit or Miss? Arti’s Review

Alright, let's take a listen to this track. First impressions are definitely positive – it's got an immediate energy. There's a clear retro synthwave vibe happening, which is quite popular and can be very effective in certain media contexts. The track kicks off with these evolving synth pads that immediately set an atmospheric, almost dreamy tone before the beat drops and propels things forward. Melodically, it's quite catchy; the main synth hook is simple but effective, and it gets stuck in your head pretty quickly, which is a good sign for commercial usability. The vocal element, while not a traditional lead vocal, serves more as a rhythmic and textural element, which is a common technique in this style. The arrangement is fairly straightforward, building in intensity as it progresses, adding layers of synths and drums to maintain momentum. For production music, this kind of clear structure is often appreciated because it’s easy to edit and adapt to different video lengths.

From a production standpoint, the mix is generally clean, but I think there's room to enhance the stereo imaging to give it a wider, more immersive feel. Some of the synth sounds, while fitting the retro vibe, could benefit from a bit more modern polish and depth to really stand out in today’s landscape. Think about adding some subtle layers of texture or perhaps experimenting with more complex modulation on the pads to keep them evolving and engaging throughout the track. The low end is solid, providing a good foundation, but maybe tightening up the kick drum just a touch could add to the overall punch and clarity. In terms of emotional impact, it's definitely on the upbeat and optimistic side. It evokes a feeling of positivity and forward motion, making it well-suited for advertising, corporate presentations, or even fashion content where a sense of energy and style is needed. It could also work well in video games, particularly in menus or upbeat gameplay sequences.

Comparing it to industry-standard production music, it’s sitting at a good professional level, but it's not quite at the top tier yet. To really elevate it, focusing on sound design and mix polish would be key. Think about referencing some commercially successful synthwave tracks and analyzing their sonic characteristics – how wide is the mix? How detailed are the synth textures? How punchy and clear are the drums? Small improvements in these areas can make a big difference. For instance, experimenting with different reverb types on the synths or adding subtle delays could create more space and depth. Also, while the vocal sample is stylistically appropriate, consider if there are ways to make it even more unique or less obviously a sample. Perhaps some creative processing or layering could add a more bespoke element. Overall, it’s a solid and usable track with a clear direction and positive energy. With a bit of refinement in the mix and sound design, particularly focusing on widening the stereo field and adding depth to the synth textures, it could really shine and become a very licensable piece for a range of media projects. It's got a great foundation; just needs a little extra polish to reach its full potential in the production music world.