Blog Posts

Electro swing gets its distinctive groove by combining two elements: Jazz-inspired bass movement and low-end production techniques borrowed from club music. In this article, I’ll break down some essential electro swing bass patterns that I use in my own productions, with practical examples. Note: This article was originally published in Japanese and received a very positive response from music producers in Japan, which inspired me to make it available in English. The production techniques covered here are univer...

Everything you need to create authentic electro swing—all in one place. This website has become Japan’s most-read resource on how to produce electro swing. After researching English-language resources, I have yet to find another website that breaks down electro swing production in this level of detail—covering chord progressions, bass patterns, drum patterns, commonly used scales, brass riffs, backing patterns, sound selection, effects, and more as separate practical topics. The music theory and production techn...

Electro swing drums are generally built on the beat structure of EDM and other forms of club music. What makes the genre distinctive, however, is the way it layers rhythmic elements from swing jazz on top of that electronic foundation. In this guide, we’ll explore how to start with an EDM-style beat and turn it into a groove that feels unmistakably electro swing. Note: This article was originally published in Japanese and received a very positive response from music producers in Japan, which inspired me to make ...

In recent years, electro swing has become increasingly popular within the Vocaloid music scene. From pioneering producers who helped establish the style to a new generation of artists developing their own unique sound, here are 10 essential Vocaloid electro swing songs you need to hear. Whether you are new to electro swing or already a Vocaloid fan, this list is a great place to start. If you would like to learn more about the genre itself, check out the following article: What Is Electro Swing? Its History, Cha...

“What kind of backing patterns should I use for electro swing?” If you have ever wondered about this, this article will show you how to create effective backing patterns—or accompaniment—for electro swing. Backing refers to the chordal and rhythmic parts that support the main melody. Adding backing patterns that work well with electro swing can instantly make your track sound more authentic. In this article, we will look at commonly used piano, guitar, and brass backing patterns, complete with MIDI examples. Not...

Do you want to learn how to produce jazz using a DAW? If so, you may already be looking for online music production lessons or a music school. When learning how to produce jazz seriously, one of the most important things to consider is whether the instructor truly specializes in jazz. Why Is Jazz Difficult to Produce with a DAW? Unlike rock or pop, jazz has its own distinct musical language and conventions. Complex chord progressions The use of chord extensions and tensions Swing rhythms Jazz voicing techniques ...

In this article, I’ll explain five essential chord progressions commonly used by professional composers. Note:This article was originally published in Japanese and received a very positive response from music producers in Japan, which inspired me to make it available in English. The production techniques covered here are universal and can be applied regardless of language. Some linked pages may still be available only in Japanese, so please use Google Translate or your browser’s translation feature when necessar...

Electro Swing is a genre that originally emerged in Europe.Artists such as Parov Stelar, Caravan Palace, Bart&Baker, and Swingrowers helped establish its popularity, not only in club scenes but also in advertising, games, animation, and various visual media. However—the way this genre spread in Japan followed a development path that is completely different from Europe or the United States. In Japan, Electro Swing has grown at the intersection of multiple cultures:Vocaloid, anime, J-Pop, the current retro boo...