Description
In this video I break down how to make 80s action music using synths, drum machines, samplers, loops, bass sequences, percussion hits and classic film-score techniques inspired by the golden age of 1980s action movies.
As an example, I take a fast-paced scene from Commando 1985, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, and create a new synth-based action cue in the style of classic 80s movie scoring. The goal is not to copy the original soundtrack, but to show how you can build that intense, urgent, muscular 80s action-movie energy from scratch.
We’ll look at how to score movement, tension, danger and impact using:
Driving synth basslines
80s drum machine patterns
Sampled percussion and hits
Repeating ostinatos and loops
Brass-like synth stabs
Rhythmic editing for fast-paced action scenes
Classic 80s soundtrack production tricks
This is for anyone interested in 80s film music, synthwave, retro action scoring, game music, movie trailer music, 80s drum machines, vintage synthesizers, and the sound of classic action films from the VHS era.
If you want to make music that sounds like it belongs in an 80s action movie, arcade game, VHS thriller, military rescue scene, chase sequence or explosive montage, this video shows the building blocks behind that sound.
Think Commando, Predator, The Terminator, Cobra, Escape from New York, Miami Vice, classic VHS action, vintage synth scores, hard-hitting drum machines and cinematic retro tension.