Writing Shoegaze Like Loathe and Deftones

Hey everyone! Welcome to another 30-Minute Riff video where I break down the process of writing, recording, and producing riffs in real-time. Today, I'm diving into a shoegaze-inspired riff, aiming for something in the vein of Loathe and Deftones. I know, we usually lean toward heavy metalcore, but I wanted to step back from that intensity and explore something more melodic.

Let’s get started!

Follow along with this youtube video!

Setting the Tone: Shoegaze with Big Melodic Riffs

Shoegaze, especially influenced by bands like Loathe and Deftones, focuses on atmospheric soundscapes. So instead of the heavy metalcore we’ve been working on, this track takes a more melodic approach. Think big, beautiful chords and lots of atmospheric layers.

I started with a simple but powerful chord progression:

- 8 - 5 - Open - 3

This sequence works great for downtuned guitars, giving a nice, thick sound. And to make the chord fuller, I added the fourth string for extra definition, which helps it cut through the mix.

Recording the Lead and Rhythm Sections

Now, let's talk lead. I like to follow the chord progression closely when writing leads, but for this shoegaze feel, I wanted something that soars. I played around with different note combinations, experimenting with the higher notes of the chord to give it that dreamy, floating feel. After recording, I copied and pasted the section to build the layers, filling out the track.

Drums and Bass: Building the Foundation

For drums, I kept it straightforward—just a standard rock beat to keep things grounded. I typically use the One Kit Wonder Brutal from GetGood Drums for my metal stuff, but I opted for the Modern and Massive kit to give this track a bigger, more expansive feel. These drums are huge, and they suit the shoegaze vibe perfectly.

Next, I tracked bass, following the rhythm guitar and kick drum pattern to keep everything tight. I used Punk Bass in Kontakt, which gives a great gritty tone that blends well with the guitars and drums. For processing, I kept it simple but effective, using compressor and distortion to give the bass that extra punch.

Synths and Atmospheric Elements

To add more texture, I layered in some synths. I used Flow Motion from Waves to create a soft pad that sits low in the mix. This helps build the atmosphere without overpowering the other elements. The synths follow the chord progression, with one hand droning the root note while the other changes as the chords shift. Simple, but super effective for creating that ethereal shoegaze ambiance.

Production Effects from Splice

Lately, I’ve been using Splice to find production effects, like cinematic booms and risers, that help elevate key moments in a track. These effects are subtle but essential for creating transitions and making sections feel bigger. For example, I added a riser going into the chorus to build tension, and some low tambourine hits to give the chorus a little more sparkle.

Pro tip: Splice is a lifesaver for finding exactly what you need without spending hours searching the internet. You can filter by key and tempo, making it super easy to find the perfect sound.

Adding Vocals for that Shoegaze Feel

What’s shoegaze without some reverb-drenched vocals, right? I quickly put together some lyrics that didn’t have to rhyme—shoegaze is more about the vibe than perfect lyrical structure. I recorded both the main vocal line and harmonies, stacking them with lots of reverb and delay to get that spacious, washed-out vocal effect that’s signature to the genre.

Here’s a quick peek at the lyrics:

I see you, I know you, I want to be with you.

It’s all about creating that emotional, longing atmosphere, where the vocals feel like they’re floating in and out of the mix.

Final Thoughts: The Art of Shoegaze

The key to writing a great shoegaze track is bigness—big chords, big drums, big atmosphere. It’s not just noise; it’s about creating a wall of sound that feels cohesive and immersive. Even though this video feels like cheating because I already had most of the track laid out, it’s still a part of my writing process, and I hope you enjoyed seeing how it all comes together.

If you’re interested in hearing the full track or watching me flesh it out, let me know in the comments. And if you’re working on your own project and need help recording, mixing, or mastering, head over to Ghost Noise Studio. Whether you’re local or remote, I’d love to help bring your music to life.

Thanks for hanging out, and I’ll catch you next time!