So, for as long as I've been making music, I've always had the belief that I shouldn't be restricted to one genre or style, or a few for that matter. I've always wanted to pursue all kinds of genres, moods, and flavors of electronic music production. This is still my goal as a musician.
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However... I've been doing almost nothing but Synthwave for about half a year now. You could argue Synthwave is a pretty broad genre that encompasses plenty of styles, and I would agree with you on that. However, I feel like it's been holding me back in a way, and I wanna branch out again, but... I can't. I always end up going back to Synthwave when I make a new track, one way or another. Don't get me wrong for a second, I love making Synthwave, and I'm by no means going to completely quit making it, but I am a little disappointed in myself, knowing that I've done so much other varied stuff in the past, only to settle on one genre now, going against my philosophy as a music creator. Maybe I'm overthinking things, or complaining about something that isn't as important as I think it is, but I'm kinda curious on what your take on this matter will be.
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Part of this "issue" I have may have also stemmed from my recent addiction to the genre... It's gotten a lot less prominent now, but it's been cemented as a favorite genre of mine now, and I doubt it'll ever stop being that way.
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I've been pushing the boundaries of synthwave in my more recent new drafts, and making the bass sound design I always try and do fit in with it. An upcoming album I'm (slowly) working on is less like pure synthwave, and more synthwave-inspired, since not every track will fall under it quite as much as others. My most recent track, Lost to Time is an example of what I'm trying to push towards, somewhat as a compromise, for now.
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Sorry for post necromancy
In the field of social psychology, there's a thing called Cognitive Dissonance Theory. What it essentially states is that when our actions are out of line with our attitudes or intentions, we experience tension and stress. In this case you make mainly synthwave (action) but would like to branch out (attitude).
According to Cognitive Dissonance theory, there are two things an individuals can do: They can adjust their attitudes (desire to branch out) to their actions (synthwave creation), or vice versa. The theory states that is both easier and more likely for an individual to adjust their attitudes to their actions.
I can't tell you what option to choose. But I can tell you which one will be easier and less stressful: Continuing to make mostly synthwave.
On a more personal note, I myself have struggled with this issue. I can't seem to avoid the soundtrack genre. It's diverse in nature yet it feels limiting.
Overall, I don't think genre focus is a bad thing. There's nothing wrong in doing something you are good at, as in music production every song is a learning and growing experience. I recommend trying to branch out to genres you like, but only one at a time, so you can focus on feeling comfortable in making the genre. In addition, don't overstress yourself in order to branch out: take your time. Trying to do something that exhausts you creatively or mentally will just reduce your overall music quality.
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somewhat the same for me except every time i try an make a happy song, it always ends up sad cause i'm so used to listening to more sad music ha, i don't care all that much though cause i prefer this way.
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Are there any other new genres that you've been into lately? Nice sounds that you'd like to replicate? I'd say pick a completely different genre from most of what you've done before that you think is really cool, and just try to mimic some of the sounds you hear in those songs. Then go wherever it takes you :)
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It might seem really difficult and like you suck at it at first, but that's what practice is for :)
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I usually focus in on one thing, one element when trying to learn a new genre. Perhaps focus specifically on your dubstep basses, or how to make cool glitchy effects.
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Nothing sticks out quite like Synthwave has. However, there are still some other electronic genres I wanna do more of, like Dubstep, and Glitch Hop, for example (both of which I've only ever done once.). However, these genres are particularly difficult for me to work on, and I end up getting demotivated more.
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Lol, I've gotten stuck on making almost nothing but dubstep for the past year or two. It seems like it's pretty common. I remember I started out making house or chiptune or something like that
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I've gotten stuck on making techno and I like it but it's not impressive since it's easy to do
I don't think there's anything wrong with really liking what you're doing- like you said it's a pretty broad genre. There's no need to feel shame about staying in the lane you know. But it's understandable. Maybe it would also help to branch out in little steps. Whenever I get stuck creatively (even if I'm making good work), I stir things up with a deck of cards I made with different prompts and questions. Not sure if you heard of this, but Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt made a deck called Oblique Strategies for creatives and it's really frickin cool. Big name artists, like Radiohead, have used this method to get out of their norm. I made my own deck based on this and it helps to break cycles. It can be hella uncomfortable to get out of your routines but it's always worth it. You'll learn something new every time (even if you just become more sure that synth is your shit). Anyway...good luck dude. Don't be afraid to experiment a little