RAW GEMZ Blog

Sound design, synth culture & modern production — written by a working producer.

Why the Summer Sound of 2026 Sounds Different Than 2016
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Why the Summer Sound of 2026 Sounds Different Than 2016

June 16, 2026• 7 min read

Moving away from the tropical house party vibe of the 2010s, today's mainstream is defined by warm piano melodies, organic instruments, and nostalgic grooves. Summer hits have undergone a massive shift over the last decade. Instead of simple, synthetic euphoria, current tracks rely on deeper emotional harmonies and sun-drenched club vibes that are dominating TikTok and Spotify. Discover the 5 defining trends behind the new sound.

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The Golden Era of EDM (2010–2015): What Made It Special — And How to Recreate the Sound Today
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The Golden Era of EDM (2010–2015): What Made It Special — And How to Recreate the Sound Today

February 22, 2026• 6 min read

The “Golden Era” wasn’t just a sound. It was a shared feeling: the moment electronic music went fully cinematic, and millions of people decided—at the same time—that a drop could be a life event. Tomorrowland became the North Star for bedroom producers, the DJ Mag Top 100 became a public scoreboard, and a handful of records turned simple chords into permanent memories. This post unpacks why 2010–2015 hit so hard emotionally (and musically), why today’s scene can feel different, and how you can recreate that Golden Era energy without turning your track into a museum exhibit.

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Is Serum 2 still one of the best synths in 2026?
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Is Serum 2 still one of the best synths in 2026?

February 01, 2026• 16 min read

One year after its release, Serum 2 remains a top contender among the best synths of 2026. As a free upgrade for existing users, Serum 2 expanded the legendary wavetable synth with new oscillator engines (sample, granular, spectral), dual filter routing, modular-style effects, and a built-in sequencer. Compared to modern heavyweights like Pigments, Phase Plant, Massive X, and Vital, Serum 2 strikes a near-perfect balance of sound quality, versatility, and usability. While not the most modular or cheapest option, its clean interface, trusted workflow, and massive ecosystem of presets keep it highly relevant. With a familiar feel for longtime Serum 1 users and powerful new features for sound designers, Serum 2 continues to inspire both new and experienced producers. In an era of AI-generated music, it stands out as a creative tool built for humans. For those seeking a flagship synth in 2026, Serum 2 is still absolutely worth it.

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Stranger Things Music: How a TV Show Reignited the Love for 80s Synths
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Stranger Things Music: How a TV Show Reignited the Love for 80s Synths

December 21, 2025• 4 min read

Stranger Things didn’t just become a cultural phenomenon because of its story — its music played a massive role. The show reintroduced the emotional power of ’80s analog synths, sparked a global synthwave revival, and even pushed decades-old songs back to the top of the charts. This article breaks down how the soundtrack shaped modern music production, why analog imperfections matter, and how today’s producers can recreate that nostalgic, cinematic sound using modern tools like Serum.

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