Remaking the lead synth from the 2022 song "On The Run" by Kelela can be an exciting challenge for any synthesizer enthusiast. Here’s how you can create the "On The Run" lead patch and play this iconic sound on most hardware or software subtractive synthesizers (Serum, Vital, Pigments, Prophet, Korg, Moog, etc). We've included the preset download directly for your convenience, but we strongly recommend you use our programming tutorial to recreate it yourself.
Original Audio
Kelela’s “On The Run” features a haunting lead synthesizer sound that emerges at 2:43, characterized by its bendy pitch modulation and quiet, understated presence. This monophonic synth line employs a warm, timbre with subtle pitch vibration, creating a sense of tension through its wavering pitch. The synth’s restrained dynamics and melodic phrasing contrast with the track’s gritty production, adding emotional depth to the arrangement.
Original Performing Instrument
Unknown
Our Remake of The Lead Synth
This audio clip is how close we've matched the original tone of the lead synth from the song "On The Run" by Kelela, giving you a reference point as you design your own synthesizer preset. Play it as often as you need to familiarize yourself with the nuances of the sound.
Synth Patch Programming Recipe
Remake This Sound Yourself
Learn how to program this synth preset with Syntorial, all by ear. Download the demo and try unlimited famous sound challenges for free.
Getting Started
- Start by initializing your synthesizer to a plain saw with no filter, modulation or effects. For soft synths use the "init"/"default" preset or the the button to reset all parameters to their default factory values.
- No two synths are exactly alike, so treat the values below as approximate, and use your ear.
- Percentage values (e.g. 50%) represent the relative position of a knob or slider within its full range. The full range of each parameter may differ from synth to synth, so use your ear.
Voices
- Voice Mode: Mono
- Portamento: 150 ms
Amp Envelope
- Attack: 0 ms
- Sustain: 100%
- Release: 2200 ms
Oscillators
- Oscillator 1
- Waveform: Pulse
- Pulse Width: 100%
- Volume: 50%
- Oscillator 2
- Waveform: Pulse
- Pulse Width: 100%
- Pitch: +7 Semitones
- Volume: 50%
- Unison
- Oscillators: All
- Voice Count: 4
- Detune Range: 5 Cents
- Stereo Spread: 100%
- Reset All Oscillators Phase On Note Start: No
Filter
- Type: Band Pass
- Cutoff: 60%
- Resonance: 65%
Reverb
- Mix: 30% Wet
- Size: Medium
Note: the patch settings may slightly differ in the Syntorial challenge.
Explore More
- Kelela – On The Run (Official Audio) – Primary reference for analyzing the lead synth’s timbre and modulation characteristics
- True Laurels: Cover Story on Kelela – Discusses Kelela’s use of “intergalactic synths” and experimental production techniques relevant to her sound design approach
- Zen World – Evolution Of Sound – General synthesis tutorial demonstrating FM/wavetable techniques applicable to recreating bendy leads
*Note: Specific technical details about the exact synthesizer used in “On The Run” are not publicly documented in available sources. The bendy lead likely employs wavetable synthesis (common in Serum/Spire) with subtle pitch modulation and filter automation, based on Kelela’s established production style and the track’s atmospheric qualities.*
Preset Downloads
Don't want to learn synth programming now? Use our synth preset as your starting point and tweak it from there. Register an account with Audible Genius and download the presets for free for the following synths:
- Primer, our free synthesizer VST
Comments
This recipe is the result of a Syntorial community preset remake request. Need support remaking this sound? Have comments?
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