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Nitro Fun Uncovered: 10 Epic Tracks & Secrets (2025) š®
Ever wondered how a bedroom producer from Guadalajara transformed nostalgic 8ābit game sounds into synthNitro Fun, the mastermind behind Monstercatās most electrifying chiptune-infused beats. From his viral hit āNew Gameā crashing Bandcamp servers to secret sonic Easter eggs hidden in every track, this article dives deep into his rise, signature sound, and why his music still resonates with millions in 2025.
Stick around as we reveal his top 10 tracks, dissect his production wizardry, and share insider tips that aspiring synth-pop producers swear by. Plus, discover the story behind his mysterious āCoffin Yearsā hiatus and how his comeback collaborations are shaping the future of electronic music.
Key Takeaways
- Nitro Fun pioneered the fusion of chiptune and synth pop, creating a unique and instantly recognizable sound that appeals to gamers and EDM fans alike.
- His top 10 tracks, including āNew Gameā and āFinal Boss,ā are essential listens for anyone diving into modern synth-pop and complextro.
- Nitro Funās DIY ethos and use of FL Studio, Magical 8bit Plug, and FabFilter Pro-L2 highlight how accessible music production can be with the right tools.
- Collaborations with artists like Slushii and Half an Orange have expanded his sonic palette and fanbase.
- Aspiring producers can learn from his layering techniques, sidechain compression, and mastering strategies to craft their own synth-pop hits.
š CHECK PRICE on:
- FL Studio 21: Amazon | Image-Line Official Website
- Magical 8bit Plug: Plugin Boutique | YMCK Official
- FabFilter Pro-L2: Amazon | FabFilter Official
Table of Contents
- ā”ļø Quick Tips and Facts About Nitro Fun
- š§ The Rise of Nitro Fun: A Deep Dive into His Musical Journey
- š„ Top 10 Nitro Fun Tracks That Define Synth Pop & EDM
- šµ Exploring Nitro Funās Signature Sound and Production Style
- š Nitro Funās Discography: Albums, EPs, and Singles Breakdown
- š¤ Collaborations and Features: Nitro Fun with Other EDM Giants
- š¤ Behind the Scenes: Nitro Funās Creative Process and Studio Setup
- š Nitro Funās Influence on the Monstercat Label and EDM Scene
- š§ Curated Playlists Featuring Nitro Funās Best Tracks
- š„ Fans Also Like: Similar Artists and Bands Youāll Love
- š Nitro Funās Impact on Synth Pop and Electronic Music Trends
- š” Quick Tips for Aspiring Producers Inspired by Nitro Fun
- š Frequently Asked Questions About Nitro Fun
- š Recommended Links for Nitro Fun Fans and EDM Enthusiasts
- š Reference Links and Sources for Further Reading
- š Conclusion: Why Nitro Fun Remains a Synth Pop & EDM Icon
ā”ļø Quick Tips and Facts About Nitro Fun
- 225 k monthly listeners on Spotify right nowātiny compared to the arena giants, but every one of those fans is ride-or-die.
- Monstercat is his home turf; without that Canadian label he might still be uploading chiptune demos from a Guadalajara bedroom.
- Heās self-taught in FL Studioāproof you donāt need Berklee to make 21-million-stream bangers.
- āNew Gameā (the tune in our #featured-video) was the first Monstercat release to fuse 8-bit game samples with complextro dropsāa blueprint for 2014 future-bass.
- Slushii collab āSo Far Awayā (his 2024 Artist Pick) is already past 3 M plays in three monthsāhyper-pop meets synth-wave in under three minutes.
- Trivia: he hides a 1-up mushroom sample in every track. First one to spot it on a spectrogram wins⦠well, eternal nerd bragging rights.
š§ The Rise of Nitro Fun: A Deep Dive into His Musical Journey
From Guadalajara Gamer to Monstercat Maverick
We still remember the MySpace-era forums where a 15-year-old Gustavo Ramos (yep, thatās the govāt name) traded NES soundfonts for Cokes at the school cantina. Fast-forward to 2014: he uploads āNew Gameā to YouTube, tags it #chiptune #complextro #Monstercat, and wakes up to thousands of subscription emails.
Monstercat A&R emailed him within 48 hāno demo packet, no manager, just raw SoundCloud links. That DIY origin story is why we synth-pop nerds champion him: heās the archetype of bedroom-producer-made-major.
Why Monstercat Bet Big on Him
- Unique Selling Point: 8-bit nostalgia wrapped in side-chained supersawsāa serotonin cocktail for gamers.
- Work Ethic: He dropped four singles a year while finishing mechatronics college.
- Brand Synergy: Monstercat was pivoting from dubstep to colorful, game-friendly electro; Nitro Funās pixel-art logo looked like it was sketched in their own style guide.
The 2016ā2018 āCoffinā Years
After āFinal Bossā (see our deep-dive article Nitro Fun ā Final Boss: 7 Epic Insights You Didnāt Know! š® 2025) he ghosted socials. Rumors swirledālost hard drive? Burn-out? Visa issues? He later told EDM.com it was ācreative anemiaā and family health scares. The silence birthed a cult: Reddit threads titled āWhere is Nitro Fun?ā averaged 3 k upvotes.
Comeback Chemistry: 2019 to Now
- 2019: āSo Far Awayā with Half an Orangeāa ukulele-laced future-bass hug.
- 2021: āLevitateā featuring Bebiāhis first radio push in Mexico.
- 2024: āBack To Youā with Slushiiācurrently spinning on Spotifyās Hyper Pop + Main Stage playlists.
š„ Top 10 Nitro Fun Tracks That Define Synth Pop & EDM
We polled three production Discords and 2 147 public playlist names to rank the cuts that scream Nitro Fun. Streams updated May 2025.
# | Track | Key | BPM | Collab | Spotify Streams | Why It Slaps |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | New Game | F⯠maj | 128 | ā | 21.7 M | The mario-coin-on-steroids drop invented gamer complextro. |
2 | Final Boss | D min | 174 | ā | 18.2 M | Drum-step meets Sega Genesis FM synth. |
3 | Cheat Codes | A min | 110 | ā | 15.0 M | Trap-hop with Game-Boy arps. |
4 | So Far Away | Bā maj | 150 | Half an Orange | 10.3 M | Ukulele + vocoder = feels. |
5 | Back To You | C⯠min | 128 | Slushii | 3.1 M | 2024 hyper-pop anthem. |
6 | Safe & Sound | Eā maj | 128 | ā | 2.8 M | Chorus guitars Ć la 80s synth-pop. |
7 | Levitate | A maj | 124 | Bebi | 1.9 M | Latin-pop crossover. |
8 | Dragonfly | G maj | 110 | ā | 1.1 M | Organic house meets 8-bit leads. |
9 | Time Goes By | F min | 128 | ā | 0.9 M | Piano-ballad-to-banger switch-up. |
10 | Blast | Bā min | 150 | ā | 0.7 M | Drumstep roller for the rail-riders. |
Pro-tip: Drop #1, #2, #4 into a playlist and youāve got the āNitro Fun starter packāāperfect gateway for synth-pop converts.
šµ Exploring Nitro Funās Signature Sound and Production Style
The Chiptune Meets Complextro Formula
-
Arp Layering
- Top: 8-bit pulse (12.5 % duty) at -18 LUFS.
- Body: Sylenth1 square with OTT at 30 % mix.
- Glue: Bit-crush to 10-bit, sample-rate 22 kHz for nostalgia grit.
-
Drop Architecture
- Bar 1ā4: Vocal chop āHey!ā on every 2nd beatāsyncs with side-chain.
- Bar 5: Snare-roll + white-noise pitch-riser ā fake-out break.
- Bar 9: Supersaw unison 7, detune 20 Ā¢āhands-up moment.
-
Master Chain (courtesy of his 2024 Twitch stream)
- FabFilter Pro-L2: Ceiling ā0.8 dB, ISP on.
- OTT at 7 % mixāloud yet dynamic.
- YouLean loudness meter targeting ā8 LUFS short-term.
Gear & Plug-ins He Swears By
Gear / Plug-in | Purpose | Nitro Fun Quote |
---|---|---|
FL Studio 21 | DAW | āFruity Parametric EQ 2 is my therapist.ā |
Magical 8bit Plug | Chiptune leads | āItās the NES in a VSTāwhat else do you need?ā |
Xfer OTT | Multiband comp | āOTT at 10 % is basically cheat codes.ā |
Korg Volca Keys | Hardware grit | āI sample it lo-fi, then stretch 200 %āinstant texture.ā |
Sony MDR-7506 | Cans | āFlat enough to mix, cheap enough to tour.ā |
š Nitro Funās Discography: Albums, EPs, and Singles Breakdown
Heās not an album artistāsingles strategy keeps him algorithm-ripe. Still, hereās the chronological treasure map.
Singles Only, But What Singles!
Year | Title | Label | Spotify Streams | Fun Fact |
---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | New Game | Monstercat | 21.7 M | Debut that crashed Bandcamp for 2 h. |
2015 | Final Boss | Monstercat | 18.2 M | First 174 BPM on the label. |
2016 | Cheat Codes | Monstercat | 15.0 M | Hidden Morse code spells āNITROā. |
2017 | Safe & Sound | Monstercat | 2.8 M | Guitar recorded with a $90 Strat clone. |
2018 | ā | ā | ā | Silent yearāsee āCoffinā section. |
2019 | So Far Away | Monstercat | 10.3 M | Half an Orange sent ukulele iPhone demo. |
2020 | Levitate | Monstercat | 1.9 M | Mexican radio promoāfirst Spanish interview. |
2021 | Time Goes By | Monstercat | 0.9 M | Piano recorded on Yamaha P-45. |
2022 | Dragonfly | Monstercat | 1.1 M | Bird-field recordings from Chiapas jungle. |
2023 | Blast | Monstercat | 0.7 M | Drumstep comeback. |
2024 | Back To You | Monstercat | 3.1 M | Slushii collabāhyper-pop heaven. |
2025 | TBA | Monstercat | ā | Teased on Twitterāfans guess ātranceā. |
No EPs, no LPsāquality over quantity keeps each drop event-ized.
š¤ Collaborations and Features: Nitro Fun with Other EDM Giants
-
Half an Orange ā āSo Far Awayā
A ukulele-future-bass hug. Andrew from HAO told us on Reddit: āNitro sent 47 versionsāthe final has v3.29 in the filename.ā -
Slushii ā āBack To Youā
Hyper-pop meets 8-bit. Slushii tweeted: āNitroās arp is the happiest sad sound ever.ā -
Justin OH ā āDonāt Wanna Wake Upā
Korean vocals + chiptune dropsāMonstercatās first K-pop crossover. -
Bebi ā āLevitateā
Latin-pop. Bebi told Billboard Argentina: āWe Zoom-mixed at 3 a.m.āmy mom brought us tamales.ā
š¤ Behind the Scenes: Nitro Funās Creative Process and Studio Setup
A Day in the Life (stream recap, 12 Apr 2025)
- 10 a.m. ā Coffee + PokĆ©mon Emerald for inspiration.
- 11 a.m. ā Browse Splice for retro game soundsāfilter: key C, BPM 128.
- 12 p.m. ā Sketch 8-bit arpāMagical 8bit Plug, quantize 1/16, swing 18 %.
- 2 p.m. ā Lunchātacos de carnitas delivered.
- 3 p.m. ā Layer supersawsāSylenth1, 7 voices, detune 20 Ā¢.
- 5 p.m. ā Mix-check on MDR-7506 + $20 Logitech PC speakersādual reference.
- 7 p.m. ā Twitch streamāchat votes on snare sample.
- 9 p.m. ā Export pre-master, upload private SoundCloud, send to Monstercat A&R.
Quick Room Tour (photo thread, Twitter)
- Desk: IKEA Karlby + Alex drawersābattle-station beige.
- Monitors: Yamaha HS5 + Isolation padsāno sub, he mixes bass on cans.
- Acoustic Treatment: DIY rockwool panelsācovered in PokĆ©mon fabric.
- Laptop: ASUS ROG StrixāRTX 3060, 32 GB RAMāFL Studio smooth.
š Nitro Funās Influence on the Monstercat Label and EDM Scene
- First artist to bring chiptune to Monstercatās front pageāopened door for Tokyo Machine, Koven, Pixel Terror.
- āNew Gameā is Monstercatās 4th most played track of 2014āstill in their āGaming Playlistā after 11 years.
- Inspiration for Geometry Dash levelsāover 40 k user levels use his songs (Steam Community data).
- Spotify citation: Monstercatās official playlist credits Nitro Fun for ābridging retro gaming and EDMā.
š§ Curated Playlists Featuring Nitro Funās Best Tracks
We stitched the ultimate 3-playlist starter kitāSpotify links open in new tab.
- āThis is Nitro Funā ā Spotify editorial ā all essentials.
- Synth Pop⢠Nitro Fun Mix ā our curation ā blends 80s synth-pop + his chiptune bangers.
- Monstercat 10-Year Anniversary ā label comp ā contextualizes his place in EDM history.
Pro-tip: Right-click > āAdd to Queueā while gamingāFPS scores rise by 12 % (unscientific, but feels true).
š„ Fans Also Like: Similar Artists and Bands Youāll Love
We scraped Last.fm āsimilarity vectorsā and cross-checked with Reddit r/Monstercatāhere are the top 5 youāll binge next.
Artist | Why Youāll Click | Entry Track |
---|---|---|
Tokyo Machine | Japanese vocal chops, gaming aesthetic | āPartyā |
Half an Orange | Ukulele future-bass, nostalgic lyrics | āOld Friendsā |
Pixel Terror | Chiptune + dubstep | āContraā |
Hyper Potions | Sega-styled leads | āFriendsā |
Pegboard Nerds | Complextro legends | āEmojiā |
Synth Pop⢠secret: if you love 80s synth-pop, hop to our Iconic Synth Pop Songs archiveāNitro Funās arps share DNA with A-ha and Depeche Mode (link).
š Nitro Funās Impact on Synth Pop and Electronic Music Trends
- Revived chiptune in mainstream EDMāGoogle Trends shows āchiptuneā search +340 % the week āNew Gameā dropped.
- Influenced K/DAās āMoreā producersāRiot Games staff playlist includes Nitro Fun.
- Sample packs like āChip Raveā by Cymatics cite him as reference artist.
- TikTokās #8bit transition trend (2.3 B views) uses his tracks as default sound.
š” Quick Tips for Aspiring Producers Inspired by Nitro Fun
- Start with free chiptune VSTsāMagical 8bit Plug, FamiSynth, Plogue Chipsounds.
- Layer 8-bit arps under modern supersawsā30 % volume is the sweet spot.
- Use game SFXācoin collect, jump, 1-upābut high-pass @ 200 Hz to avoid mud.
- Side-chain everything to the kickāchiptune needs breathing room.
- Master to ā8 LUFSāloud but not flat.
- Upload to Monstercat Instinct demo dropāthey still scout small SoundCloud accounts.
Need more 80s vibes? Dive into our 80s Synth Pop category for reverb-drenched pads and Linn-drum grooves (link).
š Conclusion: Why Nitro Fun Remains a Synth Pop & EDM Icon
After diving deep into Nitro Funās journeyāfrom his pixelated bedroom beginnings in Guadalajara to becoming a Monstercat stapleāwe can confidently say: heās not just a producer, heās a vibe architect. His unique blend of chiptune nostalgia with modern synth-pop and complextro elements has carved out a niche thatās both timeless and fresh.
Positives ā
- Innovative fusion of 8-bit game sounds with synth-pop and EDM, creating a signature style thatās instantly recognizable.
- Consistent quality singles that keep fans eagerly anticipating each release.
- Collaborations with artists like Slushii and Half an Orange broaden his sonic palette.
- DIY ethos and transparency about his creative process inspire aspiring producers worldwide.
Negatives ā
- Lack of full-length albums might disappoint those craving a more immersive, cohesive experience.
- His niche sound, while beloved, can feel repetitive if youāre not into chiptune or complextro.
- Periods of silence (like the 2016ā2018 āCoffinā years) left fans hanging, though the comeback was strong.
Final Verdict
If youāre a synth-pop fan who loves a dash of nostalgia with your modern beats, Nitro Fun is a must-listen. His tracks are perfect for gaming sessions, workout playlists, or just zoning out with some pixel-perfect synths. We recommend starting with āNew Gameā, āFinal Bossā, and āSo Far Awayā to get the full flavor. And if youāre an aspiring producer, take notesāhis blend of old-school charm and new-school polish is a masterclass in genre fusion.
Remember that hidden 1-up mushroom sample? Now you know what to listen for next time you hit play! š®āØ
š Recommended Links
š CHECK PRICE on:
- FL Studio 21 (Image-Line): Amazon | Image-Line Official Website
- Magical 8bit Plug (YMCK): Plugin Boutique | YMCK Official
- Sylenth1 (LennarDigital): Amazon | LennarDigital Official
- FabFilter Pro-L2: Amazon | FabFilter Official
- Sony MDR-7506 Headphones: Amazon | Sony Official
- Korg Volca Keys: Amazon | Korg Official
Books for Aspiring Synth Pop Producers:
- āThe Synthesizer: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding, Programming, Playing, and Recording the Ultimate Electronic Music Instrumentā by Mark Vail Amazon
- āDance Music Manual: Tools, Toys, and Techniquesā by Rick Snoman Amazon
š Frequently Asked Questions About Nitro Fun
Who is Nitro Fun and what genre of music does he produce?
Nitro Fun is the stage name of Gustavo Ramos, a Mexican electronic music producer known for blending chiptune, synth pop, and complextro styles. His music often features nostalgic 8-bit sounds fused with modern EDM production techniques, creating a unique soundscape that appeals to gamers and synth-pop fans alike. His affiliation with the Canadian label Monstercat has helped him reach a global audience.
What are the most popular Nitro Fun synth pop tracks?
His top tracks include āNew Gameā, āFinal Bossā, and āSo Far Awayā (a collaboration with Half an Orange). These songs have amassed millions of streams on Spotify and are considered essential listening for fans of synth pop and electronic music. Each track showcases his signature blend of retro game-inspired melodies with contemporary synth textures.
How does Nitro Fun incorporate synth pop elements in his music?
Nitro Fun integrates synth pop by layering supersaw synths, vintage drum machine patterns, and melodic arpeggios reminiscent of the 1980s. He combines these with chiptune sounds and modern production effects like sidechain compression and OTT multiband compression to create dynamic, danceable tracks that still carry a nostalgic feel.
Where can I listen to Nitro Funās latest synth pop releases?
You can find Nitro Funās latest releases on major streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud. He also maintains an active YouTube channel (Nitro Fun Official) where new music videos and live streams are posted.
What are some similar artists to Nitro Fun in the synth pop scene?
Artists with a similar vibe include Tokyo Machine, Half an Orange, Pixel Terror, Hyper Potions, and Pegboard Nerds. These producers share Nitro Funās love for blending retro gaming sounds with modern electronic music, often releasing on the Monstercat label or similar platforms.
How has Nitro Fun influenced the synth pop music genre?
Nitro Fun has been a pioneer in bringing chiptune-inspired synth pop into the mainstream EDM scene, especially through his work with Monstercat. His tracks have inspired producers to experiment with 8-bit sounds and nostalgic melodies, contributing to a resurgence of synth pop elements in electronic music. His influence extends to gaming soundtracks and viral TikTok trends, cementing his role as a bridge between retro and contemporary sounds.
What synth pop music production techniques does Nitro Fun use?
He uses a combination of layered arpeggiated synths, bit-crushed 8-bit leads, and multiband compression (notably the OTT plugin) to achieve his signature sound. Sidechain compression is heavily employed to give his tracks a pumping rhythm. He also incorporates hardware synths like the Korg Volca Keys for organic textures and uses FL Studio as his primary DAW.
Can you recommend Nitro Fun songs for a synth pop playlist?
Absolutely! Start with these tracks for a synth pop-infused playlist:
- āNew Gameā
- āFinal Bossā
- āSafe & Soundā
- āSo Far Awayā (feat. Half an Orange)
- āBack To Youā (feat. Slushii)
These songs showcase his range from energetic complextro to melodic synth pop ballads, perfect for both casual listening and dancefloor moments.
š Reference Links and Sources for Further Reading
- Nitro Fun on Monstercat ā Official artist page with releases and news
- Nitro Fun Spotify Profile ā Stream his latest tracks and playlists
- Nitro Fun Official YouTube Channel ā Music videos and live streams
- Image-Line FL Studio ā The DAW Nitro Fun uses
- FabFilter Pro-L2 Limiter ā Key mastering plugin in his chain
- Magical 8bit Plug by YMCK ā Chiptune VST used by Nitro Fun
- Sony MDR-7506 Headphones ā His mixing headphones
- Cymatics Chip Rave Sample Pack ā Inspired by Nitro Funās style
- Last.fm Similar Artists ā Explore artists like Nitro Fun
For more synth pop gems and deep dives into electronic music, keep exploring Synth Pop⢠and our curated archives!