Synthwave

Synthwave is a genre of electronic music that emerged in the late 2000s and early 2010s. It is characterized by its use of synthesizers and retro-themed aesthetics, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of 1980s science fiction and action films. The genre has grown in popularity over the years, with artists and proponents alike continuing to push its boundaries. In its earliest form, Synthwave was heavily influenced by 1980s music and pop culture. The genre was heavily inspired by the likes of John Carpenter's iconic film soundtracks, as well as arcade and video game sounds from the same era. It was also heavily influenced by the electronic music of the time, such as synthpop and new wave. Bands like New Order and Depeche Mode were clear influences on early Synthwave artists, shaping the genre's sound and aesthetic in their formative years. Synthwave has its roots in various musical styles, but one of the most important subgenres that have influenced Synthwave was Italo disco, which emerged in Italy in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The genre was characterized by its use of synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments to create a distinctive sound. There are a few important songs credited for starting the genre such as "I Feel Love" by Donna Summer, "Oxygène" by Jean Michel Jarre, and "Popcorn" by Hot Butter. These tracks all introduced new and innovative sounds to the genre, and paved the way for artists who wanted to experiment with electronic music. At the heart of Synthwave is an aesthetic that's heavily inspired by retro pop culture, especially the aesthetics of 1980s science-fiction. Synthwave artists often cite films like Blade Runner, The Terminator, and Tron as inspiration. The visual elements of the genre often feature bright neon colors and iconography that's heavily associated with the 1980s, such as cassette tapes, arcade machines, and VHS tapes. In the early days of the genre, Synthwave had a relatively small following, made up mostly of independent musicians. However, over time, the genre gained more mainstream popularity, with a number of high-profile releases throughout the years. One of the most prominent is the soundtrack to the Need for Speed game, a driving game that was released in 2015. The game featured a variety of Synthwave tracks on its soundtrack, and brought the genre to a wider audience. The success of the game soundtrack was followed by the mainstream popularity of artists like Kavinsky, Mitch Murder, and The Midnight. Nowadays, the Synthwave genre is bigger than ever, with new artists emerging all the time. While some continue to explore the genre's retro influences, others are pushing its boundaries, blending elements of other genres such as electronic, pop, and rock to create new and innovative sounds. The result is a diverse and constantly expanding genre that's sure to continue evolving in the years to come.

Mitch Murder: A prolific producer hailing from Sweden, Mitch Murder is often considered a pioneer of the Synthwave genre. His signature blend of funky bass lines, driving beats, and moody synths has attracted a devoted fan base worldwide, earning him a reputation as one of the most talented producers in the scene. FM-84: This UK-based artist's lush, dreamy soundscapes have made him one of the most captivating acts in the Synthwave genre. FM-84's cinematic tracks blend nostalgia with modern production techniques, creating a sound that's simultaneously familiar and fresh. Timecop1983: With his emotive, atmospheric melodies, Timecop1983 has made a name for himself as one of the most expressive artists in Synthwave. Drawing inspiration from the neon-soaked landscapes of the 1980s, his music is a journey through space and time. The Midnight: The Midnight's lush vocals and cinematic production have earned them widespread acclaim in the Synthwave community. Their relentlessly catchy hooks and moody atmospheres have established them as one of the most entertaining live acts in the genre. Mitch Murder: As one of the first artists to put Synthwave on the map, Miami Nights 1984's moody soundscapes and driving beats have earned him a dedicated fan following. His work has been featured in movies, TV shows, and video games, catapulting him into the mainstream. Com Truise: Hailing from New York, Com Truise's unique take on Synthwave incorporates influences from funk, hip hop, and modern electronic music. His music is characterized by intricate production and inventive sound design, creating soundscapes that are both futuristic and retro. Gunship: Gunship's bombastic, guitar-laden Synthwave has made them one of the most exciting acts in the genre. Their genre-bending sound fuses elements of metal, rock, and electronic music to create a truly unique listening experience. Dynatron: With his futuristic soundscapes and pulsing beats, Dynatron's music is a journey through sonic landscapes that are at once haunting and beautiful. His unique blend of retro and modern sounds has earned him a devoted following in the Synthwave community. Carpenter Brut: With his aggressive, heavy Synthwave sound, Carpenter Brut is a force to be reckoned with. His music is characterized by driving beats and gritty, distorted synths, creating a sound that's both cinematic and menacing. Le Matos: This Montreal-based trio's music is a perfect fusion of retro and modern sounds. Their cinematic, atmospheric tracks evoke images of neon-lit streets and futuristic cities, creating a sound that's both haunting and captivating.

1. "Drive" - College feat. Electric Youth 2. "Outrun" - Kavinsky 3. "Miami Nights 1984" - Ocean Drive 4. "Nightcall" - Kavinsky feat. Lovefoxxx 5. "Power Glove" - Knife Party 6. "Cities of the Future" - Infected Mushroom 7. "Mind Control" - Robyn feat. Zhala 8. "Arcade Murder" - Carpenter Brut 9. "Breathe" - The Prodigy 10. "Jetpack Blues" - Knife Party 11. "Swordfish" - Ridiculousness 12. "Evelyn" - Chet Faker 13. "Deadly Valentine" - Charlotte Gainsbourg 14. "Robot Rock" - Daft Punk 15. "1986" - Kavinsky 16. "The Prime Time of Your Life" - Daft Punk 17. "Chromatics" - Tick of the Clock 18. "On Sight" - Kanye West 19. "Digital Love" - Daft Punk 20. "Runaway" - Galantis 21. "Midnight City" - M83 22. "The Toxic Avenger" - Escape 23. "Paradise Warfare" - Carpenter Brut 24. "Sleepless" - FM Attack 25. "Heartbeats" - The Knife.

One book about the genre is The Synthwave Movement and Its Origins, written by David McFarlane. The book explores the origins of synthwave and its connection to other genres such as new romantic, post-punk, and Italo disco. McFarlane argues that synthwave emerged as a reaction to the sterile and corporate sound of mainstream electronic music in the early 2000s. He writes, "Synthwave was a response to EDM's slickness, a reclamation of electronic music's DIY spirit and a return to the analogue warmth of the past." Another book that examines the synthwave phenomenon is Neon Future: The Rise of Synthwave, by Marko Maric. The book traces the history of synthwave from its roots in the 80s to its current resurgence in popular culture. Maric notes that synthwave has become a symbol of nostalgia, referencing a time when technology was still seen as something magical and hopeful. He writes, "Synthwave is about capturing the essence of a time long gone, and using it to create something new and exciting." The impact of synthwave on popular culture is also explored in the documentary film The Rise of the Synths, directed by Ivan Castell and Javier Moreno. The film features interviews with prominent synthwave artists such as Carpenter Brut, Perturbator, and Mitch Murder, as well as industry figures and fans. In the film, Carpenter Brut describes synthwave as a "love letter to the 80s", while Perturbator sees it as a way to "create a bridge between past and future". Synthwave has also been the subject of academic research. In a paper titled "Synthwave, Nostalgia, and the Entrepreneurial Spirit", Dr. Tom Roberts explores how synthwave reflects the broader cultural trend towards nostalgia. He argues that nostalgia is not only a reflection of a desire to return to a simpler time, but also a way to deal with the anxieties of a rapidly changing world. Roberts writes, "Synthwave allows us to indulge in a safe and comforting fantasy of the past, while also envisioning a brighter future." Notable figures from the music industry have also chimed in on the genre. In an interview with Rolling Stone, legendary producer Giorgio Moroder praised the retro-futuristic sound of synthwave, saying "it's like the past, but it's the future". He also noted that "the use of analogue synthesizers and drum machines is what made the music of the 80s so great, and it's still relevant today."

The 1980s was a decade marked by dramatic social changes in the Western world. New technologies, such as personal computers, video games, and home recording equipment, were becoming more accessible to the general public. This created a DIY culture that spawned a wave of independent artists who experimented with electronic music, often using synths as their primary instrument. Bands like Depeche Mode, New Order, and Kraftwerk became popular, creating a sound that combined elements of rock, pop, and electronic music. Another influence on Synthwave was the emerging science fiction subculture of the time. Sci-fi movies like Blade Runner, The Terminator, and Tron featured a distinctive visual aesthetic that mixed futuristic technology with retro-futuristic design elements. This aesthetic would inspire artists in the synthwave genre, who would draw on these same elements to create their own distinctive visuals. In the early 2010s, a new wave of musicians emerged who were influenced by these 1980s trends. These artists, who came from diverse backgrounds, shared a common interest in the sound and style of the era. Some notable early figures in the Synthwave scene were Mitch Murder, Kavinsky, and Power Glove. They released music on small, independent labels like Rosso Corsa, Valerie Collective, and Future City Records, building a following on social media platforms like SoundCloud and Bandcamp. The rise of Synthwave was also helped by the growth of the internet and social media, which allowed fans to discover and share music easily. Communities emerged around the genre on sites like Reddit and Facebook, allowing fans and artists to connect with each other. These communities were a vital part of the Synthwave scene, as they provided a platform for artists to promote their work, collaborate with other musicians, and share their love of the genre. As Synthwave gained popularity, it began to attract attention from established music industry figures and journalists. The genre was featured in articles by outlets like Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and Vice. Record labels like Death Waltz Recording Company and Lakeshore Records began to release soundtracks that incorporated Synthwave elements, such as the soundtrack to the movie Drive.