Synthwave: A Nostalgic Journey into Retro-Futuristic Soundscape

Synthwave: A Nostalgic Journey into Retro-Futuristic Soundscape

Written by: Dan Eachus

Introduction

In the ever-evolving realm of music, a genre known as synthwave has emerged as a captivating tribute to the past while embracing the possibilities of the future. Synthwave, often referred to as retrowave or outrun, is a genre that draws inspiration from the sounds and aesthetics of the 1980s. It has gained a devoted following, attracting both longtime fans of the era and a new generation of enthusiasts. This article delves into the essence of synthwave, exploring its roots, key characteristics, influential artists, and its enduring appeal in the contemporary music scene.

The Birth of Synthwave

Synthwave traces its origins to the late 2000s and early 2010s, when a wave of artists began reviving the distinctive sounds and visual aesthetics of 1980s pop culture. Drawing inspiration from iconic movies, video games, and electronic music of the era, these musicians sought to create a modern interpretation of the synth-driven soundscapes that defined the 80s. The synthwave movement gained momentum through online platforms, with artists sharing their creations on SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and YouTube, allowing for a vibrant and collaborative community to emerge.

Key Characteristics of Synthwave

At its core, synthwave embodies a nostalgic and futuristic blend, creating an evocative soundscape that captures the essence of the 1980s while infusing it with a contemporary twist. Key characteristics of synthwave include:

At its core, synthwave embodies a nostalgic and futuristic blend, creating an evocative soundscape that captures the essence of the 1980s while infusing it with a contemporary twist. Key characteristics of synthwave include:

1. Synthesized Sounds: Synthwave relies heavily on synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments to produce its signature sound. The use of analog synthesizers, such as the Roland Juno-106, Yamaha DX7, and Korg MS-20, helps to recreate the warm and rich tones reminiscent of the 80s.
2. Retrowave Aesthetics: Synthwave is not only about the music but also about the visual representation. It draws heavily from retro aesthetics, featuring neon lights, futuristic cityscapes, VHS glitches, and nostalgic imagery associated with the 80s. This visual component complements the music, transporting listeners to an imagined future that reflects the past.
3. Driving Rhythms: Synthwave often incorporates pulsating, energetic beats that mirror the fast-paced nature of 80s pop music. The rhythmic foundation is influenced by genres such as Italo disco, electro-pop, and new wave, giving synthwave its distinctive, danceable quality.

Influential Synthwave Artists

Synthwave has seen a plethora of talented artists who have contributed to the genre’s growth and popularity. Here are a few influential names that have shaped the soundscape of synthwave:

1. Kavinsky: A French artist known for his breakthrough track “Nightcall” (featured in the movie “Drive”), Kavinsky’s music captures the essence of dark and moody synthwave, often tinged with a cinematic quality.
2. Perturbator: Hailing from France, Perturbator is renowned for his atmospheric and intense compositions that blend elements of cyberpunk and horror. Albums like “Dangerous Days” and “The Uncanny Valley” showcase his ability to create immersive sonic experiences.
3. FM-84: This British artist encapsulates the essence of feel-good synthwave, blending nostalgic melodies, catchy hooks, and shimmering synthesizers. FM-84’s debut album, “Atlas,” stands as a testament to the genre’s ability to transport listeners to a bygone era.
4. Carpenter Brut: Drawing inspiration from renowned filmmaker John Carpenter, Carpenter Brut crafts dark and aggressive synthwave, fusing it with elements of metal and rock. His high-energy tracks, like “Turbo Killer” and “Le Perv,” ignite a sense of raw intensity.
5. The Midnight: Often described as the pioneers of the synthwave genre, The Midnight merges nostalgia with contemporary themes. Their uplifting and melodic tunes, exemplified in albums like “Endless Summer” and “Kids,” evoke a sense of longing and dream-like escapism.
6. Timecop1983: Hailing from the Netherlands, Timecop1983 (aka Jordy Leenaerts) is known for his dreamy and nostalgic synthwave soundscapes. His music often incorporates lush melodies, ethereal atmospheres, and heartfelt compositions, creating an immersive and emotional experience for listeners.
7. Gunship: Gunship is a British synthwave band that blends elements of retro synth-pop, rock, and electronic music. Their music is characterized by catchy hooks, powerful vocals, and a distinct blend of 80s nostalgia and modern sensibilities. Tracks like “Fly For Your Life” and “Tech Noir” showcase their unique sound and cinematic flair. GUNSHIP’s album “Dark All Day” demonstrate their ability to create captivating and anthemic synthwave tracks.
8. Com Truise: Com Truise, the stage name of Seth Haley, is an American electronic musician known for his distinct brand of synthwave, often referred to as “mid-fi synthwave.” His music is characterized by hazy atmospheres, lo-fi textures, and a blend of analog and digital synthesizers. Albums like “Galactic Melt” and “In Decay” demonstrate his mastery of creating immersive and retro-futuristic sonic landscapes.
9. Dynatron: Hailing from Denmark, Dynatron creates pulsating and futuristic synthwave with a strong emphasis on cinematic and darkwave elements. His music often evokes a sense of epic grandeur, immersing listeners in vast, dystopian soundscapes. Albums such as “Escape Velocity” and “Aeternus” showcase his ability to create dynamic and atmospheric compositions.
10. Lazerhawk: Lazerhawk (real name Garrett Hays) is an American synthwave artist known for his high-energy and upbeat tracks. His music is characterized by catchy melodies, driving rhythms, and a sense of adventure. Lazerhawk’s albums, including “Visitors” and “Redline,” exemplify his ability to capture the spirit of retro 80s synth music while infusing it with a modern flair.
11. Mitch Murder: Mitch Murder, hailing from Sweden, is known for his infectious and groovy synthwave tracks. His music often incorporates elements of funk, disco, and smooth melodies, creating a unique blend of retro-inspired goodness. Albums like “Interceptor” and “Selection 3” showcase his ability to transport listeners to a neon-soaked, 80s-inspired universe.
12. Trevor Something: Trevor Something is an enigmatic synthwave artist who explores the darker side of the genre. His music often combines haunting vocals, atmospheric synths, and introspective lyrics, creating a captivating and introspective sonic experience. Albums like “Trevor Something Does Not Exist” and “Soulless Computer Boy and the Eternal Render” showcase his distinctive sound.
13. Dance with the Dead: Dance with the Dead is an American duo known for their high-energy blend of synthwave and heavy metal influences. Their music fuses pulsating electronic beats, shredding guitar solos, and dark atmospheres, creating a unique and exhilarating sound. Albums like “Out of Body” and “B-Sides: Volume 1” exemplify their ability to bridge the gap between synthwave and metal.
14. Power Glove: Power Glove is an Australian duo that specializes in creating retro-inspired synthwave with a heavy emphasis on 80s video game and film aesthetics. Their music often incorporates chiptune elements, pounding rhythms, and nostalgic melodies, evoking a sense of nostalgia and adventure. Albums like “Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon (Original Game Soundtrack)” and “Playback” showcase their dynamic and immersive sound.
15. Miami Nights 1984: Miami Nights 1984, the project of Canadian musician Michael Glover, embodies the essence of classic synthwave. His music is characterized by lush and atmospheric compositions, pulsating rhythms, and nostalgic melodies that transport listeners to a sun-soaked 1980s Miami. Albums like “Early Summer” and “Turbulence” exemplify his talent for creating evocative and immersive synthwave soundscapes.
16. Electric Youth: Electric Youth is a Canadian synthwave duo known for their dreamy and atmospheric sound. Their music combines ethereal vocals, lush synthesizers, and introspective lyrics, creating a captivating and introspective sonic experience. The duo gained widespread recognition for their collaboration with College on the track “A Real Hero” from the movie “Drive.”
17. Droid Bishop: Droid Bishop creates a unique blend of synthwave, incorporating elements of funk, soul, and disco. His music often features groovy basslines, catchy melodies, and a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere. Albums like “Out of My Mind” and “Lost in Symmetry” showcase his ability to infuse his synthwave sound with a touch of funk and soul.
18. Waveshaper: Waveshaper, hailing from Sweden, is known for his energetic and driving synthwave compositions. His music often features pulsating rhythms, catchy melodies, and a sense of adventure. Albums like “Station Nova” and “Artifact” showcase his ability to create dynamic and immersive tracks that evoke a nostalgic sense of exploration.
19. Mega Drive: Mega Drive is an American synthwave artist known for his intense and dark soundscapes. His music often blends elements of industrial, cyberpunk, and horror, creating a driving feeling within the listener while taking them back to the times when we wished for a brighter future.
20. Le Matos: Le Matos is a Canadian synthwave duo known for their powerful and cinematic sound. Their music often draws inspiration from 80s action films and video games, incorporating pulsating synths, driving rhythms, and immersive atmospheres. Their notable works include the soundtracks for the films “Turbo Kid” and “Summer of 84,” showcasing their ability to create evocative and memorable synthwave compositions. Le Matos’ music stands as a testament to the genre’s ability to capture the essence of the 80s while adding a contemporary twist, further solidifying their influence within the synthwave community.

The Enduring Appeal of Synthwave

Synthwave’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to transport listeners to a different time and place. The genre taps into a collective yearning for a simpler past, while simultaneously embracing the limitless potential of the future. In an era dominated by digital technology and rapid societal changes, synthwave provides a welcome escape, offering a sense of comfort and familiarity. Its ability to evoke powerful emotions and create a unique atmosphere has garnered a dedicated fan base, leading to sold-out concerts, synthwave festivals, and a constant stream of new artists and releases.

Conclusion

Synthwave has carved a distinct niche in the musical landscape, blending nostalgia with futuristic visions. Its fusion of vintage sounds, captivating aesthetics, and an ever-growing community of artists and fans has transformed it from a niche genre into a global movement. As the world continues to evolve, synthwave stands as a testament to the timeless allure of the 1980s, serving as a reminder of the power of music to transcend time and captivate generations. So, hop in your virtual DeLorean, and let the sounds of synthwave transport you to a retro-futuristic world filled with neon-lit streets and endless possibilities.