The Synthwave genre, also known as Retrowave or Darksynth, has been making waves in the music scene for over two decades. Characterized by its nostalgic vibe, synthesizer-heavy soundscapes, and futuristic themes, Synthwave has become a staple of modern electronic music. But when exactly did Synthwave become popular? To answer this question, we need to delve into the history of the genre and explore its evolution over time.
Early Beginnings: The Roots of Synthwave
Synthwave’s roots can be traced back to the 1980s, when electronic music was starting to gain mainstream popularity. Artists like Tangerine Dream, Vangelis, and Jean-Michel Jarre were experimenting with synthesizers, creating dreamy, atmospheric soundscapes that would later influence the Synthwave movement. However, it wasn’t until the 2000s that the genre started to take shape.
The Emergence of Chillwave and the Rise of Synthwave
In the early 2000s, a subgenre called Chillwave emerged, characterized by its laid-back, nostalgic sound. Artists like Toro y Moi, Washed Out, and Neon Indian were creating music that was heavily influenced by 1980s synth-pop and indie rock. Around the same time, Synthwave started to gain traction, with artists like Kavinsky, College, and M83 creating music that was more aggressive and futuristic than Chillwave.
Influence of 1980s Pop Culture
The 1980s had a profound influence on the development of Synthwave. The decade’s iconic movies, TV shows, and video games, such as “Tron,” “The Terminator,” and “OutRun,” helped shape the genre’s aesthetic and sound. Synthwave artists drew inspiration from the retro-futuristic landscapes, neon-lit cityscapes, and futuristic technology that defined 1980s pop culture. This nostalgic appeal helped Synthwave resonate with fans who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, as well as younger listeners who were drawn to the genre’s retro-futuristic vibe.
The Mid-2000s: Synthwave’s Turning Point
The mid-2000s marked a turning point for Synthwave, as the genre started to gain mainstream recognition. Kavinsky’s 2007 album “Nightcall” became a cult classic, and his music was featured in the 2011 movie “Drive,” starring Ryan Gosling. This exposure helped introduce Synthwave to a wider audience and paved the way for other artists to gain recognition.
The Rise of Online Communities and Social Media
The mid-2000s also saw the rise of online communities and social media platforms, which played a crucial role in Synthwave’s popularity. Platforms like Myspace, Last.fm, and Tumblr allowed artists to share their music, connect with fans, and build a community around the genre. This online presence helped Synthwave spread rapidly, and the genre started to gain traction globally.
Collaborations and Labels
As Synthwave gained popularity, collaborations between artists became more common. Labels like Valerie Records, Grandболologie, and Turbo Recordings started to emerge, supporting Synthwave artists and releasing their music. These collaborations and labels helped to further establish the genre and create a sense of unity among artists and fans.
2010s: Synthwave’s Mainstream Breakthrough
The 2010s marked Synthwave’s mainstream breakthrough, with the genre becoming increasingly popular and influential. Artists like Perturbator, Carpenter Brut, and Power Glove gained widespread recognition, and their music was featured in various films, TV shows, and video games. Synthwave’s nostalgic sound and retro-futuristic aesthetic resonated with audiences, and the genre started to appeal to a broader demographic.
Expansion into Other Genres
As Synthwave’s popularity grew, the genre started to influence other styles of music. Artists from various genres, such as electronic, metal, and hip-hop, began to incorporate Synthwave elements into their sound. This cross-pollination helped Synthwave reach new audiences and expand its creative boundaries.
Live Performances and Festivals
The 2010s also saw an increase in live performances and festivals dedicated to Synthwave. Events like the Synthwave Festival in Los Angeles and the Outlier Music Festival in London brought together artists and fans from around the world. These live performances helped to further establish Synthwave as a vibrant and dynamic genre, and they provided a platform for artists to showcase their music and connect with fans.
Conclusion: Synthwave’s Enduring Popularity
Synthwave’s popularity can be traced back to the early 2000s, but it wasn’t until the mid-2000s that the genre started to gain mainstream recognition. The 2010s marked Synthwave’s mainstream breakthrough, with the genre becoming increasingly popular and influential. Today, Synthwave remains a beloved and vibrant genre, with a dedicated community of artists and fans. Its nostalgic sound, retro-futuristic aesthetic, and creative boundaries continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike. As Synthwave continues to evolve and expand, its enduring popularity is a testament to the genre’s ability to captivate audiences and transport them to a world of neon-lit dreams and futuristic landscapes.
In terms of key events and releases, some notable milestones include:
- Kavinsky’s 2007 album “Nightcall” and its feature in the 2011 movie “Drive”
- The rise of online communities and social media platforms in the mid-2000s, which helped spread Synthwave globally
These events, along with the contributions of numerous artists, labels, and fans, have helped shape Synthwave into the thriving genre it is today.
What is Synthwave music and where did it originate?
Synthwave, also known as retrowave or outrun, is a music genre that emerged in the 2000s and has its roots in 1980s and 1990s electronic and pop music. It is characterized by its distinctive sound, which often features nostalgic synthesizer timbres, driving beats, and a blend of vintage and modern production techniques. Synthwave draws inspiration from various sources, including classic video game soundtracks, sci-fi movies, and retro-futuristic aesthetics.
The origins of synthwave can be traced back to the early 2000s, when artists such as Kavinsky and College began experimenting with retro-inspired electronic music. The genre gained momentum in the mid-2000s, with the rise of online platforms and social media, which enabled artists to share their music and connect with like-minded individuals worldwide. As a result, synthwave evolved into a global movement, with a thriving community of producers, musicians, and fans who share a passion for retro-futuristic sounds and aesthetics.
What are the key characteristics of Synthwave music?
Synthwave music is defined by its distinctive sonic features, which often include pulsing synthesizer leads, driving drum machines, and lush ambient textures. The genre is heavily influenced by 1980s and 1990s electronic music, particularly synth-pop, italo-disco, and early techno. Synthwave artists often incorporate vintage synthesizer sounds, such as those from the Roland Jupiter-8, Moog Minimoog, or Korg MS-20, into their productions, which adds to the genre’s nostalgic and retro-futuristic feel.
The key characteristics of synthwave music also extend to its visual and thematic aspects, which often feature retro-futuristic imagery, neon-lit cityscapes, and haunting landscapes. Many synthwave artists incorporate elements of sci-fi, horror, and action movies into their music and artwork, which adds to the genre’s sense of nostalgia and futurism. Overall, synthwave is a genre that celebrates the intersection of music, art, and technology, and its key characteristics reflect a deep admiration for the sounds, styles, and aesthetics of the past, reimagined for the present.
Who are some notable Synthwave artists and bands?
Some notable synthwave artists and bands include Kavinsky, College, Power Glove, Perturbator, and Carpenter Brut. These artists have been instrumental in shaping the sound and style of the genre, and have gained significant recognition within the music industry and beyond. Other notable artists, such as Mitch Murder, Lazerhawk, and Dynatron, have also made significant contributions to the genre, pushing the boundaries of synthwave and exploring new sonic territories.
The synthwave scene is diverse and global, with artists from all over the world contributing to the genre. Many synthwave artists have gained popularity through online platforms, such as Bandcamp and SoundCloud, which have enabled them to share their music and connect with fans directly. As a result, the synthwave community is thriving, with new artists and bands emerging all the time, and a steady stream of new music, artwork, and multimedia projects being released to fans.
How has Synthwave influenced other music genres and art forms?
Synthwave has had a significant influence on other music genres, particularly electronic and pop music. Many contemporary artists, such as The Weeknd, Dua Lipa, and Kiesza, have incorporated synthwave elements into their sound, which has helped to introduce the genre to a wider audience. Synthwave has also influenced other art forms, such as film, video games, and visual art, with many creators incorporating retro-futuristic themes and aesthetics into their work.
The influence of synthwave can be seen in various aspects of popular culture, from the soundtracks of TV shows and movies, such as Stranger Things and Drive, to the visual aesthetics of advertising and fashion. Synthwave’s nostalgic and futuristic sound has also inspired a new generation of producers and musicians, who are experimenting with vintage synthesizers and production techniques to create new and innovative sounds. As a result, synthwave has become a significant cultural force, shaping the sound and style of contemporary music and art.
What is the significance of nostalgia in Synthwave music and culture?
Nostalgia plays a significant role in synthwave music and culture, as the genre is deeply rooted in the sounds, styles, and aesthetics of the past. Synthwave artists often draw inspiration from their childhood memories of 1980s and 1990s pop culture, including movies, TV shows, video games, and music. The genre’s nostalgic sound and aesthetic are intended to evoke a sense of nostalgia and retro-futurism, transporting listeners back to a bygone era of neon-lit cityscapes, big hair, and futuristic optimism.
The significance of nostalgia in synthwave culture extends beyond the music itself, as the genre has become a cultural phenomenon that celebrates the past while embracing the present. Synthwave fans and artists often share a deep affection for vintage technology, fashion, and design, which is reflected in the genre’s visual aesthetic and merchandise. The nostalgia of synthwave also serves as a form of social commentary, reflecting on the past and its influence on the present, while imagining alternative futures and scenarios.
How has Synthwave evolved over time, and what can we expect from the genre in the future?
Synthwave has evolved significantly over time, from its early beginnings as a niche online community to a global music movement. The genre has branched out into various sub-genres, such as darksynth and dreamwave, and has incorporated elements from other styles, such as metal, hip-hop, and ambient music. As a result, synthwave has become a diverse and dynamic genre, with a wide range of sounds, styles, and artistic expressions.
As for the future of synthwave, it is likely that the genre will continue to evolve and incorporate new sounds, styles, and technologies. Many synthwave artists are experimenting with new production techniques, such as AI-generated sounds and virtual reality experiences, which may shape the future of the genre. Additionally, synthwave’s influence can be seen in other areas of popular culture, such as film, video games, and fashion, which will likely continue to inspire new generations of artists and fans. As a result, synthwave is likely to remain a vibrant and innovative genre, celebrating the intersection of music, art, and technology.