Synthwave is a music genre that emerged in the late 2000s as a tribute to the electronic sound of the 1980s. It’s a nostalgic, retro-futuristic genre that blends elements of 80s synthpop, new wave, and video game music. In this article, we will explore the history of synthwave and its stars who have made significant contributions to its evolution.
Synthwave is a subgenre of electronic music that became popular in the late 2000s. It is characterized by the use of vintage synthesizers and drum machines to create a sound that is reminiscent of the 1980s. Synthwave is heavily influenced by 80s synthpop and new wave music, as well as the soundtracks of video games and movies from that era.
The Origins of Synthwave
The origins of synthwave can be traced back to the French house scene of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Artists such as Daft Punk and Justice used vintage synthesizers and drum machines to create a sound that was heavily influenced by 80s disco and funk. This sound was later developed by artists such as Kavinsky, who created the soundtrack for the video game “Grand Theft Auto IV” in 2008.
Synthwave in the 2010s
Synthwave experienced a surge in popularity in the early 2010s. Artists such as Mitch Murder, Miami Nights 1984, and Lazerhawk began releasing albums that were heavily influenced by the sound of the 80s. These albums were characterized by their use of vintage synthesizers and drum machines, as well as their nostalgic, retro-futuristic sound.
The Rise of Synthwave Labels
With the growing popularity of synthwave, a number of independent record labels emerged to support the genre. These labels, such as NewRetroWave and Telefuture, released albums by some of the biggest names in the genre and helped to establish synthwave as a legitimate music genre.
Synthwave in Pop Culture
Synthwave has also made its way into pop culture, with its nostalgic, retro-futuristic sound appearing in movies, TV shows, and video games. The soundtrack to the Netflix series “Stranger Things” is heavily influenced by synthwave, as are the soundtracks to video games such as “Hotline Miami” and “Furi.”
Synthwave Music Stars
Synthwave has produced a number of talented musicians who have made significant contributions to the genre. Here are some of the biggest names in synthwave:
Mitch Murder
Mitch Murder is a Swedish musician who is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the synthwave genre. He has released a number of albums, including “Interceptor” and “Selection 2,” which are considered to be some of the best examples of the genre.
Kavinsky
Kavinsky is a French musician who gained fame for his work on the soundtrack to the video game “Grand Theft Auto IV.” He has released several albums, including “OutRun” and “ProtoVision,” which have helped to establish him as one of the biggest names in the genre.
Timecop1983
Timecop1983 is the alias of Dutch musician Jordy Leenaerts. He has released several albums, including “Reflections” and “Night Drive,” which are known for their dreamy, nostalgic sound.
The Midnight
The Midnight is an American synthwave band consisting of Tyler Lyle and Tim McEwan. They have released several albums, including “Days of Thunder” and “Endless Summer”.
Conclusion
Synthwave music is a genre that has gained immense popularity in recent years. Its unique blend of retro sounds and futuristic elements has made it a favorite among fans of electronic music. The history of synthwave music is rooted in the 1980s, where it originated as a subgenre of electronic music. The stars who shaped it include artists such as Vangelis, Jean-Michel Jarre, and Kraftwerk, who paved the way for the genre’s development.
In the 2000s, a new wave of artists emerged, such as Mitch Murder and Power Glove, who helped popularize the genre and take it to new heights. Synthwave music has continued to evolve over the years, with new artists pushing the boundaries of the genre and incorporating new sounds and influences.
Today, synthwave music is enjoyed by fans all around the world and has even influenced other forms of media, such as video games and movies. Its unique blend of retro and futuristic elements makes it a timeless genre that will continue to captivate listeners for years to come.
FAQ
Q: What is synthwave music? A: Synthwave music is a genre of electronic music that originated in the 1980s. It is characterized by its use of retro-sounding synthesizers and drum machines, as well as its incorporation of futuristic elements.
Q: Who are some of the stars who shaped synthwave music? A: Some of the stars who helped shape synthwave music include Vangelis, Jean-Michel Jarre, and Kraftwerk, who paved the way for the genre’s development. More recent artists, such as Mitch Murder and Power Glove, have also played a significant role in popularizing the genre.
Q: How has synthwave music evolved over the years? A: Synthwave music has continued to evolve over the years, with new artists pushing the boundaries of the genre and incorporating new sounds and influences. Some artists have even incorporated elements of other genres, such as rock and hip-hop, into their music.
Q: What makes synthwave music unique? A: Synthwave music is unique because of its blend of retro and futuristic elements. It incorporates sounds from the 1980s, such as synthesizers and drum machines, while also incorporating futuristic elements, such as sci-fi themes and futuristic soundscapes.
Q: How popular is synthwave music? A: Synthwave music has gained immense popularity in recent years, with fans all around the world. It has even influenced other forms of media, such as video games and movies.
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