RABBIT HOLE: Synthwave

A few years ago while I was writing a paper related to the eccentric postmodern art of the internet, I came across with an internet art/meme genre called, Vaporwave. It is both a visual art and music genre that reminded me of muzak of the 90s to early 2000s in a Japanese shopping mall. I know that is an odd description but the one thing that striked me while listening to its music was the nostalgia I get from listening them, but I’m not here to talk about Vaporwave (perhaps I should save that for another post), I’m here to talk about the music genre that Vaporwave eventually led me, and got me hooked to this day, Synthwave (sometimes referred to as Outrun and Retrowave).

Aesthetically, Synthwave is similar to Vaporwave but with its own distinguishable visual identity, the usage of purple/pink and blue/cyan is a common trait in both of these genres, however Synthwave has a very strong 80s vibe to it, both visually and its music. Inspired by the sounds of John Carpenter, Tangerine Dream et cetera, to the 80s VHS tapes of poorly produced and cult movies, especially in the genre of science fiction, action movies, as well as horror movies, Synthwave is modern replication of the 80s art and entertainment culture in the form of visual aesthetic and music.

Within Synthwave is a ton of subgenres, such as Synthpop, Darkwave, Retrowave, Futuresynth, Spacesynth etc., each displaying different styles to it while maintaining the genre’s most important trait.

Thanks for reading! Here’s a few of my favourites for you to listen to!

SYNTH + ELECTRONIC

SYNTHPOP

RETROWAVE

DARKWAVE