WHAT IS SYNTHWAVE?

Synthwave is a genre of electronic music and an aesthetic movement that draws inspiration from the sounds and visuals of the 1980s. It emerged in the mid-2000s as a homage to the era's pop culture, characterized by its retro-futuristic style, influenced by 1980s film soundtracks, video games, and television series. The music typically features synthesizers, drum machines, and heavy electronic beats, often accompanied by neon-soaked, cyberpunk visuals.

The genre is known for its nostalgic yet innovative sound, blending modern electronic music production with classic 80s elements. Artists like Kavinsky, Perturbator, and Carpenter Brut are prominent figures in the scene. Synthwave also extends into visual art, characterized by vibrant colors, grid landscapes, and retro-futuristic imagery, reminiscent of 1980s science fiction and action films.

Synthwave has influenced various media, from video games like "Hotline Miami" to TV shows like "Stranger Things," showcasing its wide-reaching impact on contemporary culture. This genre not only pays tribute to the past but also offers a unique lens through which modern artists reinterpret and reinvent the sounds and aesthetics of a bygone era.