Synthwave (music genre)

Overview

Synthwave, sometimes called retrowave, is a contemporary electronic music genre that deliberately references the sounds, visual style, and cultural atmosphere of the 1980s. It blends the timbres of analog synthesizers, gated reverb on drums, and arpeggiated bass lines with modern production techniques, creating a soundscape that feels simultaneously nostalgic and futuristic.

The genre is closely linked to a broader visual aesthetic that includes neon‑glow graphics, grid‑like horizons, and references to classic science‑fiction cinema and early video‑game hardware. While rooted in music, synthwave has become a multimedia movement, influencing fashion, graphic design, and even film scoring.

History / Origin

The term “synthwave” entered musical usage in the late 2000s, initially as a descriptor on internet forums and music‑sharing platforms such as Bandcamp and SoundCloud. It evolved from earlier retro‑electronic styles like Italo‑disco, French house, and the more recent vaporwave, but distinguished itself by a stronger emphasis on the melodic and cinematic qualities of 1980s soundtrack composers such as John Carpenter, Vangelis, and Tangerine Dream.

Early pioneers such as Kavinsky, College, and the French label Power Metal Records helped codify the sound, leading to wider recognition after the 2011 film *Drive* featured several synthwave tracks on its soundtrack. Since then, the genre has proliferated globally, with festivals, dedicated record labels, and a thriving online community.

How It’s Used

Synthwave appears primarily within electronic‑dance and pop‑oriented contexts, but its influence extends to indie rock, film scoring, and video‑game soundtracks. Typical instrumentation includes hardware or software analog synthesizers (e.g., Roland Juno‑106, Yamaha DX7), drum machines (LinnDrum, TR‑808/909), and digital audio workstations that emulate vintage gear. Artists often write using standard Western notation or chord charts, but the genre’s production relies heavily on sound design and layering rather than formal notation.

Why It Matters

For musicians, synthwave offers a framework to explore vintage sound design while employing contemporary mixing and mastering tools, fostering a bridge between past and present production philosophies. Listeners often experience a sense of nostalgia blended with novelty, making the genre popular in media that seeks to evoke an “80s vibe,” such as the TV series *Stranger Things* and racing games like *Forza Horizon 5*.

Notable tracks that exemplify the style include Kavinsky’s “Nightcall,” The Midnight’s “Sunset,” and Com Truise’s “Propagation.” These works have charted on mainstream platforms, illustrating synthwave’s transition from an internet subculture to a recognizable component of modern pop culture.

Common Misconceptions

Because synthwave shares visual and sonic elements with several other retro‑inspired movements, it is often confused with related terms.

• Misconception: Synthwave is the same as vaporwave.
  Correction: Vaporwave focuses on slowed‑down samples, muzak, and critique of consumer culture, whereas synthwave emphasizes original melodic composition and 1980s cinematic soundtracks.
• Misconception: All synthwave music uses only vintage hardware.
  Correction: Many producers employ software emulations and hybrid setups; the defining factor is the aesthetic, not the specific equipment.
• Misconception: Synthwave is merely “retro pop.”
  Correction: While it draws on pop sensibilities, synthwave incorporates electronic‑ambient textures and film‑score structures that differentiate it from straightforward retro pop music.