Synthwave Music: History, Top Songs, and Why it’s So Popular

Synthwave is a music genre that blends nostalgic sounds from the 1980s with modern electronic music. It often evokes memories of neon lights, vintage video games, old movies, and classic sci-fi. In recent years, synthwave has grown in popularity across platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and TikTok. This article explores what synthwave is, its roots, standout tracks, and why it continues to attract listeners around the world.

What is Synthwave?

Synthwave is a type of electronic music that draws heavy inspiration from 1980s pop culture. The genre typically includes synth-heavy melodies, retro drum machines, and dreamy atmospheres. Artists often create tracks that sound like they belong in old action movies, arcade games, or cartoons. Unlike traditional pop or EDM, synthwave focuses more on mood and nostalgia than on catchy lyrics or dance beats.

People often ask, What is synthwave music? It’s essentially a modern tribute to the electronic sounds of the past. With layered synthesizers and slow-building rhythms, the music creates a cinematic feel that can be both relaxing and exciting.

Synthwave History

Synthwave emerged in the early 2000s but has its roots in 1980s film scores and video game music. Composers like John Carpenter, Vangelis, and Tangerine Dream helped shape the initial sound. Their work on movies like “Blade Runner” and “Escape from New York” laid the groundwork for the genre.

In the mid-2000s, online communities started sharing music inspired by this retro aesthetic. French artist Kavinsky released his breakout track “Nightcall” in 2010, which gained fame through the movie “Drive.” Other artists like College, Mitch Murder, and Power Glove helped define the genre’s sound.

As social media platforms and streaming services grew, synthwave found a global audience. Fans started making fan art, animations, and even short films using synthwave as a soundtrack. The community around the genre expanded, bringing in listeners who loved the 80s but also wanted something fresh.

Today, synthwave is recognized as a subculture, complete with fashion, art, and design that match the music’s retro-futuristic vibe. Whether it’s called retrowave, outrun, or synthpop, the influence of synthwave is seen in both underground and mainstream music scenes.

Synthwave Top Songs

Many songs stand out in the synthwave genre for their catchy melodies and immersive sound. Here are a few synthwave top songs that have captured the attention of fans:

• Kavinsky – “Nightcall”: Probably the most well-known synthwave song, thanks to the film “Drive.”
• FM-84 – “Running in the Night”: A perfect blend of vocals and synths, often used in nostalgic videos.
• The Midnight – “Days of Thunder”: Known for its emotional depth and atmospheric sound.
• Mitch Murder – “Interceptor”: An instrumental track that feels like a scene from an 80s action film.
• Gunship – “Tech Noir”: This song features guest vocals and a striking music video filled with retro references.

These tracks showcase the range within synthwave—from soft and melodic to powerful and cinematic. Playlists on Spotify and YouTube often highlight such songs, helping new fans discover the genre.

Streaming platforms and social media also influence which songs become popular. A track that fits the mood of a TikTok video or YouTube montage can suddenly get millions of plays, adding to the genre’s overall reach and recognition.

Synthwave Popularity

Synthwave has grown significantly in popularity over the last decade. What started as a niche interest quickly turned into a global movement. Thanks to platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Bandcamp, the genre has reached listeners in all corners of the world. The visual aesthetic that accompanies synthwave—bright neon colors, gridlines, sunsets, and retro cars—also helped fuel its appeal.

Part of the reason for synthwave’s popularity is how it connects with both younger audiences and those who grew up in the 80s. Older listeners feel a sense of nostalgia, while younger fans find something fresh and different from mainstream pop or hip-hop. The music is also widely used in indie video games, fitness videos, and even corporate ads, which further broadens its exposure.

Some synthwave artists have even crossed into mainstream music. Collaborations with pop singers, appearances in movie soundtracks, and viral TikTok trends have all played a role. Whether you’re casually listening while working or diving deep into the culture, synthwave offers something for nearly everyone.

Live events and festivals focused on synthwave have also emerged, allowing fans to connect in person. Virtual concerts and livestreams became especially popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, introducing even more people to the genre.

Related Subgenres and Artists

Synthwave has several subgenres, each offering a unique twist on the original sound. Here are some of the most notable:

• Outrun: Named after the video game “Out Run,” this subgenre is fast-paced and often instrumental. It pairs perfectly with visuals of speeding cars and neon-lit cities.
• Dreamwave: A softer, more ambient version of synthwave. It focuses on emotional tones and relaxing melodies.
• Darksynth: A heavier, darker take on the genre. Inspired by horror movies and cyberpunk themes, it uses intense beats and aggressive synths.
• Retrowave: Often used interchangeably with synthwave, but sometimes refers more to the fashion and visual aesthetic than the music itself.

Popular artists in the synthwave scene include:

• The Midnight: Known for their mix of vocals and cinematic soundscapes.
• Gunship: Focused on storytelling and high-quality music videos.
• FM-84: Famous for emotional, anthem-like tracks.
• Perturbator: A leading figure in darksynth.
• Power Glove: Known for composing music for video games and films.

Each artist brings something unique, allowing fans to explore different moods within the same genre. Whether you prefer mellow tunes or high-energy tracks, there’s a synthwave artist for every taste.

How to Explore Synthwave Further

If you’re new to synthwave, there are plenty of ways to dive deeper into the genre. Here are some helpful tips:

1. Start with Playlists: Platforms like Spotify and YouTube have curated playlists such as “Retrowave / Outrun,” “NewRetroWave,” and “Electronic Gems.” These are great for getting a feel for the sound.
2. Watch Synthwave Videos: Many synthwave tracks come with animated or retro-style visuals. These enhance the listening experience and help you connect with the genre’s aesthetic.
3. Check Out Online Communities: Reddit forums like r/outrun and Discord groups are active with fans discussing new releases, sharing art, and organizing meetups.
4. Support Indie Artists: Websites like Bandcamp let you buy music directly from the artist. This not only supports the creators but also gives you access to exclusive content and early releases.
5. Follow Synthwave Labels: NewRetroWave, Lazerdiscs Records, and NRW Records are popular labels that regularly release new synthwave music.
6. Explore Related Content: Many indie games like “Hotline Miami” or “Katana ZERO” use synthwave in their soundtracks. Watching retro-themed shows or films can also help you appreciate the inspiration behind the music.

FAQs

Q1: What is synthwave music exactly?

Synthwave is a genre of electronic music inspired by 1980s soundtracks, pop culture, and video games. It features retro synthesizers, drum machines, and often includes nostalgic or cinematic themes.

Q2: Is synthwave only instrumental?

No. While many synthwave songs are instrumental, a good number also include vocals. Artists like The Midnight and FM-84 are known for vocal synthwave tracks.

Q3: How is synthwave different from EDM?

Unlike EDM, which focuses on dance and high energy, synthwave is more about mood and nostalgia. It’s not typically used in clubs but rather for personal listening or creative projects.

Q4: Why is synthwave considered retro?

Synthwave uses musical instruments and production techniques from the 1980s. This makes it sound “retro,” even though it’s created with modern tools.

Q5: What is the goal of synthwave artists?

Most aim to recreate the emotional feel of the 80s, using music to transport listeners to a different time or world.

Conclusion

Synthwave music blends old-school vibes with modern creativity. It’s more than just a music genre—it’s a cultural movement filled with art, fashion, and emotion. From understanding what synthwave is to discovering top songs and artists, this genre offers a lot to explore. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the scene, there’s always something fresh to find in synthwave. So put on your headphones, turn up the volume, and take a journey into the retro future.

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