A Brief History of Synthwave: From the 80s to Now
Synthwave, also known as retrowave or outrun, is a genre of electronic music that has captivated audiences with its nostalgic charm and futuristic sounds. With roots in the 1980s, this genre has grown into a cultural movement that celebrates and reimagines the past. Here’s a quick dive into the history of synthwave.
The Origins of Synthwave
1970s and 1980s: The Beginnings Synthwave traces its origins to the late 1970s and early 1980s, a time when synthesizers became more accessible and affordable. Pioneers like Kraftwerk, Tangerine Dream, and Jean-Michel Jarre used synthesizers to create futuristic electronic music, laying the foundation for the genre. The 1980s were particularly significant, with synth-based music dominating the charts through artists like Depeche Mode, New Order, and The Human League. Iconic movies and TV shows such as Miami Vice, Blade Runner, and The Terminator featured synthesizer-heavy soundtracks, further embedding the sound into the cultural consciousness. Composers like John Carpenter and Vangelis crafted atmospheric and cinematic music that would inspire future synthwave artists.
The Revival and Rise of Synthwave
2000s: The Revival Begins The early 2000s saw a revival of interest in 1980s culture and music, driven by both nostalgia and a desire to reinterpret the sounds of that era. The term "synthwave" emerged to describe this new wave of music heavily influenced by 1980s synth-based sounds and aesthetics. Kavinsky, with his track "Nightcall" featured in the 2011 film Drive, played a pivotal role in bringing synthwave to a broader audience.
2010s: The Growth of the Genre The 2010s marked significant growth for synthwave, as the genre diversified and attracted a dedicated fanbase. Online platforms like Bandcamp, SoundCloud, and YouTube became crucial for distribution and promotion. Artists such as Perturbator, Carpenter Brut, and The Midnight emerged as key figures, each adding their unique style to the genre. The use of retro-futuristic visuals, neon colors, and 1980s-inspired artwork became a hallmark of synthwave releases and events.
Modern Synthwave and Cultural Impact
2020s: Continued Evolution In the 2020s, synthwave continues to evolve and expand. The genre has influenced and been influenced by other genres, leading to the creation of subgenres like darksynth, dreamwave, and futuresynth. Synthwave maintains a strong presence in video game soundtracks, with titles like Hotline Miami and Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon featuring prominent tracks. The synthwave community remains vibrant, with numerous festivals, live events, and online communities dedicated to the genre.
Cultural Impact Synthwave’s nostalgic and cinematic qualities have made it a popular choice for movie and TV soundtracks, advertisements, and fashion. The genre's aesthetic, characterized by neon colors, grid patterns, and retro-futuristic imagery, has permeated various aspects of modern media and design.
Conclusion
Synthwave is more than just a genre of music; it is a cultural movement that celebrates and reimagines the sounds and aesthetics of the 1980s. From its origins in the early electronic music of the 1970s to its revival in the 2000s and continued evolution today, synthwave has carved out a unique and enduring place in the world of music and pop culture.
Sources:
The Best of Synthwave and Retro Electro - Pitchfork
How Synthwave Music Took Over the Internet - Vice
Synthwave: A Beginner's Guide - Bandcamp Daily
Synthwave: An Escape to a Neon-Soaked 1980s - Noisey (Vice)
