Originating in the mid-2000s, synthwave draws heavy inspiration from the pop culture of the 1980s: think old-school video games, action movies, sci-fi flicks, and of course, the unmistakable sound of analogue synths. Synthwave is more than just music—it’s a journey back to the ‘80s, blending the retro vibes of vintage synthesizers with the pulse of modern electronic beats.

Artists like Kavinsky, FM-84, and The Midnight spearheaded this revival, channelling the spirit of an era that many listeners either grew up in or dream about reliving. But what makes synthwave so captivating is how it balances the retro aesthetic with a modern twist, giving listeners both a throwback and a fresh sonic experience.

The genre creates a feeling of nostalgia, evoking memories of a time filled with neon lights, fast cars, and futuristic fantasies. It’s a time capsule that taps into the yearning for simpler days, but it’s also an exploration of a future imagined by the past—something akin to the dystopian, yet alluring, worlds of movies like Blade Runner or Tron.

While the synth melodies and driving bass lines often take centre stage, synthwave’s visual identity is equally powerful. The artwork and videos are usually drenched in neon colours—hot pinks, electric blues, and purples—setting the perfect mood for providing a visual experience as it is a sonic one.

Artists today push the genre’s boundaries, incorporating elements of darkwave, outrun, and cyberpunk to create new subgenres within the movement. The result? A vibrant, ever-evolving landscape of sound and style that transports listeners to a world of timeless nostalgia, where the lines between reality and fantasy blur.

So, if you’re ready to dive into a sonic world where the past and future collide in a glowing, electronic dream, welcome to the world of synthwave. The soundtrack to your neon dreams awaits.