Synthwave Unveiled: 12 Neon Secrets You Need to Know in 2025 🚀

blue light in tunnel during night time

Step into the glowing grid of synthwave—a genre that’s more than just a retro throwback. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, Drive and Stranger Things, which introduced millions to its hypnotic synths and neon aesthetics? But synthwave is far from a simple homage; it’s a vibrant, evolving culture with subgenres like outrun, darksynth, and dreamwave, each with its own unique flavor.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll decode the signature sounds, explore the iconic visuals, spotlight essential artists and albums, and even show you how to create your own synthwave tracks. Curious about how gated reverb became the genre’s secret sauce? Or which synths and drum machines define its sound? We’ve got you covered. Buckle up for a neon-lit journey through the past, present, and future of synthwave.

Key Takeaways

  • Synthwave is a modern reinterpretation of 80s electronic music, inspired by film scores, video games, and synth-pop, but produced with contemporary techniques.
  • The genre’s signature sound features analog-style synths, gated reverb snares, driving basslines, and lush atmospheric pads.
  • Synthwave’s visual aesthetic—neon grids, sunsets, chrome cars, and retro-futuristic imagery—is inseparable from its music.
  • Popular subgenres include outrun (high-energy), darksynth (aggressive and industrial), and dreamwave (melancholic and mellow).
  • Key artists like Kavinsky, Carpenter Brut, The Midnight, and Perturbator have shaped and expanded the genre.
  • Synthwave’s appeal lies in its nostalgia, escapism, and vibrant global community, making it a lasting cultural phenomenon.
  • For aspiring producers, modern DAWs and synth plugins like U-He Diva and Arturia V Collection make crafting authentic synthwave sounds accessible.

Ready to dive deeper? Keep reading to unlock the full synthwave experience and discover how you can ride the neon wave yourself!

Table of Contents

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⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts: Your Synthwave Snapshot

Jumping into the neon-drenched world of synthwave? Here’s the lowdown, fast and furious, like a midnight drive in a DeLorean.

  • What is it? Synthwave, also known as retrowave, is a modern electronic music genre that lovingly mimics and celebrates the sound and style of the 1980s. Think movie soundtracks, video games, and pop music from that era, all rolled into one glorious, synthesized package.
  • The Vibe: It’s all about nostalgia for a past that may or may not have existed. We’re talking neon grids, chrome sports cars, palm tree sunsets, and a general feeling of retro-futurism.
  • Key Instruments: The sound is built on the foundation of classic 80s gear: analog synthesizers, drum machines like the LinnDrum, and that unmistakable gated reverb on the snare.
  • Is it just 80s music? ❌ Nope! It’s a modern interpretation. While it pulls heavily from 80s Synth Pop, it’s produced with contemporary techniques, often resulting in a bigger, cleaner, and more cinematic sound than its original inspirations.
  • Where have I heard it? You’ve probably heard it without even realizing it! The soundtracks for the movie Drive (2011) and the Netflix series Stranger Things are prime examples that brought the genre into the mainstream spotlight. The Weeknd’s massive hit “Blinding Lights” is also a fantastic synthwave-influenced track.

🎶 The Neon Glow: Unpacking Synthwave’s Retro-Futuristic Roots

Ever wonder Why Is Synthwave So Relaxing? 10 Surprising Reasons You’ll Love 🎹✨? It all starts with its origins. To truly get synthwave, you have to understand that it’s not just a genre; it’s a feeling, an atmosphere, a time machine built from soundwaves. It emerged in the mid-to-late 2000s, primarily bubbling up from producers in France who were inspired by the iconic sounds of their childhoods.

What is Synthwave? A Sonic Time Machine 🕰️

At its core, synthwave is an electronic music microgenre that’s all about the 1980s. But it’s a very specific slice of the 80s. It’s not necessarily trying to replicate the bubblegum pop of the charts. Instead, it’s laser-focused on the sounds that defined the decade’s action, sci-fi, and horror films, as well as the burgeoning world of video games.

We’re talking about the epic, synthesizer-heavy scores from composers like John Carpenter, Vangelis (Blade Runner), and Tangerine Dream. These artists didn’t just write music; they built entire worlds with their Moogs and Roland Jupiter-8s. Synthwave artists are the modern-day architects of those worlds, using the same sonic blueprints to create something new yet comfortingly familiar.

The 80s Aesthetic: More Than Just Music 📼

You can’t separate the sound of synthwave from its visual aesthetic. The two are intertwined, creating a complete sensory experience. The visual language is a cocktail of:

  • Neon Grids: Endless digital landscapes stretching into a purple-hued horizon.
  • Sunset Silhouettes: Palm trees and cityscapes bathed in the warm glow of a setting sun.
  • Fast Cars: Think Ferrari Testarossas and Lamborghini Countachs cruising down a coastal highway at night.
  • Retro-Futurism: A vision of the future as imagined by someone in 1985, full of chrome, lasers, and cyberpunk elements.

This visual style, often called outrun, is just as important as the music. It’s what you see on album covers, in music videos, and in the art that floods synthwave communities online. It’s about capturing “80s excess” and giving it a modern, polished sheen.

🎧 Decoding the Sound: Key Characteristics of Synthwave Music Production

Video: B A D L A N D S – A Synthwave Mix for Galactic Explorers.

So, what makes a track sound distinctly “synthwave”? It’s a specific recipe of sounds and production techniques. Let’s break down the ingredients that give this genre its signature retro flavor.

1. Signature Synthesizers and Drum Machines: The Heartbeat of Retro 🎹

The soul of synthwave lies in its hardware (or, more commonly today, software emulations of that hardware).

Instrument Type Iconic Examples Role in Synthwave
Analog Synths Roland Juno-106, Jupiter-8, Yamaha DX7, Oberheim OB-X Provide the lush pads, soaring leads, and deep, warm basslines that are the genre’s foundation.
Drum Machines LinnDrum, Roland TR-808, Simmons SDS-V Create the punchy, electronic beats. The LinnDrum, in particular, is responsible for that classic, powerful 80s snare sound.

These instruments are not just tools; they are characters in the synthwave story, each with a distinct voice that instantly transports you back in time.

2. Melodic Hooks and Atmospheric Pads: Crafting the Dreamy Soundscape ✨

Synthwave is often instrumental, so the melody has to do the heavy lifting. Tracks are built around strong, memorable synthesizer leads that are both simple and emotionally resonant. These are the melodies that get stuck in your head for days.

Behind these leads, you’ll almost always find lush, atmospheric pads. These are long, sustained synthesizer chords that create the genre’s signature dreamy, and sometimes melancholic, atmosphere. They fill the sonic space and give the music its cinematic quality.

3. Driving Rhythms and Pumping Basslines: Fueling the Outrun Vibe 🚀

The rhythm section is the engine of the synthwave car.

  • Tempo: Most tracks cruise along at a comfortable 80 to 118 BPM, perfect for that late-night drive feel. However, more upbeat, aggressive tracks can push it up to 128-140 BPM.
  • Basslines: The bass is typically a simple, repetitive, and powerful analog synthesizer bassline. It often plays steady eighth notes, creating a relentless, driving pulse that underpins the entire track.
  • Drums: The drums are punchy and direct. The kick drum provides a solid four-on-the-floor beat, while the snare… well, the snare gets special treatment.

4. Gated Reverb and Other Production Tricks: Mastering the Retro Mix 🎛️

This is the secret sauce! Gated reverb is the quintessential 80s production trick, especially on snare drums. It creates a massive, explosive sound that cuts off abruptly instead of fading out naturally. It’s a sound you’ll hear on countless Phil Collins and Prince records, and it’s a non-negotiable staple in synthwave.

Producers also use techniques like sidechain compression (ducking the volume of pads or bass to the kick drum) to create a modern, pumping feel that gives the retro sounds a contemporary energy.

5. Lyrical Themes: Nostalgia, Sci-Fi, and Cyberpunk Dreams 🌃

While much of the genre is instrumental, when vocals do appear, they often revolve around classic 80s themes:

  • Nostalgia and longing
  • Driving and escapism
  • Summer romance
  • Science fiction and cyberpunk narratives

The vocals are often drenched in reverb and delay, making them feel like another atmospheric layer in the mix rather than a traditional pop vocal.

🎬 Visual Vibes: The Aesthetic Universe of Synthwave and Retrowave Imagery

Video: synthwave radio 🌌 beats to chill/game to.

You can’t talk about synthwave without talking about the look. The visual component is so strong that it often defines the genre for newcomers before they even hear a single note. It’s a world built from pixels, neon, and chrome.

Gridlines, Chrome, and Palm Trees: Iconic Visuals 🌴

The synthwave aesthetic is a meticulously curated collection of 80s tropes, polished with a modern digital sheen. Key elements include:

  • The Grid: A wireframe landscape, often in magenta or cyan, representing the digital frontier of early computer graphics.
  • Neon Everything: From glowing cityscapes to the logos of fictional corporations, neon is the official lighting of the synthwave universe.
  • Sunsets: The sun is almost always setting, casting a warm, orange and purple glow over everything.
  • Exotic Cars: The Lamborghini Countach and Ferrari Testarossa are the unofficial mascots of the genre.
  • Chrome and Reflective Surfaces: Everything has a metallic, futuristic sheen.

Movie Influences: From Drive to Blade Runner and Beyond 🎥

Film is arguably the biggest influence on synthwave, both sonically and visually.

  • Drive (2011): This is the big one. The film’s soundtrack, featuring Kavinsky’s “Nightcall” and College’s “A Real Hero,” was a watershed moment for the genre, introducing it to a massive new audience. The film’s moody, neon-noir aesthetic became a visual blueprint for countless artists.
  • Blade Runner (1982): Vangelis’s iconic score and the film’s dystopian, rain-soaked cityscapes are foundational texts for the darker, more atmospheric side of synthwave.
  • Tron (1982 & 2010): The digital world of Tron and Daft Punk’s incredible score for Tron: Legacy are pure synthwave fuel.
  • John Carpenter Films: Movies like Escape from New York and Big Trouble in Little China provided the gritty, synth-driven action scores that many artists emulate.

Fashion and Style: Embracing the Retro-Cool 😎

The aesthetic extends to fashion, too. Think bomber jackets (like Ryan Gosling’s in Drive), high-top sneakers, mirrored sunglasses, and a general vibe that’s equal parts Miami Vice and cyberpunk cool. It’s about looking effortlessly stylish in a way that’s both nostalgic and futuristic.

Video: Synthwave Electric Mixtape I For Study Relax.

Synthwave isn’t just one sound; it’s a whole universe of retro-inspired electronic music. As the genre has grown, distinct subgenres have emerged, each with its own unique flavor. Let’s explore the neighborhood.

Outrun: The High-Octane Highway Chase 🏎️

Often used interchangeably with synthwave, outrun is arguably the genre’s most defining sub-style. It’s named after the classic 1986 Sega arcade game Out Run.

  • The Sound: Upbeat, driving, and optimistic. It’s the soundtrack to a top-down convertible race along a moonlit coast. Think powerful drum machines, soaring synth leads, and infectious melodies.
  • Key Artists: Kavinsky, Mitch Murder, Lazerhawk.

Darksynth: The Gritty, Industrial Underbelly 💀

If outrun is the hero’s theme, darksynth is the villain’s. It takes the core elements of synthwave and injects them with a heavy dose of industrial, metal, and horror movie soundtrack influences.

  • The Sound: Aggressive, menacing, and heavy. The tempos are often faster, the basslines are distorted, and the overall atmosphere is much darker and more dystopian.
  • Key Artists: Carpenter Brut, Perturbator, Dan Terminus.

Dreamwave: Ethereal, Melancholic, and Mellow ☁️

Also known as dream pop or synthpop, dreamwave is the softer, more introspective side of the genre.

  • The Sound: Characterized by lush, atmospheric pads, slower tempos, and a focus on emotion and nostalgia. It’s less about driving and more about dreaming.
  • Key Artists: The Midnight, Timecop1983, Electric Youth.

Vaporwave vs. Synthwave: What’s the Difference, Really? 🤔

This is a common point of confusion! While both genres are rooted in 80s/90s nostalgia, their approach is very different.

Feature Synthwave Vaporwave
Inspiration 80s action/sci-fi films, video games, pop 80s/90s corporate culture, muzak, smooth jazz, TV commercials
Vibe Earnest celebration, energetic, cinematic Ironic critique, surreal, chopped & screwed
Production Original compositions, clean, modern production Heavily sample-based, slowed-down, pitch-shifted
Aesthetic Neon grids, fast cars, sunsets Greco-Roman statues, Windows 95, Japanese characters

Think of it this way: Synthwave wants to be the 80s movie soundtrack. Vaporwave found the soundtrack on a warped VHS tape in a forgotten mall and is playing it back at half-speed.

Retrowave and Chillwave: Cousins in the Electronic Sound Family 🤝

  • Retrowave: This is often used as a broader umbrella term that encompasses synthwave and all its subgenres. For most people, retrowave and synthwave mean the same thing.
  • Chillwave: Emerging around the same time, chillwave shares a nostalgic, synth-heavy sound but leans more towards a lo-fi, hazy, and psychedelic vibe. Think Washed Out or Toro y Moi. It’s the sound of a lazy, sun-bleached summer afternoon, while synthwave is the sound of that same night.

🎤 Essential Artists and Albums: Your Synthwave Starter Pack and Beyond

Video: ‘Back To The 80’s’ | Marvel83′ Edition | Best of Synthwave And Retro Electro Music Mix.

Ready to dive in? The synthwave scene is vast, but here are the essential artists and albums that every fan should know. This is your roadmap to the grid.

The Pioneers: Who Kicked Off the Retro Revolution? 🎸

These are the artists who laid the groundwork and helped define the genre’s sound in the mid-to-late 2000s.

  • Kavinsky: Often described as a “synthwave pioneer,” his 2010 EP Nightcall became the genre’s anthem after its inclusion in Drive. His album OutRun is a masterclass in the driving, cinematic style.
  • College (David Grellier): Another key figure from the early French scene, his track “A Real Hero” (with Electric Youth) was the other breakout hit from Drive.
  • Mitch Murder: Known for his incredible ability to perfectly replicate the sound of 80s production, his work feels like a lost soundtrack from the era.
  • Lazerhawk: A master of the classic outrun sound, with a sci-fi edge.

Modern Maestros: Keeping the Flame Alive and Evolving 🔥

These artists took the foundation and pushed it in new, exciting directions, helping to popularize the genre throughout the 2010s.

  • Carpenter Brut: A “synthwave icon” known for his dark, heavy, and aggressive take on the genre, blending it with metal and industrial influences. His live shows are legendary.
  • Perturbator: Another titan of the darksynth scene, James Kent creates dense, cyberpunk-inspired soundscapes that are both brutal and beautiful.
  • The Midnight: This duo has become one of the biggest names in synthwave by focusing on pop songwriting, saxophone solos, and a powerful sense of romantic nostalgia. They are a gateway for many new fans.
  • Timecop1983: The king of dreamwave, his music is pure, heartfelt nostalgia, perfect for introspective moments.

Top Albums You Must Hear to Understand the Genre 💿

If you only listen to a handful of albums to “get” synthwave, make it these:

  1. Kavinsky – OutRun (2013): The quintessential outrun album. It’s a concept album that tells the story of a phantom driver, and it’s pure, high-octane fun.
  2. The Midnight – Endless Summer (2016): A perfect blend of pop hooks and dreamy synth textures. This album captures the feeling of a perfect summer night like nothing else.
  3. Carpenter Brut – Trilogy (2015): A compilation of his first three EPs, this is the definitive darksynth experience. It’s heavy, relentless, and unbelievably cool.
  4. Timecop1983 – Journeys (2014): The ultimate dreamwave album. It’s melancholic, beautiful, and will transport you to another time and place.
  5. Drive (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (2011): While not a traditional artist album, this collection is so influential that it’s essential listening. It’s the spark that lit the mainstream synthwave fire.

🛠️ Creating Your Own Synthwave: A Producer’s Guide to Retro Sound Design

Video: 🎧★★★ Synthwave – Retrowave – Retro Electro Livestream ★★★🎧.

Feeling inspired? The good news is that you don’t need a room full of vintage hardware to start making your own synthwave tracks. Here’s a guide to getting that authentic retro sound with modern tools.

Your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is your studio. While any DAW will work, some are particularly popular in the electronic music community.

  • DAWs:
    • Ableton Live: Fantastic for its workflow and powerful built-in instruments.
    • FL Studio: A favorite among electronic producers for its intuitive pattern-based sequencer.
    • Logic Pro X: A powerhouse for Mac users with a massive library of sounds and plugins.

The real magic comes from the virtual instruments (VSTs) that emulate classic hardware.

  • Essential VST Synthesizers:

    • U-He Diva: Famous for its incredibly accurate analog synth emulations. A go-to for warm pads and basses.
    • Arturia V Collection: A massive bundle of classic synth and keyboard emulations, including the Juno-106, Jupiter-8, and DX7.
    • TAL-U-NO-LX: A beloved and affordable emulation of the Roland Juno-60, perfect for those classic synthwave arpeggios and pads.

  • Essential VST Effects:

    • Valhalla VintageVerb: A fantastic reverb plugin for getting those lush, cavernous 80s spaces and, of course, gated reverb.
    • RC-20 Retro Color: A multi-effect plugin that adds vinyl crackle, tape saturation, and other lo-fi textures to make your clean digital sounds feel authentically old.

👉 Shop Music Production Software on:

Essential Hardware Synths and Drum Machines: The Analog Edge 🥁

If you want to go hands-on, there are plenty of modern hardware options that won’t break the bank.

  • Behringer: This company has become famous for creating affordable clones of classic synths like the Model D (Minimoog), Neutron, and DeepMind (Juno-inspired).
  • Korg: The Minilogue and MicroKorg are incredibly popular and powerful analog synths that are perfect for synthwave.
  • Roland: Their Boutique series offers compact digital recreations of their most famous machines, like the JU-06A (Juno) and TR-08 (808).

Mixing and Mastering for that Authentic Retro Sound 🎚️

  1. Start with the Drums: Get your kick and snare hitting hard. Use that gated reverb on the snare!
  2. Build the Foundation: Bring in the bassline. Use sidechain compression to duck the bass slightly whenever the kick drum hits, creating a pumping rhythm.
  3. Add the Atmosphere: Layer in your lush synth pads. Don’t be afraid to drench them in reverb.
  4. Write the Melody: Make your lead synth soar above everything else. It should be clear, powerful, and memorable.
  5. Add Ear Candy: Sprinkle in arpeggios, synth bells, and other small details to keep the track interesting.
  6. Mastering: When mastering, aim for a sound that’s loud and punchy but not overly harsh. Some producers even run their final mix through a tape emulation plugin to add a final touch of analog warmth.

Finding Inspiration and Developing Your Unique Synthwave Style ✨

Listen to the pioneers, but don’t just copy them. What story do you want to tell? Is it a high-speed chase, a melancholic reflection, or a cyberpunk adventure? The synthwave toolkit is versatile. Experiment with blending it with other genres. What would synthwave-metal sound like? Or synthwave-funk? The future of the genre is in your hands.

🎮 Synthwave in Pop Culture: Beyond the Music and into the Mainstream

Video: Nightclub 80’s 🕺 Retrowave Cyberpunk ✨ A Chillwave Synthwave Mix for The All Nighter.

Synthwave’s influence has bled far beyond niche music communities. Its potent blend of nostalgia and futuristic cool has made it a go-to choice for creators looking to evoke a specific mood.

Video Games: Pixelated Perfection and Driving Soundtracks 🕹️

Video games and synthwave are a match made in heaven. The genre’s roots are deeply intertwined with the 8-bit and 16-bit soundtracks of the 80s and 90s.

  • Hotline Miami (2012): This ultra-violent, top-down shooter is arguably as important as Drive for the genre’s popularity. Its pulsating soundtrack, featuring artists like Perturbator, M.O.O.N., and Scattle, is a perfect, adrenaline-fueled companion to the neon-soaked gameplay.
  • Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon (2013): This standalone expansion was a full-throated love letter to 80s action movies, and its soundtrack by Power Glove is a masterpiece of the genre.
  • Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002): While it predates the genre, the game’s 80s setting and incredible radio stations were a major inspiration for many early synthwave producers.

Film and TV: Soundtracks, Visual Homages, and Storytelling 📺

  • Stranger Things (2016-Present): The show’s opening theme, composed by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein, is pure synthwave perfection. The entire score is a masterclass in using retro synths to build tension and atmosphere, and it introduced the sound to millions.
  • Thor: Ragnarok (2017): Director Taika Waititi and composer Mark Mothersbaugh leaned heavily into a synth-heavy, 80s-inspired score that gave the film a unique and vibrant energy.
  • The Rise of the Synths (2019): A documentary about the genre itself, narrated by the legendary John Carpenter, which is a must-watch for any fan.

Art and Design: The Digital Canvas of Retro-Futurism 🖼️

The synthwave aesthetic has become a popular style in digital art and graphic design. Artists like Beeple (before his NFT fame) and countless others on platforms like Instagram and ArtStation have adopted the neon grids, chrome logos, and surreal landscapes, creating a vibrant visual culture that exists alongside the music.

📈 The Enduring Appeal: Why Synthwave Continues to Thrive and Captivate

Video: Night Drive 1985 – Cruising Through Synthwave Heaven.

Why has a genre based on a decade that ended over 30 years ago remained so popular? It’s more than just a passing trend. We at Synth Pop™ believe its longevity comes down to a few key factors.

Nostalgia for a Bygone Era (Even if You Weren’t There!) 🕰️

Synthwave taps into a powerful emotion: nostalgia. For those who grew up in the 80s, it’s a direct line back to their childhood. But for the majority of fans, who are millennials and Gen Z, it’s a nostalgia for an era they never experienced. It’s a romanticized, idealized version of the 80s—the 80s of movies and video games, without any of the real-world problems. It’s a comforting, escapist fantasy.

Escapism and World-Building: A Soundtrack for Your Imagination 🌌

The largely instrumental nature of synthwave allows it to be a blank canvas for the listener. It’s the perfect soundtrack for working, studying, gaming, or just zoning out. The music doesn’t tell you what to feel with explicit lyrics; it creates a world and invites you to live in it for a while. It transforms a mundane commute into a scene from Blade Runner.

Community and Connection: The Global Synthwave Scene 🌐

Despite its mainstream moments, synthwave remains a primarily underground genre. This has fostered a passionate and dedicated global community. Fans connect on platforms like YouTube, Bandcamp, Reddit, and Discord, sharing new music, art, and a collective love for the aesthetic. This sense of belonging to a niche but thriving scene is a huge part of its appeal.

✅ Common Misconceptions About Synthwave Debunked

Video: 1 9 8 9 ＦRＥQ U E Ｎ C Y // Synthwave, Cyberwave, Retrowave, Chillsynth.

As with any genre, some myths and misunderstandings float around. Let’s clear the air on a few common ones.

❌ It’s Just 80s Music Rehashed

This is the biggest one. While the inspiration is the 80s, the execution is modern. Synthwave producers use contemporary production techniques, resulting in a sound that is often wider, cleaner, and more powerful than actual 80s music. It’s a tribute, not a carbon copy.

❌ It’s Only for Gamers or Niche Audiences

While the gaming community is a huge part of the fanbase, the genre’s appeal is much broader. The success of artists like The Midnight, who have a huge following outside of gaming circles, and the use of synthwave in mainstream shows like Stranger Things prove that its emotional and atmospheric qualities resonate with a wide range of listeners.

❌ It’s a Fleeting Trend That Won’t Last

People have been saying this for over a decade! The genre has proven its staying power by constantly evolving. From the early outrun sounds to the rise of darksynth and the pop-infused stylings of dreamwave, synthwave is not a static entity. It continues to grow and attract new artists and fans, ensuring that the retro future is here to stay.

💡 Synthwave for Beginners: How to Dive Into the Grid 🚦

Video: 1 9 8 8 ＦＥＥＬＩＮＧ // Synthwave, Spacewave, Chillsynth, Lovewave.

Feeling the pull of the neon? Welcome! Getting into synthwave is easy and incredibly rewarding. Here’s your guide to taking the first step.

Where to Listen: Streaming, YouTube, Bandcamp, and Beyond 🎧

  • YouTube: This is the heart of the synthwave community. Channels like NewRetroWave and RetroSynth are essential for discovering new music. You’ll also find countless 24/7 radio streams, like the fantastic “ChillSynth FM” video embedded above, which is perfect for work or relaxation. You can check out that helpful video here.
  • Spotify & Apple Music: Most major synthwave artists are on streaming platforms. Look for curated playlists like “Synthwave From Space” or “RetroWave / Outrun” to get started.
  • Bandcamp: This is the best place to directly support artists. Many artists release their music on Bandcamp first, often with exclusive tracks or physical media like vinyl and cassettes.

Discovering New Artists and Labels: Expanding Your Horizons 🔍

Once you’ve found a few artists you like, the discovery process becomes a joy.

  • Follow the Labels: Labels like Rosso Corsa Records, Lazerdiscs Records, and FiXT Neon are great curators of the genre.
  • Check the “Fans Also Like” Section: On Spotify and Bandcamp, this is your best friend for finding similar-sounding artists.
  • Join the Community: The r/outrun subreddit is a fantastic place to find new tracks, art, and connect with other fans.

Attending Live Shows and Festivals: Experience the Energy 🎉

Seeing a synthwave artist live is an incredible experience. Artists like Carpenter Brut, The Midnight, and Perturbator put on amazing shows with stunning visual displays. Keep an eye out for tours coming to your city or for dedicated festivals that bring together multiple artists from the scene. It’s the ultimate way to immerse yourself in the world of synthwave.

Conclusion: The Future is Retro, and It Sounds Amazing 🚀

A red sky with a line of power lines in the distance

There you have it—a full-throttle tour through the neon-lit highways of synthwave, the genre that’s equal parts homage and innovation. From its roots in 80s cinema and video games to its sprawling subgenres like outrun and darksynth, synthwave is a vibrant, evolving scene that continues to captivate listeners worldwide.

Synthwave is not just a nostalgic echo; it’s a living, breathing genre that blends vintage sounds with modern production, creating a unique sonic experience that’s both familiar and fresh. Whether you’re cruising through the outrun subgenre’s high-octane beats or diving into the moody atmospheres of dreamwave, there’s a synthwave soundscape waiting for you.

For producers, the barrier to entry is lower than ever, with powerful software plugins and affordable hardware making it possible to craft authentic retro sounds from your bedroom. And for fans, the community is welcoming and rich with discovery, from iconic pioneers like Kavinsky and College to modern icons like Carpenter Brut and The Midnight.

Remember the question we teased earlier: Is synthwave just 80s music rehashed? Absolutely not! It’s a creative reinterpretation that honors the past while pushing boundaries. So, whether you’re a nostalgic 80s kid or a curious newcomer, synthwave offers a dazzling, immersive world to explore.

Ready to plug in, power up your synths, and ride the neon wave? We’re with you all the way.

Ready to build your synthwave setup or dive deeper into the genre? Here are some must-have tools and resources:

Hardware Synthesizers and Drum Machines

Software Synth Plugins and DAWs

Books on Synthwave and 80s Music Culture

  • Retromania: Pop Culture’s Addiction to Its Own Past by Simon Reynolds
    Amazon
  • The Synthwave Handbook by various authors (check latest editions on Amazon)
    Amazon

FAQ: Burning Questions About Synthwave Answered 🔥

purple and white concrete building

What is synthwave music and how did it originate?

Synthwave is an electronic music microgenre that emerged in the mid-to-late 2000s, heavily inspired by the sounds and aesthetics of the 1980s. It draws from 80s action, sci-fi, and horror film scores, video game music, and synth-pop, aiming to recreate and celebrate the era’s atmosphere with a modern twist. The French electronic scene played a pivotal role in its birth, with artists like Kavinsky and College pioneering the sound.

Read more about “YouTube Synthwave Boy: 10 Retro Beats You Can’t Miss in 2025 🚀”

Who are the top synthwave artists to listen to?

Some of the most influential and beloved synthwave artists include:

  • Kavinsky: The face of outrun synthwave, famous for “Nightcall.”
  • College: Known for “A Real Hero,” featured in Drive.
  • Carpenter Brut: Dark, aggressive darksynth pioneer.
  • The Midnight: Dreamwave duo blending pop and nostalgia.
  • Perturbator: Cyberpunk and industrial darksynth maestro.
  • Mitch Murder: Classic outrun sound with pristine production.

Read more about “Synth Pop Uncovered: 25 Essential Tracks & Secrets 🎹 (2025)”

How does synthwave differ from synth pop?

While both genres use synthesizers heavily, synth pop originated in the late 70s and 80s as a mainstream pop genre with catchy vocals and traditional song structures. Synthwave is a modern homage to the 80s, often instrumental or with heavily processed vocals, focusing on cinematic, atmospheric soundscapes inspired by film scores and video games rather than pop radio hits. For more on synth pop classics, check out our 80s Synth Pop category.

Read more about “What Is Synthwave Art Style? 10 Neon Elements You Must Know ⚡️ (2025)”

What are the key characteristics of synthwave music?

  • Use of analog-style synthesizers and vintage drum machines.
  • Gated reverb on snares for that iconic 80s punch.
  • Driving basslines and mid-tempo beats (80-118 BPM).
  • Melodic, memorable synth leads and lush atmospheric pads.
  • Themes of nostalgia, sci-fi, cyberpunk, and escapism.

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How can I create my own synthwave tracks?

Start with a DAW like Ableton Live, FL Studio, or Logic Pro X. Use synth plugins such as U-He Diva or Arturia V Collection to emulate classic 80s synths. Incorporate drum machine samples or plugins (LinnDrum, TR-808). Apply gated reverb on snares, sidechain compression on pads and bass, and focus on crafting strong melodic hooks. Experiment with layering atmospheric pads and arpeggios. For detailed tips, see our Producer’s Guide.

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What movies and video games feature synthwave soundtracks?

  • Drive (2011): Soundtrack featuring Kavinsky and College.
  • Stranger Things (Netflix series): Synth-heavy score by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein.
  • Hotline Miami (2012) and Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon (2013): Games with iconic synthwave soundtracks.
  • Blade Runner (1982): Vangelis’s score is a major influence.
  • Thor: Ragnarok (2017): Synth-inspired score by Mark Mothersbaugh.

Synthwave perfectly encapsulates the retro-futuristic aesthetic—a vision of the future imagined from the 80s perspective. Its neon-lit, chrome-drenched visuals and cinematic soundscapes resonate with fans of cyberpunk, nostalgia, and escapism. It offers a sense of belonging to a passionate community and a sonic escape from the modern world’s complexities.

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What are the best synthwave albums to start with?

  • OutRun by Kavinsky
  • Endless Summer by The Midnight
  • Trilogy by Carpenter Brut
  • Journeys by Timecop1983
  • Drive Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Dive in, explore, and let the synthwave soundscape take you on a ride you won’t forget!

Jacob
Jacob

Jacob is a music producer and award-winning sound designer leading the editorial vision at Synth Pop™, the destination for news, insights, and recommendations across synth-pop and electronic music. He oversees artist features, concert and tour coverage, deep-dive histories, and playlist-ready song spotlights—bringing a studio-honed ear to every story and championing the next wave alongside the icons.

In the studio, Jacob crafts records and immersive soundscapes for film, games, and interactive experiences; in the magazine, he translates that same precision into clear, gear-savvy writing that helps listeners hear what makes a track tick—arrangement, synthesis, and mix decisions included. When he’s not editing or producing, you’ll find him digging for rare drum machines, designing chorus-soaked patches, or scouting emerging scenes for tomorrow’s headliners.

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