In recent years, Retrowave and Synthwave have carved a unique niche in the music world, transporting listeners back to the neon-lit streets and sci-fi dreams of the 1980s. These genres don’t just recreate the sounds of the decade—they celebrate the whole aesthetic, from the pulsing synthesizers to the retro-futuristic visuals. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, there are key distinctions between them that we’ll explore in this article.
What Are Synthwave and Retrowave?
- Synthwave: This genre emerged in the mid-2000s as a tribute to the 1980s, heavily inspired by the music, movies, and video games of that era. It combines the sounds of synthpop, new wave, and iconic 80s film soundtracks. Synthwave evokes the feeling of a "retro future"—a version of tomorrow imagined by those living in the 80s, filled with neon lights, flying cars, and synthesizers. It’s music that blends nostalgia with a futuristic edge.
- Retrowave: While retrowave is often seen as a sub-genre of synthwave, it has a more focused mission: to recreate and mimic the exact styles of 80s music and culture. This doesn’t just apply to the music—it spans fashion, film, and art, all drenched in an authentic 80s aesthetic. Retrowave is like a time capsule, encapsulating the true essence of 1980s trends.
Key Differences Between Synthwave and Retrowave
| Feature | Synthwave | Retrowave |
|---|---|---|
| Origins | Emerged in the mid-2000s | Sub-genre of Synthwave |
| Influences | Draws from 80s pop, sci-fi, and horror | Mimics original 80s music styles |
| Sound | Heavily synthesizer-based, upbeat | Can vary, often very close to 80s hits |
| Visual Aesthetics | Neon colors, cyberpunk, retro-futurism | True-to-form 80s nostalgia |
While synthwave envisions the 80s as an imagined, futuristic landscape, retrowave fully immerses itself in the actual aesthetics and sounds of the decade.
Musical Elements
Both genres are defined by their use of synthesizers and drum machines, borrowing heavily from the technology of the 80s. Classic analog synthesizers, such as the Roland Juno-106, create warm, vintage textures, while digital synths like the Yamaha DX7 bring a crisp, futuristic tone. These instruments are combined with iconic 80s sounds—thumping basslines, dreamy chords, and pulsating rhythms—to craft the distinctive soundscapes that fans adore.
Cultural Influence
The rise of these genres is not just limited to music—they’ve been embraced by film, TV, and video games, giving rise to a resurgence of 80s nostalgia in modern culture. Here are some standout examples of retrowave and synthwave’s influence:
- Movies: The film Drive helped push synthwave into the mainstream, featuring tracks like Kavinsky’s "Nightcall" that perfectly captured the retro vibe.
- TV Shows: The massive popularity of Stranger Things played a big role in reviving the synth-heavy, eerie sound of the 80s, helping to bring both genres to a wider audience.
- Video Games: Titles like Hotline Miami and Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon have infused synthwave and retrowave into their soundtracks, enhancing the feeling of playing through an 80s-inspired action movie.
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Key Artists Shaping the Genres
A number of influential artists have come to define the synthwave and retrowave scenes. Some key names include:
- Kavinsky: Best known for his iconic track "Nightcall," Kavinsky’s music fuses the melancholic, futuristic soundscapes of synthwave with a cinematic edge.
- Perturbator: His music dives into darker territories, drawing from horror film soundtracks and creating a gritty, intense atmosphere that contrasts with the more upbeat side of synthwave.
- Carpenter Brut: Known for blending synthwave with heavy metal, Carpenter Brut adds a fierce energy to the genre, pushing the boundaries of its sound.
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Conclusion
Synthwave and retrowave are far more than nostalgic trends—they are vibrant, evolving genres that honor the legacy of the 1980s while looking ahead to new frontiers. Whether you’re drawn to the dreamy futurism of synthwave or the faithful revival of retrowave, both genres offer an immersive, auditory trip through time. As they continue to find new audiences through film, television, and gaming, their influence shows no sign of fading.
Stay tuned to these genres if you want to feel the pulse of the past and the future, all in one beat.