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What This site is About
Hello world
My name is Sonya Marlene (also called Retro Sonya). This site isn't just about me. Here is what I do and the values that will be reflecting in my work!
About Me
I have a couple of dreams that I would like to share. I am a singer/songwriter and video game artist. It has been a lifelong dream to create my own songs and my own video games. I have been writing my own songs since age 14. In my 20s, I discovered how to compose songs electronically and have been doing so ever since.
Today I am going full fledged with it and am now producing my own music albums. I will be publishing one song at a time on my YouTube channel which will consist of Retro EDM with German culture influences. So check it out here.
The video game path has been a bit more complicated, as it was a medium that required a lot of education. I pursued my "Game Art Bachelor's Degree" at Full Sail University in 2016 and graduated in 2019. Today I am pursuing Game entrepreneurship! If you would like to see what I can do, be sure to visit my Artstation page!
What I do!
Electronica (Genre), Synthwave (Niche), Dreamwave (Microniche)
Dreamwave?Think of what Sleepthief would have sounded like in the 80s. That's my micro niche! Sleepthief's music is often associated with electronic, ambient, and downtempo genres, featuring ethereal vocals and a dreamy atmosphere. Combining Sleepthief's style with Synthwave could be described as "Dreamwave." These labels would indicate a fusion of Sleepthief's atmospheric and melodic qualities with the nostalgic and retro-futuristic elements of Synthwave. The specific genre label can vary based on the characteristics of the music, but these terms generally capture the essence of the combination. I do upbeat New Wave as well!
Game Art, Game Dev, and Game Programming
Music isn't the only thing I do. The secondary thing I will be showcasing on this site is my original synthwave stories and video games. I am a professional game artist who is at the start of her career and I have worked hard for years to get where I am today. I am currently participating in volunteer game projects on my spare time and have helped work on game characters for already published games on steam. You can check out Space Beastz on Steam, which goes with the Retro vibe! The most current game I have published is a VR game called "Foothold" which is the third game with the Christian Game Developers Community! You'll need a VR headset to play that, of course. Check it out!
Dreamwave Examples
What values I reflect!
Bio-Sphere/Culture
Synthwave culture is a retro-futuristic movement that draws inspiration from the music, aesthetics, and pop culture of the 1980s. It's a vibrant fusion of electronic music, neon-soaked visuals, and a nostalgic yearning for the past, often infused with futuristic optimism. Synthwave enthusiasts embrace the iconic sound of synthesizers, drum machines, and a sense of longing for the bygone era of analog technology. This subculture not only reveres the music but also pays homage to '80s movie aesthetics, video games, and cyberpunk themes, creating a distinctive blend of music, art, and nostalgia that celebrates the spirit of an era that existed in the past, and continues to captivate the imagination of a new generation.
I also sprinkle a little German fashion in the mix as well. Think of Neon Dirndls with 80s hair!
Christian EDM?
The Christian music industry has long suffered from a notable lack of diversity, both in terms of musical genres and representation. This needs a change. For years, (EDM) Electronic Dance Music; had been frowned down upon by the Christian community because of the way it had been used in secular media. However, it's crucial to recognize that EDM, like any genre, can be a powerful and uplifting medium for conveying faith and positivity. Embracing musical diversity within the Christian music industry not only serves as a means to connect with a wider audience but also reflects the rich tapestry of talents and expressions within the faith, ultimately helping artists stand out and share their messages of love, hope, and even the gospel more effectively to a new generation of music fans.
Carlsbad High School, 2001
Why Christian EDM?
(("Wow Sonya, it is RARE to come across a Christian EDM artist!"))
But why? There aren't very many Christian EDM artists and there is a reason. Just as Anime, EDM has been frowned down upon because of the way it has been used in the secular media.
I asked myself: "How in the world am I going to convince these people that EDM can be used for good, too?" Here I am breaking all of the negative stereotypes!
Embark on a transcendent journey through the pulsating beats of Synthwave EDM, where the rhythm of faith intertwines with the echoes of dreams. 🎶✨ As a trailblazing Christian EDM artist, I've shattered stereotypes, proving that the synthesizers and bass drops can be a vessel for divine inspiration.
In a world enamored with fleeting fame, hollow riches, and superficial pleasures, I've discovered a profound truth—true purpose emanates from a connection with our Creator. Money fades, materialism crumbles, but the melodies of purpose, dreams, and hope orchestrated by God endure.
Imagine a symphony where your dreams are not just aspirations but divine blueprints, intricately designed by the Creator Himself. Why settle for the applause of men when you can dance to the celestial tunes of your unique purpose?
Join me on this odyssey of faith, where Synthwave beats meet Christian values, and every pulsating note resonates with the promises of a higher calling. Subscribe to the Newsletter and be immersed in a fusion of Synthwave, Retro art, German culture, and the eternal rhythms of faith. Don't miss a beat—discover the soundtrack to a life filled with purpose and divine melodies! 🚀🎹 #SynthwaveFaith #DivineMelodies #ChristianEDM
About the
RetroSonya
rebrand.
The "Synthwave Sleepthief"
Retro Sonya, formerly known as Sonya Marlene, did not originally start out as a synthwave artist, but later rebranded her music to Dreamwave Synthwave, inspired by her love for the 80s and Pure Moods. While still incorporating her original electronica music genre, which was similar to Sleepthief's dreamy electronica atmosphere; she has put an 80s twist on her already existing electronic music genre making a dreamy experience with retro vibes that can be enjoyed by 80s fans everywhere.
Why the rebrand? Choosing a micro-niche and culture for your music style is crucial for proper identification by potential listeners and fans of that niche. Explore her music and gain a new Dreamwave Synthwave experience!
Where Neon Dreams and Vintage Beats Collide! 🌟🎶"!
RetroSonya.com
Dreamwave
For His Glory
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