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Synthwave, a genre that emerged from the nostalgic embrace of 1980s aesthetics, has not only captured the hearts of retro enthusiasts but has also spawned a rich tapestry of subgenres, each with its unique characteristics and influences. Here we'll delve into the diverse micro-genres that have emerged within the broader realm of synthwave.
Outrun: Cruising down the Neon-Lit Highways
Outrun, often considered the quintessential synthwave subgenre, draws inspiration from the neon-soaked visuals of 1980s arcade games and action films. Characterized by pulsating beats, driving basslines, and uplifting melodies, Outrun encapsulates the exhilarating experience of speeding down futuristic highways in a high-performance vehicle. Artists like Kavinsky and Power Glove are synonymous with this electrifying subgenre.
Kavinsky - "Nightcall"
"Nightcall" by Kavinsky is a classic Outrun track that gained popularity as the theme song for the movie "Drive." It features a driving beat, retro synthesizers, and a distinct '80s vibe that captures the essence of the Outrun subgenre.
Power Glove - "Streets of 2043"
Power Glove is known for their energetic and cinematic approach to synthwave. "Streets of 2043" is an Outrun track that combines pulsating beats with futuristic synth sounds, creating a high-energy and dynamic experience reminiscent of racing through neon-lit city streets.
Dark Synth: A Dive into the Shadows
In contrast to the bright and optimistic tones of Outrun, Dark Synth takes a plunge into the shadows of the '80s. This subgenre embraces a darker, more menacing atmosphere, often accompanied by haunting synth melodies and heavy, industrial beats. Perturbator and Carpenter Brut are notable figures in the Dark Synth scene, crafting soundscapes that evoke a sense of cyberpunk dystopia.
Perturbator - "She Is Young, She Is Beautiful, She Is Next"
Perturbator is a key figure in the Dark Synth subgenre, and this track exemplifies the dark, menacing atmosphere often associated with the style. It features heavy, industrial beats, distorted synths, and an overall sense of cyberpunk dystopia.
Carpenter Brut - "Turbo Killer"
Carpenter Brut is known for his intense and dark take on synthwave. "Turbo Killer" is a cinematic and powerful track that blends dark synthwave with elements of metal. The accompanying music video adds a visual dimension to the dark, futuristic narrative of the music.
Dreamwave: Soaring Through Ethereal Soundscapes
Dreamwave, as the name suggests, is the dreamier side of synthwave. It embraces lush, ethereal soundscapes, smooth melodies, and a sense of nostalgia that transports listeners to a utopian version of the past. The Midnight and FM-84 are pioneers of Dreamwave, crafting music that feels like a soundtrack for a nostalgic daydream. Here are 2 examples.
The Midnight - "Vampires"
The Midnight is a prominent group in the Dreamwave subgenre. "Vampires" is a track that embodies the dreamy and nostalgic qualities of Dreamwave, featuring smooth vocals, lush synths, and a sense of cinematic grandeur.
FM-84 - "Running in the Night" (feat. Ollie Wride)
FM-84's "Running in the Night" is a quintessential Dreamwave track that captures the essence of '80s nostalgia. With its soaring melodies, romantic vocals, and atmospheric production, the song transports listeners to a dreamy and ethereal soundscape.
Chillwave: Synthwave's Relaxing Side
Chillwave takes a more laid-back approach to synthwave, incorporating slower tempos and relaxed beats. It often incorporates elements of ambient music, creating a mellow and introspective vibe. Timecop1983 and Le Matos, with their atmospheric and emotionally resonant tracks, exemplify the Chillwave subgenre. Here are 2 examples:
Timecop1983 - "Girl"
Timecop1983 often explores the more relaxed and introspective side of synthwave. "Girl" is a chillwave-influenced track that features smooth melodies, dreamy atmospheres, and a laid-back vibe. It's a perfect example of the chillwave subgenre within synthwave.
Le Matos - "No Tomorrow"
Le Matos, known for their work on the Turbo Kid soundtrack, often incorporates chillwave elements into their music. "No Tomorrow" is a track that combines nostalgic synth sounds with a mellow and atmospheric quality, creating a chillwave experience within the synthwave genre.
Cyberpunk: Merging Synthwave with Futuristic Dystopia
Cyberpunk synthwave takes the genre into a futuristic dystopian setting, blending the nostalgia of the '80s with a vision of a high-tech, gritty future. Artists like Dynatron and Dance with the Dead infuse their music with a sense of urgency, combining synthwave elements with the cyberpunk aesthetic. Here are 2 examples.:
Dance with the Dead - "Andromeda"
Dance with the Dead is known for blending synthwave with a dark and cyberpunk aesthetic. "Andromeda" is a track that features intense, driving beats and a futuristic atmosphere, making it a standout example of Cyberpunk synthwave.
Dynatron - "The Legacy Collection"
Dynatron is a Danish synthwave artist whose music often explores cyberpunk themes. "The Legacy Collection" is a compilation of tracks that embody the essence of Cyberpunk synthwave, with its pulsating rhythms, cinematic elements, and a sense of dystopian futurism.
Spacewave: A Cosmic Synth Journey
Spacewave transports listeners to the vastness of outer space, drawing inspiration from sci-fi themes and cosmic exploration. With sweeping synthesizers and cosmic sound effects, artists like Lazerhawk and Waveshaper create music that feels like a soundtrack for interstellar adventures. Here are two examples:
Lazerhawk - "Space is the Place"
Lazerhawk is known for his contributions to the synthwave genre, and "Space is the Place" is a prime example of his spacewave style. The track features cosmic synthesizers and a futuristic atmosphere that immerses the listener in a space-themed sonic journey.
Waveshaper - "Artifact"
Waveshaper is another artist who excels in creating spacewave music. "Artifact" is a track that combines pulsating beats with expansive synth sounds, evoking a sense of space exploration. The futuristic and otherworldly elements in this song make it a great representation of the spacewave subgenre.
Conclusion:
Synthwave, with its myriad subgenres, offers a musical journey through time and space, from the neon-lit streets of the '80s to the far reaches of the cosmos. Whether you're in the mood for high-energy outrun beats or dreamy, nostalgic melodies, the world of synthwave has something to offer for every retro-futurism enthusiast. Explore these micro-genres, and let the synthesizers take you on a sonic voyage through the diverse landscapes of synthwave.
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