Feb 16, 2025

FM-84 – Emotional and Nostalgic Synthwave with Strong Vocals

If you’ve ever found yourself cruising down a highway at sunset, windows down, synth melodies humming in the background, and a deep sense of nostalgia washing over you—chances are, FM-84 was playing. This synthwave powerhouse has captured the hearts of retro music lovers worldwide, blending dreamy synth textures with passionate, evocative vocals.

But FM-84 isn’t just another artist in the synthwave scene. It’s an emotional journey. A time machine. A neon-lit drive through memories you haven’t even lived. And if that doesn’t sound poetic enough, just wait until you hear Running in the Night at full volume.

Let’s dive into the magic behind FM-84, the man behind the music, and why his work feels like a perfect blend of ‘80s nostalgia and modern production.

The Man Behind FM-84

FM-84 is the brainchild of Scottish musician and producer Col Bennett. Originally from the UK, Bennett relocated to California, where he found inspiration in the golden beaches, palm trees, and the sun-drenched aesthetic of the West Coast. The name FM-84 itself feels like a lost radio station from the past, broadcasting a never-ending loop of retro bliss.

His breakout album, Atlas, released in 2016, was an instant hit in the synthwave community. It wasn’t just another collection of retro-futuristic tracks; it was an emotional, cinematic experience. And a huge part of that magic? The vocals.

While many synthwave artists stick to instrumental tracks, FM-84 embraced full-fledged songwriting. Enter: Ollie Wride.

Ollie Wride – The Voice That Defines FM-84

If FM-84 is the engine, Ollie Wride is the fuel. His voice is pure ‘80s energy—powerful, emotional, and drenched in nostalgia. Think of a blend between classic new wave singers like Bryan Adams and cutting-edge modern synthpop vocalists. His collaboration with FM-84 turned already great instrumentals into timeless anthems.

"Running in the Night" – This song is an absolute banger. It’s the track that introduced many fans to FM-84, and for good reason. The lyrics, the soaring vocals, the driving beat—it all screams neon-soaked nostalgia. If you haven’t played this one on a late-night drive, you’re seriously missing out.
"Bend and Break" – A track that feels like a heartbreak montage from an ‘80s movie. Wride’s voice carries the emotional weight effortlessly.
"Never Stop" – An uplifting, danceable track that makes you feel like you’re in a training montage preparing to take on the world.

Ollie Wride didn’t just lend his voice—he became an integral part of the FM-84 identity. So much so that he later launched his own solo career (but more on that in part 2).

Why FM-84 Hits Different

FM-84 isn’t just about cool synth sounds. It’s about feeling. About evoking an emotional response that makes you wish you were living inside a coming-of-age movie set in 1985.

Here’s why FM-84 stands out in the synthwave scene:

Strong Vocals – Unlike many synthwave artists who keep it instrumental, FM-84 brings powerful songwriting and strong vocal performances.
Cinematic Storytelling – Every song feels like a scene from an ‘80s movie, whether it’s an action-packed chase or a tearjerking love story.
Polished Production – The balance of analog synths, guitar solos, and modern mixing gives FM-84 a timeless feel.

It’s no surprise that FM-84’s music pairs perfectly with retro aesthetics—just like the gear at Newretro.Net. Think about it: If FM-84’s music makes you feel like the main character in a neon-lit cyberpunk world, shouldn’t your outfit match? A vintage-inspired denim jacket, retro-futuristic sunglasses, or classic high-top sneakers could be the missing piece to your synthwave fantasy.

FM-84's Influence on Synthwave Culture

The synthwave scene is filled with incredible artists, but FM-84 brought something unique—heartfelt emotion. It’s not just about reviving ‘80s sounds; it’s about making people feel something.

You’ll see FM-84’s influence all over the place:

In Movies & TV Shows – Synthwave’s rise in mainstream media owes a lot to artists like FM-84, whose music perfectly captures the retro-futuristic aesthetic.
In Video Games – From cyberpunk shooters to racing games, FM-84’s sound is tailor-made for high-energy gaming moments.
In Fashion & Culture – Retro style has made a massive comeback, and the synthwave community embraces the ‘80s look—from leather jackets to neon-lit sunglasses.

So, whether you’re blasting Running in the Night while driving under city lights or throwing on a vintage bomber jacket from Newretro.Net, one thing is clear: FM-84 is more than music. It’s a lifestyle.

The Evolution of FM-84 and What’s Next

We’ve already established that FM-84 isn’t just music—it’s an experience. It’s the feeling of driving down a neon-lit boulevard, the wind in your hair, and the sound of pure nostalgia pulsing through your veins. But FM-84 didn’t stop with Atlas—and neither did Ollie Wride.

Let’s talk about what happened next, and where FM-84 is headed in the future.

Ollie Wride’s Solo Career – Breaking Free While Keeping the Vibe

After the massive success of Atlas, fans couldn’t get enough of that signature FM-84 sound—especially that voice. Ollie Wride, the vocal powerhouse behind Running in the Night, took this as an opportunity to launch his solo career.

And man, did he deliver.

Wride’s solo debut, Thanks in Advance (2019), felt like a natural continuation of FM-84’s sound but with even more theatrical energy. It was packed with big synths, emotional lyrics, and the kind of melodies that make you want to jump into a DeLorean and never look back.

Highlights include:

"Overcome" – If Rocky Balboa were an ‘80s synth hero, this would be his training montage anthem.
"Miracle Mile" – A song that makes you feel like you just won a race against the odds, complete with a final victorious fist pump in the air.
"Stranger Love" – A track that’s pure Miami Vice energy—sunglasses, fast cars, and a hint of danger.

Even though Ollie went solo, he didn’t leave FM-84 behind. The two artists still collaborate, and their connection remains strong.

FM-84 Live – The Synthwave Dream in Concert

If you thought FM-84’s music was powerful through your headphones, experiencing it live is a whole new level of epic.

Col Bennett and Ollie Wride teamed up for Atlas tours, bringing synthwave anthems to life in packed venues. Imagine hundreds of fans, all vibing to the same nostalgic energy, singing along to every word of Running in the Night—it’s pure magic.

FM-84’s live performances stand out because:

They mix live instruments with synth production, making the music even bigger.
Ollie Wride’s vocals are just as powerful (if not better) than in the recordings.
The energy is infectious—think of it as an ‘80s dream world, but in real life.

The FM-84 live experience isn’t just about music—it’s a gathering of a community that lives and breathes synthwave. Fans dress the part too—denim jackets, retro sneakers, and futuristic sunglasses. (Speaking of which, if you need to level up your synthwave wardrobe, you know where to look—Newretro.Net. Just saying.)

The Future of FM-84

So, what’s next for FM-84?

Col Bennett has hinted at new music, and the synthwave world is ready. After the massive success of Atlas, expectations are high, and fans are eager for another full-length album.

A few things we can probably expect:

More Collaborations – FM-84 has a history of working with amazing artists, and we might see new voices joining the journey.
Deeper Storytelling – Every FM-84 track feels cinematic, so we could see more concept-driven releases.
Bigger Live Shows – With synthwave growing in popularity, FM-84’s concerts are bound to get even more epic.

While we wait for what’s next, one thing is clear—FM-84 has cemented itself as a synthwave legend.

FM-84 and the Synthwave Lifestyle

FM-84 is more than just music. It’s part of a bigger movement—a love letter to the ‘80s, wrapped in neon lights and VHS static. And that aesthetic isn’t just in the sound—it’s in the fashion, the vibe, the culture.

That’s why brands like Newretro.Net exist—to bring the style of synthwave to life.

Think about it: If you’re blasting Running in the Night, wouldn’t it feel even better while rocking a classic retro leather jacket, some killer shades, and a pair of high-top sneakers straight out of a cyberpunk flick? Exactly.

FM-84’s music takes you back in time. The right outfit makes you feel like you belong there.

Final Thoughts

FM-84 isn’t just making music; they’re creating nostalgia. Every track feels like a moment frozen in time—a mix of longing, excitement, and that indescribable feeling of chasing something just out of reach.

Whether you’re here for the synths, the vocals, or just the vibe, FM-84 is proof that nostalgia isn’t just about looking back—it’s about bringing the past into the future.

And who knows? Maybe the next time you hit the road at sunset, FM-84 will be playing. The air will be warm, the city lights glowing in the distance. And for a moment, you’ll feel like the main character in a movie only you can see.

Now that’s synthwave.