Rise of the Synthwave: Popularity of the Retrowave and Origins

Origins of the Synthwave

The synthwave genre has its origins in the early 1980s, when a new type of electronic music emerged from the combination of electronic instruments, such as synthesizers, and the new sounds of disco and funk. This music was often called “synthpop” and was pioneered by artists like Kraftwerk, Human League, and Depeche Mode.

The synthwave genre began to emerge in the late 2000s, when a new generation of artists began to experiment with the sounds of the early 1980s. This new music was often called “retro synthpop” or “synthwave” and was characterized by its nostalgic sound and its references to the 1980s.

The synthwave genre has continued to grow in popularity in the 2010s, and it has become one of the most popular genres of electronic music.

The Golden Age of the Synthwave

 While the early days of the synthwave scene were marked by a handful of anonymous producers releasing music online for free, the genre has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with artists achieving mainstream success and synthwave festivals drawing large crowds.

So why is synthwave so popular right now?

There are a few factors that have contributed to the resurgence of synthwave. Firstly, the internet has made it easier for artists to share their music with a wider audience. Social media platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud have helped to spread the word about synthwave artists, and the genre has also gained popularity through streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music.

Secondly, the sound of synthwave is very evocative of the 1980s, a time when many people feel nostalgia for. The retro aesthetics of the genre are

The Revival of the Synthwave:

The style was pioneered by French artist Jean-Michel Jarre, and became popular in the early 2010s. In recent years, the synthwave genre has experienced a revival, with new artists emerging and older artists gaining mainstream attention.

Synthwave music is typically instrumental, and often features analog synthesizers, drum machines, and other vintage electronic instruments. While the genre has its roots in electronic music, it can also incorporate elements of rock and pop music. The vocals are typically sung in a style that evokes the 1980s, and the lyrics often reflect themes of nostalgia and retrofuturism.

The synthwave revival began in earnest in 2012, with the release of the album “Drive” by French artist Kavinsky. The album was a commercial success, and helped to popularize the synthwave genre.

The Future of the Synthwave

The future of synthwave is looking very bright. The genre has been growing in popularity in recent years, and there are no signs of it slowing down. There are a number of factors that have contributed to the rise of synthwave, and it seems likely that these will continue to fuel the genre's growth in the years to come.

One of the most important factors in the rise of synthwave has been the increasing availability of affordable synthesisers and other electronic music-making equipment. In the past, creating synth-based music was often prohibitively expensive for all but the most dedicated hobbyists. However, as technology has become more affordable, more people have been able to get into making synth-based music. This has led to a wider range of sounds and styles being explored within the genre, and has helped to make it more accessible to new listeners.

Another factor that has played a role in the rise of synthwave is the increasing popularity of retro culture. In recent years there has been a growing interest in all things '80s, and this has had a big impact on the synthwave scene. More and more people are looking to the '80s for inspiration, both musically and aesthetically. This has led to a resurgence in popularity for many of the classic synths and drum machines that were used during that decade, as well as a new wave of artists taking influence from '80s pop culture icons like John Carpenter and Vangelis.

So what does the future hold for synthwave? It seems likely that the genre will continue to grow in popularity, both within the electronic music scene and beyond. With more people than ever before making music with synthesizers, we can expect to hear an even wider range of sounds and styles being explored in the years to come. So whatever your taste in music, keep your eyes peeled for some exciting new synthwave sounds!