Apr 19, 2025

Tommy '86 – French Touch Meets Synthwave Cool

Ah, France—the land of wine, cheese, romance... and surprisingly, some of the most electrifying synthwave music you'll ever hear. At the heart of that neon-drenched revolution is none other than Tommy '86, a name that's become synonymous with smooth synth vibes, retro-futuristic rhythms, and the kind of nostalgic euphoria that makes you want to cruise the streets in a DeLorean you definitely don't own.

Tommy '86 isn't just another name in the synthwave game. He’s a pioneer, a genre-bender, and—let’s be honest—probably the guy you’ve been unknowingly vibing to during those deep focus work sessions or late-night drives. His music feels like a time machine made out of synthesizers and good taste, fusing French electronic sophistication with the pulsing heart of retro-futurism.

Let’s rewind the tape and dig into what makes Tommy '86 a standout artist in the synthwave universe.

The Birth of a Retro Star

Tommy '86 hails from France, which makes perfect sense when you listen to his work. His sound borrows the elegance and precision of French electronic icons (think Daft Punk or Justice), but it’s soaked in the retro 80s spirit. He’s been around since the early days of the synthwave movement, releasing tracks that feel like they belong on a VHS tape cover—or better yet, a cyberpunk arcade machine.

He started gaining serious attention in the early 2010s with releases that felt like digital postcards from the past. These weren’t just nostalgic throwbacks—they were love letters to a future that the 80s promised us but never quite delivered. Flying cars? Still waiting. Killer synth tracks? Tommy’s got you covered.

Some of his early releases like “Atlantic Avenue” and “New Horizon” had synthwave fans double-checking their calendars. Was it 1986 or 2016? No one knew. No one cared. We were too busy air-drumming.

A Sound That Screams Retro Future

Tommy '86 has a gift. He takes something as simple as a synthesizer and turns it into a time portal. His tracks carry that dreamy, cinematic energy—something between an 80s action flick and a romantic cyber-noir.

What sets him apart?

Authenticity – While some artists try to recreate the 80s, Tommy feels like he lived them. His music isn’t a costume; it’s a second skin.
French Touch Influence – You can hear the smooth, stylish polish of the French electronic scene in every track. It’s funky, it’s groovy, but it never overdoes it.
Cinematic Vibes – Listening to Tommy '86 feels like you're inside a movie montage. Preferably one where you're slow-mo walking in a leather jacket.

(Quick sidenote: Speaking of leather jackets, if you’re trying to match the vibe of a Tommy ‘86 track IRL, check out Newretro.Net. Their retro-inspired men’s wear—think badass leather jackets, sharp denim, slick sunglasses—can turn your walk to the grocery store into a full synthwave music video. Just saying.)

Evolution, Not Repetition

One of the things that makes Tommy '86 more than just a synthwave staple is how he evolves. He’s not afraid to experiment or add new textures to his sound. Across his discography, you’ll find:

Chill, ambient tracks perfect for zoning out or plotting your cyber-heist.
High-energy bangers that feel like the soundtrack to a neon-lit chase scene.
Slow burns that draw you in with moody melodies and cinematic layering.

He moves between dreamy atmospheres and pulsing energy with the grace of someone who’s not just playing around with retro tools but actually speaking their language fluently. Tommy doesn’t imitate the past—he converses with it.

The Vibe Beyond the Music

One of the coolest things about Tommy '86? He’s not just about the music. It’s the whole aesthetic. His album covers, music videos, and even social media presence all ooze a carefully curated retro-futuristic vibe. It’s like Blade Runner took a vacation in Miami in 1983 and brought back a cassette tape of bangers.

His branding is tight, but it never feels forced. It’s effortless. You know that one friend who always looks cool, no matter what? Tommy is that friend—but in music form.

And fans of synthwave know: it’s not just about listening to a track. It’s about feeling it—letting the sound transport you to a parallel universe where neon lights never turn off, and everyone knows how to moonwalk.

A Name That Carries Weight

There’s something cheeky yet confident about calling yourself Tommy '86. It nods to the era that inspires him, sure—but it also feels like a secret code. Like if you know, you know. And if you don’t, well, press play and join the club.

His name has become a seal of quality in the synthwave scene. When Tommy drops something, fans listen. And whether you’re a casual listener or a die-hard fan with synthwave vinyls displayed like sacred relics, you know you’re in for a sonic ride that feels like yesterday’s future—and tomorrow’s playlist.

Collaborations, Mixtapes & a Global Fanbase

Tommy '86 didn’t just rise in the synthwave scene—he helped build it. As the genre gained steam, Tommy’s collaborations and appearances on compilations put him right at the center of the neon map.

He teamed up with other notable names in the retro-electronic space, blending his distinct style with theirs to produce tracks that sound like they belong in the opening credits of a cult classic. These collabs didn’t just expand his sonic range—they solidified his reputation as someone who doesn’t just play in the genre… he shapes it.

His inclusion on compilations like Valerie Collective or Drive Radio drops turned him from a cult favorite into a retro mainstay. And with each new release, he wasn’t just building a discography—he was building a world.

The fanbase? Global. From Tokyo to Berlin, from Los Angeles to São Paulo, Tommy '86’s music has touched headphone wires and vinyl grooves everywhere. It’s a worldwide wave, and Tommy’s riding right at the front, laser grid-style.

Perfect Soundtrack for Modern Nostalgia

There’s something oddly perfect about how synthwave fits into today’s world. We’re surrounded by tech, overstimulated by screens, and yearning—ironically—for simpler digital dreams. Tommy '86 taps into that paradox. His tracks remind us of a time when the future looked brighter (and more neon), while still sounding totally relevant in the now.

Whether you’re coding in a hoodie, sketching in a café, or plotting your next skateboarding escape under streetlights, Tommy’s music is there for the moment.

It’s cinematic. It’s romantic. It’s retro without being stuck.

And honestly, isn’t that what most of us want to be?

Recommended Listening: Tommy Starter Pack

New to Tommy '86? Welcome aboard. Here’s your fast-pass to synth heaven. These tracks will get you fully dialed into his vibe:

“New Horizon” – A glowing introduction to his signature style. Put this on, close your eyes, and see the neon.
“Atlantis” – Echoing synths, deep bass, and emotional melody. It’s basically a time capsule in stereo.
“Why Did I Say Goodbye” – Melancholy and groove in perfect balance. Retro heartbreak at its finest.
“Outer Space Romance” – The title says it all. Think Romeo & Juliet, but with space helmets.

Pro tip: Pair any of these tracks with a leather jacket and shades from Newretro.Net. It’s the closest thing to starring in your own retro action film without getting chased by synth-powered robots. You’re welcome.

The Fashion-Music Feedback Loop

Speaking of jackets and synth robots… there’s an unspoken (but very real) relationship between music and fashion—especially in synthwave. And Tommy '86 understands that. His entire aesthetic screams cyber cool, and it has a ripple effect on how fans dress, pose, and even walk.

That’s where brands like Newretro.Net come in. We’re not just slinging retro fashion—we’re part of the vibe. A good synthwave look is half the experience. You want to feel the music, sure—but you also want to look like the soundtrack matches your outfit.

It’s not cosplay. It’s lifestyle.
A retro jacket doesn’t say, “I like the 80s.”
It says, “I live the 80s, but with better WiFi.”

Legacy in the Making

Tommy '86 continues to release music that inspires, energizes, and uplifts. He’s not slowing down—he’s evolving. Every new drop shows a little more experimentation, a little more polish, and a lot of love for the genre.

And he’s doing something rare: staying true to his roots while exploring new paths. In a genre that thrives on nostalgia, he keeps things fresh. That’s a tightrope walk, and Tommy pulls it off in style—like someone moonwalking across a synth grid.

Fans often describe his music as a gateway drug to synthwave. One listen turns into a playlist. That playlist turns into an obsession. Next thing you know, you’re collecting cassettes, quoting “Blade Runner,” and wondering if you could pull off fingerless gloves in public.

(You can. Just make sure the gloves match the jacket. Newretro.Net’s got options. Just saying.)

Final Thoughts: The Soundtrack of Retro Dreamers

Tommy '86 is more than just an artist—he’s a mood, a movement, and a master of modern nostalgia. His music connects dots between past and future, fantasy and reality, analog and digital. And whether you’re a lifelong synthwave lover or just now discovering the magic, Tommy’s discography is the perfect place to dive in.

So go ahead—turn down the lights, turn up the volume, and let yourself be transported.

Because in Tommy '86’s world, the night is always young, the synths are always soaring, and the style?
Well, the style is Newretro.