Watch Out For Snakes: A Synthwave Journey

In the world of retro gaming and neon-soaked synthwave, few names hit as hard as Watch Out For Snakes. If the name sounds like a warning, that’s because it kind of is – this Atlanta-based artist delivers a sonic punch straight out of an ’80s arcade, with a side of adrenaline for good measure. But behind the pixelated name stands Matt Stephen Baum, a musician who has carved out his niche by blending old-school gaming vibes with modern synthwave energy. So, grab your denim jacket, slide on those vintage shades, and let's dive into his glitchy, electrifying world.

From Cocoa Beach to Chiptune Champion

Matt Baum, the mind behind Watch Out For Snakes, was born on April 21, 1981, in the sunny stretches of Cocoa Beach, Florida. If that sounds like a surfer's paradise, you’re not far off – but instead of catching waves, Matt was more likely catching 8-bit soundscapes and MIDI files. Fast forward a few decades, and this self-made musician has found his groove in Atlanta, turning his passion for classic gaming and retro beats into a full-blown career.

What Even Is "Chipwave"?

For those unfamiliar, Baum’s sound can best be described as Chipwave – a high-octane fusion of chiptune and synthwave. Think of it as the soundtrack to a video game boss battle, but with a bit more leather and neon. It’s the kind of music that makes you feel like you’re rushing through an 8-bit cyber city, dodging digital enemies while trying to collect power-ups. Speaking of which, if you’re looking to level up your real-life style to match that retro vibe, Newretro.Net has got you covered with their slick line of denim jackets, old-school sneakers, and classic sunglasses – perfect for when you need to look cool while blasting through digital landscapes.

Keytar Hero

Baum's not just a producer; he’s a performer, and a fiercely energetic one at that. When he’s on stage, it’s just him, a keytar, and the kind of ferocious energy that makes even the hardest rockers raise an eyebrow. His live shows are legendary in the synthwave community, blending pulse-pounding chiptune riffs with the intensity of a thrash metal concert. This one-man army approach has earned him a reputation as a must-see act at festivals like MAGFest, BitGen, and NEON Retrofest – the sacred grounds of retro gaming culture.

Discography of a Digital Warrior

Baum’s journey as Watch Out For Snakes officially kicked off in 2015, and he’s been cranking out digital anthems ever since. His debut full-length album, UPGRADE (2018), laid the foundation for his sound – a frantic mix of 8-bit melodies and thunderous synth bass. Then came Scars in 2019, a darker, more introspective dive into the world of chipwave, followed by DIS[INTEGRATE] in 2022, a title that practically begs to be shouted in a glitchy, robotic voice. If you haven’t heard it yet, toss on a pair of retro shades (again, Newretro.Net has you covered), hit play, and prepare for your brain to be pixelated.

In 2023, he released Peripherals, a collection of remixes that gives some of his classic tracks a fresh coat of 8-bit paint. It’s the kind of album you blast while chasing a high score or trying to survive a brutal boss rush – which, come to think of it, might just be a metaphor for life itself.

Some Killer Singles

Baum's also known for dropping some serious synth bombs in the form of singles. Tracks like Rip ’Em Up! (2019) and Fight Those Invisible Ninjas (2021) are exactly what they sound like – pulse-pounding, high-BPM bangers that make you want to kick over a digital trash can and dash through a pixelated alleyway. His latest single, Dark Roads, No Reception (2025), captures that eerie, exhilarating feeling of being lost in the glow of arcade screens and CRT monitors, chasing high scores and dodging ghosts.

Collaborations and Crossover Moments

It’s not just solo projects for Watch Out For Snakes. In 2024, Baum co-produced “Chariot” for synthwave legends The Midnight – a track that feels like a late-night highway drive in a DeLorean, neon lights flashing by as the bass kicks in. This collab was a major milestone, blending his raw chiptune style with The Midnight’s polished, nostalgia-drenched sound. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to pull on a classic leather jacket, fire up an old CRT TV, and lose yourself in a pixelated adventure. (Oh, and if you need a jacket for the occasion, you know where to look – Newretro.Net.)

The Live Experience – Press Start

If you’ve ever been to a Watch Out For Snakes show, you know it’s not just a performance – it’s a full-blown experience. Baum isn’t one to hide behind a laptop or casually bob his head to the beat. No, this guy shreds on a keytar like it’s 1985, sweating out every note as if his high score depends on it. His shows have become a staple at events like MAGFest, BitGen, NEON Retrofest, and VGM Con, where fans mosh to the bleeps and bloops of 8-bit anthems. The energy is real, the pixels are virtual, and the vibes are undeniably rad.

The Themes That Run Through His Tracks

One thing that sets Baum apart in the synthwave scene is his storytelling. His tracks often feel like lost game soundtracks or the kind of music you’d expect to hear in a forgotten VHS action flick. But beneath the digital chaos and high-octane beats, there’s often a personal connection – a nod to real-life struggles, victories, and the occasional power-up. His work is a reminder that even in the digital world, there’s room for raw emotion and genuine storytelling.

The Future is 8-Bit Bright

With a growing discography, killer live shows, and collaborations that push his sound into new realms, the future looks bright for Watch Out For Snakes – as bright as a neon sign outside a cyberpunk arcade. And while he’s busy leveling up his sound, you can level up your look with some fresh, retro gear from Newretro.Net. Whether you’re blasting chiptunes on a rainy city street or just trying to look cool in the glow of your CRT, we’ve got the threads to match the vibe.

So, if you haven’t already, plug in, power up, and check out his tracks. Whether you’re a veteran gamer or just someone who misses the clunky joy of a Game Boy, Watch Out For Snakes has something to get your heart racing and your head banging.