Synthwave (also called retrowave or outrun) is an electronic music genre inspired by 1980s film soundtracks, video games, and synthesizer music. Characterized by analog synths, drum machines, nostalgic melodies, and neon-soaked cyberpunk aesthetics, synthwave became a cultural movement in the 2010s.
1980s Revival
Artists like Kavinsky (“Nightcall” from Drive soundtrack, 2011), Perturbator, Carpenter Brut, and The Midnight defined synthwave’s cinematic sound. The genre evokes Blade Runner, Tron, and John Carpenter films with lush synth pads, arpeggios, and retrofuturistic vibes.
Visual Aesthetics
Synthwave visuals feature neon grids, sunsets, palm trees, sports cars, and VHS distortion. Album covers often depict chrome text, laser grids, and ’80s sci-fi imagery. The aesthetic became synonymous with nostalgia for a “future that never was.”
Mainstream Influence
Shows like Stranger Things (Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein’s score) brought synthwave to mainstream audiences. Video games (Hotline Miami, Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon) used synthwave soundtracks. The genre influenced modern pop production (The Weeknd’s After Hours).
Sources:
- Drive soundtrack: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0780504/soundtrack
- Synthwave community: https://www.reddit.com/r/outrun/