Synthwave

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. A genre of electronic music inspired by 1980s pop culture and film soundtracks, characterized by nostalgic synth sounds and retrofuturistic themes
  2. Music style that blends vintage synthesizer melodies with modern production, evoking the aesthetic of 1980s sci-fi and arcade culture
  3. Sonic approach combining analog synth tones and danceable rhythms, reflecting a stylized homage to the electronic sounds and visuals of the early digital era

Etymology: Emerging in the early 2000s and gaining wider recognition in the 2010s, this genre name reflects a deliberate revival and reinterpretation of 1980s music culture. It combines "synth," short for synthesizer, the electronic instrument that defined much of that decade’s sound, and "wave," a suffix used to categorize music styles inspired by particular aesthetics or movements, like "new wave." Synthesizers became central to pop and electronic music in the 1980s, creating lush, futuristic soundscapes that contrasted with earlier rock and acoustic traditions. The term came about as musicians and fans sought to evoke nostalgia for the retro-futuristic vibe of the 1980s, blending it with modern production techniques. The genre draws heavily on the synthesizer-driven soundtracks of 1980s movies, video games, and television, alongside neon-lit visuals and cyberpunk themes. It often emphasizes atmospheric textures, pulsing basslines, and melodic hooks reminiscent of that era’s electronic music but updated with contemporary sensibilities. Synthwave’s naming mirrors a broader trend of reviving and rebranding past cultural elements with a futuristic twist. The "wave" suffix aligns it with other electronic subgenres that organize themselves around shared stylistic or emotional traits. This naming convention helps distinguish it from direct 1980s revivalism by signaling a new creative movement inspired by, but not limited to, its historical roots. While rooted in electronic music history, the word encapsulates a cultural moment where technology, memory, and artistry blend to create something both familiar and fresh. It entered widespread use alongside the internet’s rise as a platform for niche musical communities, allowing fans and creators to share and shape the genre’s identity beyond traditional music industry channels.

Synonyms: retrowave, outrun, futuresynth