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Beyond meditation and mindfulness, I also compose instrumentals in the genre of Retrowave and Synth Wave.
Retrowave, also known as synthwave, is a music genre and aesthetic inspired by the sounds and visuals of the 1980s. It emerged in the early 2000s as a nostalgic reinterpretation of that era’s electronic music, often drawing influence from synth-heavy movie soundtracks, video games, and pop culture of the time. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
Musical Characteristics
- Synthesizers: Heavy use of vintage or vintage-inspired synthesizers, mimicking the warm, analog sounds of the ’80s.
- Electronic Drums: Prominent use of drum machines, particularly with gated reverb for a punchy sound.
- Basslines: Driving, arpeggiated basslines that often create a sense of forward motion.
- Atmosphere: Dreamy, nostalgic, and cinematic soundscapes.
- Melody and Chords: Simple yet emotive melodies, often paired with lush chords.
Aesthetic and Themes
Retrowave is as much about the visuals and themes as it is about the music. It embodies the neon-drenched, futuristic aesthetic of the ’80s, including:
- Neon Lights and Grids: Bright neon colors, glowing cityscapes, and grid-like designs.
- Futurism and Sci-Fi: Themes of space, technology, and retro-futurism.
- Pop Culture References: Homages to ’80s movies, arcade games, and TV shows.
- Cars and Nightlife: A fascination with sleek sports cars, cityscapes at night, and driving under neon skies.
Notable Artists
Some popular retrowave/synthwave artists include:
- Kavinsky: Known for his track “Nightcall,” featured in the movie Drive.
- Perturbator: Dark, aggressive synthwave with cyberpunk vibes.
- Carpenter Brut: Known for a mix of heavy, intense synth and retro aesthetics.
- The Midnight: A blend of dreamy synthwave with vocal-driven tracks.
- FM-84: Melodic and emotional, often featuring vocals.
Why It’s Popular
Retrowave taps into a universal sense of nostalgia, even for people who didn’t grow up in the 1980s. Its fusion of modern production techniques with retro sounds creates a unique, timeless appeal.
Check out my music catalogue on Spotify and all major music streaming apps.