Synthwave

Synthwave is a retro-futuristic electronic genre inspired by 1980s synth-pop, cinematic scores like Blade Runner, and retro video game chiptunes. It blends vintage analog synth tones with modern production, featuring driving rhythms, arpeggiated melodies, lush pads, and immersive neon atmospheres.

Origin: Global, emerging from mid-2000s online communities, indie scenes, and vaporwave-adjacent artists.

Era: 2000s onward, reviving 1980s synth-pop and sci-fi media influences.