synthwave
what it is
Synthwave is a form of electronic music that takes most of its inspiration from synth music and pop culture from the 1980s. Musically, synthwave is often instrumental and has a "futuristic" theme, with large, throbbing, retro synths. House influenced heavy drums (often side-chained) are also very popular.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 2 · the door
big names with a sharper edge
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make synthwave a playlist
turn these 36 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is synthwave?
Synthwave is a form of electronic music that takes most of its inspiration from synth music and pop culture from the 1980s. Musically, synthwave is often instrumental and has a "futuristic" theme, with large, throbbing, retro synths. House influenced heavy drums (often side-chained) are also very popular.
What are good synthwave albums to start with?
Try Odyssey by Home, Visitors by Lazerhawk, Alone at Prom by Tory Lanez, and Leather Teeth by Carpenter Brut.
Who are some women making synthwave?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/synthwave/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making synthwave, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20