What is Synthwave? Synthwave is an idealization of the 80s, where everything glows from neon signs, people are wearing Ray-Ban Wayfarers glasses and Member's Only jackets, and you are driving along the Pacific Coast highway in a red Ferrari Mondial Convertible, while a stunning blonde sits in the passenger seat in a jumpsuit made of spandex, with a sports headband and leggings above the knees. Synthwave is more retro futurism than real nostalgia, because none of us have ever lived like this. However, he uses the most memorable and beloved elements of the 80s:Sports cars. Sunny Miami and Los Angeles. Rambo. A dandy. Michael Jackson. Friday the 13th. Neon. Synthesizers. Depeche Mode. VHS. Kung fu. Madonna. Synthpop. Arcade racing on consoles… Synthwave is nostalgia for a future that never came.
