1. Introduction: What Is Retrowave?
   
   
2. The 1980s: Where It All Began
   
   
3. The Birth of Retrowave (2000s–2010s)
   
   
4. Subgenres and Sound Styles
   
   
5. Visual Aesthetic and Design
   
   
6. Retrowave in Games and Pop Culture
   
   
7. Artists You Should Know
   
   
8. How to Dive Into Retrowave Today
   
   
9. Retrowave’s Influence on Modern Music
   
   
10. The Future of Retrowave
    
    
11. A Retrowave YouTube Playlist
    
    
12. A Curated GIF Collection
    
    
13. Thank You!

Step into a world where neon lights blaze through the night, synth melodies echo from a long-lost decade, and chrome dreamscapes blur the line between past and future. This is Retrowave — a genre and aesthetic that brings together the best of 1980s nostalgia with a modern, digital twist.

Born from a love for the retro-futuristic visions of the past, Retrowave captures the spirit of an era that dreamed big: fast cars, neon cities, powerful synths, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow. Whether through music, visual art, or video games, Retrowave has grown from a niche internet fascination to a worldwide cultural phenomenon.

This guide is your portal into that world. Together, we’ll explore where Retrowave came from, what defines its sound and look, which games and artists have pushed it forward, and why it still captures so many imaginations today. Buckle up, and let’s cruise through the neon-soaked history of Retrowave.

To understand Retrowave, we first have to rewind to the 1980s — an era that shaped its entire aesthetic. This decade wasn’t just about big hair and loud fashion. It was a time of rapid technological change, bold futuristic visions, and an unmistakable audio-visual style that continues to influence pop culture today.

Film and Television Inspiration

The visual identity of Retrowave is deeply rooted in 1980s science fiction and action cinema. Films like Blade Runner (1982), Tron (1982), The Terminator (1984), and Back to the Future (1985) imagined futures filled with glowing cities, synthetic sounds, and cybernetic humans. Their bold use of neon lighting, dark urban landscapes, and electronic scores would later become the foundation of Retrowave’s visual and sonic language.

Television shows and cartoons of the time — including Knight Rider, Miami Vice, and Transformers — brought synth-driven soundtracks, chrome vehicles, and futuristic tech to mainstream audiences, further embedding these elements into the cultural consciousness.

The Sound of Synthesizers

The 1980s music scene was defined by analog synthesizers, drum machines, and early digital sampling. Artists like Vangelis (known for the Blade Runner soundtrack), John Carpenter (film director and composer), and Tangerine Dream helped create a sound that was simultaneously cold and emotional, futuristic and nostalgic.

These sonic textures appeared everywhere — from film scores and television intros to arcade games and commercials — forming a distinct auditory signature that would later be reimagined by the Retrowave movement.

Technology and Youth Culture

The rise of consumer technology during the 1980s played a major role in shaping Retrowave’s aesthetic. Devices like VHS players, cassette recorders, CRT televisions, and home computers such as the Commodore 64 became part of everyday life. Their design — bold, boxy, and futuristic for its time — contributed to a look and feel that would define the era.

The decade also saw a growing fascination with themes like space travel, artificial intelligence, and digital realities. Combined with a strong visual identity and the emergence of synth-heavy music, these elements created a cultural backdrop that Retrowave artists and fans would later draw from to build a new, stylized vision of the past’s future.

While Retrowave draws its inspiration from the 1980s, it didn’t begin to take shape as a modern genre until the early 2000s. In an era of growing internet communities and easy access to music production software, artists around the world began reimagining the sounds and aesthetics of the past through a futuristic lens. This marked the birth of Retrowave — also referred to as Synthwave, Outrun, or Dreamwave, depending on stylistic nuances.

Early Online Communities and DIY Culture

The early growth of Retrowave was driven by independent musicians, visual artists, and fans operating largely outside the mainstream. Platforms like MySpace, YouTube, and later Bandcamp gave creators the ability to publish and share music directly with niche audiences. This DIY ecosystem allowed Retrowave to flourish in the underground, powered by passionate individuals who were drawn to retro culture, science fiction, and 80s-style visuals.

The 2011 short film Drive, featuring a synth-heavy soundtrack with artists like Kavinsky and College, brought global attention to the genre’s cinematic potential. The film’s success helped introduce a wider audience to the neon-lit, melancholic world of Retrowave.

Defining the Sound

Early Retrowave artists sought to recreate and modernize the sonic textures of the 1980s using vintage synthesizers, drum machines, and digital plugins. The result was a sound that was nostalgic yet forward-looking — warm, atmospheric, and rhythmically focused. These tracks often emphasized mood and aesthetic over lyrical content, creating immersive listening experiences that evoked late-night drives, urban isolation, and futuristic fantasies.

Subgenres began to emerge:

• Synthwave, as a general term, captured the broad scope of retro-futuristic electronic music.
  
• Outrun leaned into fast-paced rhythms and driving melodies, often inspired by retro racing games.
  
• Dreamwave introduced a softer, more ambient and emotional tone.
  
• Darksynth added heavy, aggressive elements influenced by industrial and horror themes.

Pioneering Artists

Several artists were instrumental in shaping the Retrowave movement during its formative years.

• Kavinsky gained early recognition with the track “Nightcall,” which became emblematic of the genre.
  
• College, a French producer and founder of the Valerie Collective, helped define the emotional core of Dreamwave.
  
• Mitch Murder crafted tracks with clean production and nostalgic warmth.
  
• Perturbator introduced a darker, more intense form of Synthwave with heavy bass and cyberpunk influences.
  
• FM-84 and The Midnight brought a more melodic, song-oriented style that combined retro sounds with modern pop structures.

By the end of the 2010s, Retrowave had evolved from a loose collection of online experiments into a full-fledged genre with a global fan base, live performances, and a growing presence in gaming, cinema, and digital art.

Although “Retrowave” is often used as an umbrella term, the genre has developed several distinct substyles over the years, each with its own tone, tempo, and emotional focus. While they all draw from the same nostalgic roots, these subgenres offer unique interpretations of what the future looked and sounded like through the lens of the 1980s.

Synthwave

Synthwave is the core and most widely recognized style within Retrowave. It typically features analog synthesizers, retro drum patterns, and a polished, cinematic production. Synthwave tracks often evoke a sense of cool detachment, longing, or momentum — as if soundtracking an endless night drive through neon-lit streets. This subgenre often serves as the starting point for new listeners exploring the retro-futuristic soundscape.

Outrun

Named after the 1986 arcade racing game OutRun, this subgenre focuses on high-energy tracks with fast tempos and aggressive synth leads. Outrun music feels like motion — built for imaginary road trips, car chases, and retro-futuristic action sequences. With its driving basslines and pulse-pounding rhythms, Outrun captures the feeling of speed and synthetic adrenaline.

Dreamwave

Dreamwave is softer, more atmospheric, and emotionally driven. It leans into warm, lush textures and slow, nostalgic melodies. This style is often instrumental but can include vocals that enhance its emotional pull. Dreamwave tracks can feel romantic, distant, or melancholic, often evoking memories that may never have existed.

Darksynth

Darksynth brings a heavier, more aggressive edge to the Retrowave sound. Influenced by horror movie soundtracks, industrial music, and cyberpunk themes, Darksynth is intense, often distorted, and rhythmically dense. Artists like Perturbator and Mega Drive are known for pushing this subgenre into darker, more dystopian territory, appealing to fans of gritty science fiction and electronic metal hybrids.

Futuresynth and Other Variants

Other hybrid forms have emerged, such as Futuresynth — a brighter, sometimes more experimental style that blends Synthwave with modern EDM influences. There are also overlaps with vaporwave, chiptune, and ambient music, depending on the artist’s direction. These variations highlight Retrowave’s flexibility and its ability to absorb influences from across the electronic music spectrum.

Common Musical Elements

Despite their differences, most Retrowave styles share key musical characteristics:

• Use of vintage or analog-style synthesizers (real or emulated)
  
  
• Simple, repetitive melodies that emphasize mood and atmosphere
  
  
• Retro drum machines like the Roland TR-707 or LinnDrum
  
  
• Reverb-heavy snares, arpeggiated basslines, and occasional guitar solos
  
  
• A strong focus on instrumental storytelling over vocals

Each subgenre contributes to the richness of the Retrowave soundscape, offering listeners different ways to experience a shared vision: a reimagined future built on the dreams of the past.

Retrowave is not only a musical movement — it’s a full-fledged visual aesthetic. Just as its sound reimagines the synth-driven landscapes of the 1980s, its visual language draws heavily from retro media, cyberpunk design, and digital nostalgia. Together, the audio and visual elements create a cohesive, immersive experience that defines the genre.

Neon Dreams and Sunset Skies

One of the most iconic elements of Retrowave visuals is the use of neon color palettes — especially deep purples, hot pinks, electric blues, and glowing oranges. These tones often appear in stylized cityscapes, digital sunsets, and grid-lined landscapes that seem to stretch into infinity.

The recurring image of a sun setting behind a synthetic skyline or desert highway has become a visual shorthand for the genre. It captures a sense of motion, time, and transition — the fading light of a past future.

Retro Technology and Analog Imperfections

Retrowave visuals are often filled with relics from the analog age: VHS tapes, cassette players, CRT monitors, floppy disks, arcade machines. These objects are not presented as outdated — instead, they’re stylized, elevated, and revered as icons of a lost era.

Many artworks include simulated video artifacts such as VHS tracking errors, scanlines, glitches, and color bleed. These imperfections are intentionally used to evoke nostalgia and simulate the experience of consuming media in the 1980s and early 90s.

Cyberpunk and Futurism

Retrowave shares visual DNA with cyberpunk — especially in its portrayal of futuristic cities, urban decay, and digital interfaces. However, where cyberpunk is often dystopian and gritty, Retrowave is more romanticized and sleek. Its cities glow, its cars shine, and its characters are often heroic, mysterious, or lone travelers.

Design motifs include:

• Chrome textures and metallic surfaces
  
  
• Wireframe grids stretching across virtual space
  
  
• Retro user interfaces with pixelated fonts and neon cursors
  
  
• Stylized portraits lit by glowing reflections or holographic light

Artistic Influences and Media

Retrowave visuals are heavily influenced by:

• 1980s album covers and movie posters
  
  
• Anime such as Akira, Bubblegum Crisis, and Ghost in the Shell
  
  
• Arcade cabinet art and VHS box designs
  
  
• Graphic design from old software manuals and advertisements

Modern digital artists use tools like Photoshop, Blender, and After Effects to recreate and reimagine these styles. Entire online communities have formed around Retrowave art, sharing wallpapers, posters, motion graphics, and album covers that embrace the aesthetic.

Cohesion Between Sound and Image

In Retrowave, the visual style is not just decorative — it works in harmony with the music. A track with a driving synth bass might be paired with an image of a car speeding down a neon highway. A dreamy, ambient piece might come with a glowing city skyline under starlight. This unity between sight and sound is one of the genre’s defining strengths.

Retrowave’s visual world is a love letter to a future that never happened, seen through the lens of the past — glowing, nostalgic, and endlessly creative.

Retrowave is no longer just a musical movement — it has deeply integrated itself into the world of video games, movies, and pop culture. The genre’s aesthetic can be found in many modern media, where it serves both as a nostalgic tribute and a futuristic vision.

Retrowave and Video Games

In the world of video games, Retrowave is almost unavoidable. Many indie developers have taken inspiration from the visual and auditory elements of the 1980s, leading to a wave of games that embrace the Retrowave look and feel.

Games like Hotline Miami (2012) and Katana ZERO (2019) are prime examples of this phenomenon. Both feature not only synth-heavy soundtracks but also neon-lit cities, retro-futuristic designs, and a dark, nostalgic atmosphere. These games aren’t just tributes to the 80s aesthetic; they’re modern reinterpretations of an era that never truly existed.

Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon (2013) is another excellent example of how Retrowave fuses with modern gaming. The game takes the visual tropes of the 1980s and combines them with contemporary gameplay mechanics, creating an incredibly fun blend of nostalgia and innovation.

Movies and TV Shows

Retrowave is also a staple in the film and television landscape. The 2011 movie Drive, with its iconic synthwave soundtrack, became a cultural phenomenon and introduced countless new fans to the genre. The film’s minimalist design and electrifying synth melodies, particularly Kavinsky’s "Nightcall", played a major role in shaping the atmosphere and creating a modern classic.

The popular Netflix series Stranger Things (2016-) is another prime example of Retrowave’s influence on pop culture. With its 80s references, synth-heavy soundtracks, and neon-lit visuals, the show evokes a similar nostalgic vibe that Retrowave fans love. The soundtrack by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein is heavily influenced by the synthesizer-heavy scores of the 1980s, adding to the show’s time-traveling, retro-futuristic feel.

The Fusion of Music, Design, and Style

Retrowave is not only influencing game design and film music but also graphic design, fashion, and even music videos. In fashion, we’re seeing a return to neon colors, leather jackets, and futuristic designs that pay homage to the 80s. Music videos that embrace the Retrowave aesthetic often feature nostalgic imagery and futuristic motifs, with artists often placed in retro-cyberpunk settings.

At the heart of Retrowave is its music, and behind that music are a handful of key artists who have helped shape the genre. Here are some of the most influential artists and albums every Retrowave fan should explore:

• 1. Kavinsky – OutRun (2013)
  Kavinsky is one of the most well-known names in Retrowave, and his album OutRun is often considered a definitive work in the genre. The album’s standout track, Nightcall, was featured in the movie Drive (2011), which played a key role in bringing Retrowave into mainstream consciousness. With its pulsating basslines, futuristic atmosphere, and cinematic quality, OutRun captures the essence of Retrowave’s retro-futuristic vibe.
  
  
• 2. FM-84 – Atlas (2016)
  FM-84’s Atlas is a soaring, emotional journey through a neon-drenched landscape. Known for its atmospheric soundscapes and catchy melodies, this album features collaborations with vocalists like Olli and Josh Dally, adding a layer of depth and human connection to the instrumental-driven genre. Tracks like Running in the Night and Arcade Summer are fan favorites, offering anthemic, uplifting energy that typifies the genre’s optimistic spirit.
  
  
• 3. Perturbator – Dangerous Days (2014)
  For fans of darker, cyberpunk-inspired Retrowave, Perturbator is a must-listen. His album Dangerous Days blends gritty, dystopian elements with pulsating synths and intense rhythms. With tracks like Venger and She Is Young, She Is Beautiful, She Is Next, Perturbator captures the sinister, high-energy vibe of cyberpunk, influenced by both retro and modern sensibilities. His later works, like The Uncanny Valley (2016), continue this dark exploration of the future.
  
  
• 4. The Midnight – Endless Summer (2016)
  The Midnight’s Endless Summer delivers a perfect blend of dreamy, nostalgic synthwave and cinematic storytelling. Combining atmospheric synths with soft vocals, this album creates an emotional experience reminiscent of long summer nights and heartfelt memories. Tracks like WeMoveForward and Sunset evoke both nostalgia and optimism, making it a defining album for those who love the softer, more reflective side of Retrowave.
  
  
• 5. Com Truise – Galactic Melt (2011)
  Com Truise (aka Seth Haley) is known for his smooth, groovy blend of Retrowave and chillwave, with an emphasis on deep basslines and atmospheric synth textures. His debut album, Galactic Melt, feels like a trip through a digital, retro-futuristic world. Tracks like VHS Sex and Propagation offer laid-back, hypnotic vibes, creating a unique balance between groove and ambience. Com Truise has continued to experiment with the genre, evolving the sound in his later works like In Decay (2014) and Iteration (2017).
  
  
• 6. Mitch Murder – Interceptor (2015)
  Mitch Murder is a key figure in the synthwave community, known for his melodic, nostalgic approach. His album Interceptor features retro-inspired sounds, with plenty of upbeat tracks that evoke memories of classic 80s films and video games. His production is sleek, with heavy emphasis on melody and rhythm, giving the album a feeling of forward movement. Songs like Running Out of Time and Interceptor are staples for fans looking for energetic, anthemic Retrowave.
  
  
• 7. Mega Drive – 198XAD (2015)
  Mega Drive brings a raw, aggressive style to the Retrowave genre. His album 198XAD blends dark, cinematic synths with industrial and cyberpunk aesthetics. With a harder edge than many other Retrowave artists, Mega Drive has earned a following within the Darksynth subgenre. Tracks like The Chase and Cold War create a tense, high-speed atmosphere that channels the intensity of 80s action movies and futuristic thrillers.
  
  
• 8. Lazerhawk – Redline (2013)
  Lazerhawk is known for his high-energy Retrowave and Outrun-inspired tracks, and Redline is a perfect example of his electrifying style. Combining pulsing synths, deep basslines, and electrifying melodies, Lazerhawk captures the feeling of a neon-drenched race through the streets. Tracks like Overdrive and Soho provide an adrenaline rush, making this album a standout for fans of fast-paced, cinematic synthwave.
  
  
• 9. Dynatron – Aeternus (2016)
  Dynatron brings a more cosmic and expansive sound to Retrowave. His album Aeternus is a journey through deep space, blending atmospheric synths with pulsing rhythms. With tracks like The Anomaly and Endless Voyage, Dynatron creates an immersive listening experience that takes listeners beyond the confines of the Earth and into the vastness of the galaxy. It’s a must-listen for those who love Retrowave with a more otherworldly, ambient vibe.
  
  
• 10. Power Glove – Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon Soundtrack (2013)
  While Power Glove may not have a traditional studio album, their soundtrack for Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon (2013) is one of the most iconic contributions to the Retrowave movement. The album captures the essence of 80s action movies with heavy synths, dramatic beats, and bold, cinematic moments. Tracks like Blood Dragon and War of the Worlds are a perfect fit for the game’s over-the-top, retro-futuristic world and have earned Power Glove a strong fan base in the Retrowave community.
  
  
• 11. Timecop1983 – Reflections (2018)
  Timecop1983 is known for his dreamy, laid-back style of Retrowave, often blending elements of synthwave with chillwave. His album Reflections is a smooth and nostalgic journey, with tracks like Journeys and Waiting offering an introspective, melancholic feel. Timecop1983’s music evokes the ambiance of quiet, reflective moments under neon lights, making it a perfect choice for fans of softer, atmospheric Retrowave.
  
  
• 12. Sunglasses Kid – Mixtape Vol. 1 (2016)
  Sunglasses Kid brings a sense of joy and lightness to the Retrowave genre, with his album Mixtape Vol. 1 being a perfect example of this upbeat, nostalgic energy. With catchy melodies and uplifting vibes, tracks like Can’t Hold Back and Take My Hand are perfect for those who love Retrowave with an optimistic twist. Sunglasses Kid’s music feels like a summer road trip through neon cities, encapsulating the genre’s carefree and adventurous spirit.

Honorable Mentions

Here are a few more artists and albums that continue to push the boundaries of Retrowave:

• Neon Nox – State of Mind (2017): Gritty, cyberpunk-inspired soundscapes with high-energy beats.
  
  
• Gunship – Gunship (2015): A blend of synthwave and cinematic music with vocal collaborations from artists like John Carpenter.
  
  
• Wave Shaper – Syntho Noir (2016): Smooth, groovy synthwave with a cinematic feel.
  
  
• Zayaz – Aether (2018): Atmospheric, cosmic synthwave with a dreamy edge.
  
  
• FM Attack – New World (2015): Smooth, melodic Retrowave that feels both futuristic and nostalgic.

These artists have helped shape the diverse landscape of Retrowave, contributing their unique takes on the genre and pushing it in exciting new directions.

Retrowave is not just a passing trend — it has become a thriving genre that continues to evolve. Thanks to streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube, the genre has reached new heights, giving fans easy access to a constant stream of new music and connecting them to the wider Retrowave community.

Platforms Driving Retrowave Forward

Streaming services have become crucial in the expansion of Retrowave. Platforms like Bandcamp, where independent artists can release their music directly to fans, have helped nurture the genre’s growth. These services not only provide access to the music but also facilitate interaction between artists and fans, creating a global community.

The Role of Online Communities

Online platforms such as Reddit, DeviantArt, and Tumblr have helped foster Retrowave’s growth. Fans can share fan art, music, and discussion around the genre. These platforms have given rise to a massive fanbase that creates visual art, remix tracks, and often engage in creative collaborations, which continue to fuel the genre’s momentum.

Retrowave's impact on modern music has been profound, influencing artists across a wide array of genres. Its analog sound, cinematic compositions, and nostalgic tone have inspired the mainstream music scene in ways that are becoming increasingly obvious.

The Resurgence of Analog Sounds

In recent years, the retro sounds of analog synthesizers, drum machines, and vintage production techniques have made a comeback. Artists like The Weeknd, particularly with his hit Blinding Lights, have embraced 80s-inspired synths to create modern pop tracks that feel fresh yet familiar.

The Cross-Genre Appeal of Retrowave

Retrowave’s influence can be found in various genres, from electropop to indie rock to EDM. This broad appeal has helped the genre gain traction in ways that were previously unexpected. The infusion of synthwave elements in mainstream pop shows how the genre has woven its way into the fabric of modern music.

From Underground to Mainstream

What started as a niche subculture has now broken into the mainstream. Retrowave is no longer confined to underground clubs or indie games — its reach extends across fashion, media, and global entertainment. It’s clear that Retrowave is no longer just a flash-in-the-pan trend but rather a lasting cultural movement.

The future of Retrowave looks bright, with the genre continuing to evolve and expand. New artists are emerging every day, pushing the boundaries of what Retrowave can be and what it can represent.

Innovation in Sound and Technology

The continued rise of AI music production and immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR) could push Retrowave into new territories. Artists may soon experiment with VR concerts, interactive music videos, and even AI-generated tracks, providing fans with a completely new way to experience the genre.

New Artists and Subgenres

The evolution of Retrowave doesn’t stop at its current form. New subgenres like Vaporwave, Synthwave Trap, and Futuresynth are continuing to emerge, each offering new, experimental takes on the retro-futuristic sound. As technology advances and artists continue to innovate, Retrowave’s boundaries will expand, offering fans even more diversity and creative expression.

A Genre That Lasts

Retrowave has proven that it’s more than just a fleeting trend. It’s a genre that connects generations and cultures, blending nostalgia with forward-thinking innovation. The genre’s ability to adapt and evolve will ensure that Retrowave remains a vibrant and influential part of global pop culture for years to come.

Whether you're cruising through digital sunsets or coding into the night, the right soundtrack brings the Retrowave world to life. Below is a curated list of essential YouTube tracks and mixes that capture the full emotional range of the genre — from dreamy synth anthems to dark cyberpunk energy. Plug in and let the retro-futuristic sounds carry you away.

To fully appreciate the vibe of Retrowave, sometimes a still image isn’t enough. Below is a handpicked selection of animated GIFs that capture the pulse, color, and mood of the genre in motion. From glowing cityscapes to flickering VHS glitches, these visuals offer a quick dive into the aesthetic that defines Retrowave.

I hope this guide has given you a deeper understanding of Retrowave — from its cultural roots to its musical evolution and visual aesthetics. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the genre, I hope this journey through the neon-lit world of Retrowave has sparked some inspiration and introduced you to new artists, albums, and ideas.

Remember, Retrowave is more than just music — it’s a full experience, blending past and future in a way that resonates with anyone who has ever dreamed of a retro-futuristic world. So, whether you're cruising down a virtual highway, immersed in pixel art, or just listening to your favorite synthwave track, keep exploring, stay curious, and most importantly, enjoy the ride.

Thanks again for diving into the world of Retrowave with me! If you haven’t already, make sure to check out the artists and albums mentioned here, and keep an eye out for the next wave of creative voices shaping the future of the genre. Until next time, keep the neon glow alive and the synths playing!