SYNTHWAVE Meaning and
Definition
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Synthwave refers to a genre of music that emerged in the late 2000s and achieved significant popularity in the 2010s. It is characterized by its nostalgic and futuristic sound, taking inspiration from 1980s pop culture, particularly the music, movies, and video games of that era. The term "synthwave" draws its name from the prominent use of synthesizers in the music, as well as the wave of nostalgia associated with it.
Musically, synthwave typically incorporates elements of electronic, dream pop, and new wave music. It often features a distinct retro-futuristic aesthetic, creating a sonic landscape that evokes an atmosphere of neon-lit cities, cyberpunk dystopias, and futuristic landscapes. Heavy usage of synthesizers, drum machines, and electronic effects is employed to emulate the electronic sound of the 1980s.
The genre gained a dedicated following due to its ability to transport listeners to an imagined past, rekindling their love for the nostalgia of the 80s while adding a contemporary touch. Artists within the synthwave genre often create music that evokes a sense of driving at night, with pulsating rhythms, shimmering synths, and catchy melodies. Many synthwave tracks also lend themselves well to accompanying visual media, with filmmakers and video game developers incorporating its music into their creations.
Overall, synthwave represents a fusion of retro and futuristic elements inspired by 1980s pop culture, resulting in a distinctly nostalgic and evocative genre of electronic music.
Etymology of SYNTHWAVE
The word "synthwave" is a combination of two key terms: "synth" and "wave".
1. Synth: Short for synthesizer, "synth" refers to electronic musical instruments that generate and manipulate sound through electronic circuits. Synthesizers were widely popularized in the 1970s and 1980s, especially in genres like electronic music, disco, and pop.
2. Wave: In the context of music, "wave" refers to a genre or a subculture that emerges with its own unique style and characteristics. The term "wave" is often used to describe various electronic music genres that have distinct sounds, aesthetics, and cultural influences.
Combining the two terms, "synthwave" describes a genre of music that draws heavily from the sounds and styles of synthesizer-driven music from the 1980s.
