Progressive Synthwave, Outrunning the Genre
Progressive Synthwave, Outrunning the Genre
Welcome to the definitive guide to Progressive Synthwave . This modern evolution of the genre, blending the 1980s retro-futurist aesthetic with cutting-edge electronic music production. It builds on the core analogue sound inspired by John Carpenter and Tangerine Dream, while incorporating elements like French Touch House and Dubstep. The genre is currently being pushed forward by the renowned New York producer Sinclair 808, who is widely considered its primary proponent.
What is Synthwave Music?
Electronic music sub-genre Synthwave, exploded onto our speakers in the mid 2000’s fuelled by inspiration from the 70s and 80s synthesizer music and soundtracks of John Carpenter, Tangerine Dream, Jean-Michel Jarre, and Vangelis. Artists frequently now described as Proto Synthwave.
Synthwave reached mass popular acceptance via feature films like Drive (2011), Tron: Legacy, and Thor: Ragnarok; video games like Hotline Miami and Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon; and the Netflix tv series Stranger Things. The hit song “Blinding Lights” (The Weeknd) cemented the genre's commercial peak during the 2020 lockdown.
With the Synthwave aesthetic arguably peaking in popularity, what’s next for the genre? Allow me to introduce Sinclair 808, the renowned New York producer pushing Synthwave forward.
THE Progressive Synthwave GUIDE : Key CHARACTERISTICS
Progressive Synthwave is a genre that maintains the core analogue sound inspired by 1980’s soundtracks, made on retro modular synths, but fuses it with modern, harder electronic sounds.
It is defined by the following characteristics:
Foundation: Core recipe inspired by 1980’s soundtracks, made on rare analogue gear (the same modular synths used by Tangerine Dream and John Carpenter).
Fusion Elements: Blending these retro foundations with modern electronic music, such as funky French Touch House Music and Dubstep sonics.
Vocal Style: Introduction of Chorale chants and heavenly vocals, sometimes blending with Indie Rock guitars.
Production: Employs cutting-edge production techniques to deliver traditional roots with a tougher electronic sound.
Tone: Themes of conspiracy meeting hypnotic dancefloor grooves, creating a sonically enticing warm future retro tone.
This fusion is exemplified by Sinclair 808, who is truly Outrunning the genre!
2nd Movement : Snake’s Revenge
The track “2nd Movement : Snake’s Revenge” is a prime example of Progressive Synthwave, residing at an uncharted intersect of Classical composition, futuristic Electronic Music, and an unsubtle nod to John Carpenter, Kurt Russell, and Escape From New York.
Who is Sinclair 808?
Sinclair 808 (Jean-Luc Sinclair) is a composer and producer who has been instrumental in defining the sound of Progressive Synthwave. His background includes diverse work across the music industry:
Origin: Paris-born, New York-based artist.
Metal Production: Produced DVDs for metal titans like Slayer (reaching gold in the U.S.) and Ministry.
Film/Game Scoring: Scored video game soundtracks with visionary musician Trent Reznor and worked on the audio engine for Doom 3 (id Software).
High-Profile Collaboration: Worked in the studio with Rage Against The Machine’s Zack de la Rocha, The Scissor Sisters, and REM’s Michael Stipe.
Technical Work: Creator of plugins for Ableton.
Academia/Author: A published author of the book Principles of Game Audio and Sound Design and a faculty member at Berklee College of Music.
As we’ve seen in this definitive guide, the Synthwave genre has successfully outrun its perceived peak by evolving into the powerful and exciting realm of Progressive Synthwave. The fusion of retro analogue gear with modern elements like Dubstep and Chorale vocals ensures its longevity. Led by innovators like Sinclair 808, the genre continues to push musical boundaries. Now that you've explored the characteristics of this new sound, we encourage you to listen to tracks like "2nd Movement : Snake’s Revenge" and experience the future of retro music for yourself.