Synthwave MANIA

09/08/2022

----------------- NUITS NOIRES COLLECTIVE ---------------

French synthwave artists met through Synthwave MANIA and its interviews! From this meeting was born a collective called NUITS NOIRES created in 2022 and composed of 7 French musicians (for the moment) passionate about alternative electro, synthwave and darksynth: Nefas, Ecaru, Strange Dusk, Zesloth, Mů, Acid Arcade, Arkitek.
Their goal is to break the boundaries of the genre by bringing together musicians from the alternative electro scene and from different electronic sub-genres that are little discussed in France such as Synthwave (also called Retrowave), Darksynth or EBM / EBSM.
The collective plans to organize its first electro festival in 2023 as well as various concerts throughout the year in order to democratize and celebrate the broad spectrum of the electronic genre through the promising artists who compose it.

To support their project you can follow them here:

Facebook : Collectif Nuits Noires
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/collectifnuitsnoires/
Website : https://collectif-nuits-noires.jimdosite.com

03/08/2022

🇫🇷 L’éminent réalisateur de films d’horreur et compositeur John Carpenter a un jour dit que l’émotion humaine la plus puissante était la peur. Force est de...

20/06/2021

======== ACID ARCADE =======
Here is the Acid Arcade's new pop synthwave single featuring Phenyx came out on June 20, 2021!

Discover it now!

● To follow Acid Arcade :
Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/1uONQxzZkqNK2MW7CcFSfz?si=HMXO6uWdSfWVNAJkHZxsCw&nd=1
Bandcamp : https://acidarcade.bandcamp.com/​​
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/acidarcademusic/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/AcidArcadeMusic
YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVgIs3CSLr3zLIfhdaWGDog
Soundcloud : https://soundcloud.com/acid-arcade​​​

● To follow Phenyx :
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/phenyxmusic
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/phenyx_music/
Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Iq658xsoXWFGMTXoivd4N?si=VNiS5xJmRN-z3Nb5M2EKbg
YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYes2szviRBWHWFCD3QbwnA/featured
► Website : https://linktr.ee/phenyx_music

► Listen on Synthwave MANIA Youtube:
https://youtu.be/QRwNIF1Y5Is

======== ACID ARCADE ========Artist : Acid Arcade (feat. Phenyx)Music : Night Heart Single : Night Heart Release Date : June 20, 2021Support acid Arcade :► S...

15/06/2021

======== SPACEMAN 1981 =======
We present you the retrowave Russian artist SpaceMan 1981 and his vocal pop synthwave song "One Night on the Earth" feat. Alexandra Esakova, from his latest album "Galaxy of Dreams" came out on May 28, 2021 with the Pür Zynth Rekords label.
Discover it here.

● To follow Spaceman 1981 :
Bandcamp : https://spaceman1981.bandcamp.com
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SpaceMan-1981
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/spaceman_1981_/
Soundcloud : https://soundcloud.com/spaceman_1981
Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/3tjiJn6pivJ2Y7sovqRftr?si=mB93p8CqQQ2RcAuuH-aSCw&nd=1

● To support Pür Zynth Rekords :
Bandcamp: https://purzynthrekords.bandcamp.com/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/PurZynthRekords
Spotify:http://bit.ly/SpotifyPurZynthRekords
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purzynthrekords/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkdHLmfLdJmkX8XTTxXVgUQ

► Buy/Download 'GALAXY OF DREAMS' : https://purzynthrekords.bandcamp.com/album/galaxy-of-dreams

► Listen on Synthwave MANIA Youtube:
https://youtu.be/PxW26j36Z3Q

======== SPACEMAN 1981 ========Artist : SPACEMAN 1981 (feat. Alexandra Esakova)Music : One Night on the EarthAlbum : Galaxy of DreamsRelease Date : May 28, 2...

15/06/2021

======== CHRIS KEYA =======
Here is the synthwave artist Chris Keya coming back with his recent cyberpunk single entitled "Insurgency [ 反乱 ]" released in May 2021!
Check it out now...

● To follow him :
Bandcamp : https://chriskeya.bandcamp.com/
Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/7zCJiVQxxnpXTnIDVMihPl
Soundcloud : https://soundcloud.com/chriskeya
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/chris_keya/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/chriskeyaofficialpage/

► Listen on Synthwave MANIA Youtube:
https://youtu.be/j4hUQ4sMjiY

======== CHRIS KEYA ========Artist : CHRIS KEYAMusic : Insurgency [ 反乱 ]Single : Insurgency [ 反乱 ]Release Date : May 2021Support :► Bandcamp : https://chrisk...

15/06/2021

======== L'EMPEREUR =======
Take a look at the French synthwave artist L'Empereur who talks to us about his universe and listen to his darksynth song "Knights Of The Temple" from his latest 6 track EP "Roman After All" released on January 15, 2021.
Here is his interview!

● What brought you to synthwave music?

I come from metalcore & djent. I'm a guitar player. Synthwave wasn't my main genre. I used to listen to a few of the main artists such as Perturbator, Carpenter Brut and Dan Terminus through Spotify playlists. I really loved the video games Hotline Miami 1 & 2, that got me more into the genre. Without realizing it, I always loved 80's stuff, since GTA Vice City, Terminator & Bladerunner movies in my childhood, to name a few. Then suddenly, in the early 2020 I discovered that I had many synthwave sounds and presets in my soundbanks that I use for making music. I always loved to compose electronic music but I missed a particular genre. I started to consider making dark synthwave, I listened to all the playlist I could, and started to create. And since then, I fell in love with the synth universe. I bought synths, new soundbanks, and I barely listen to metal anymore, almost only synthwave. And I found a way to match synthwave with my musical identity.

● How do you define the spirit of your music?

I like to define my music as Archaic Darksynth, or Historical Darksynth. I'm truly passionate about History, especially Antiquity and Middle-Age. I'm taking the word "Retro" to the 80's before Christian Era ! I like to mix this background with the Synthwave/Cyberpunk universe, but not on every track, I like to keep some tracks in the pure 80's spirit. I can write some music inspired by movies or books that have nothing to do with history, such as Cthulhu or Dracula.

● What are your references?

I think my favourite synth band is Turboslash. Those Russians are epic ! I think they deserve way more followers. Their music is so rich and epic.

● What is your musical background (studies, self-taught etc.)?

I began playing the guitar when I was 6, with a private teacher. Then when I became older I learned by myself. At the moment, there is so much knowledge on the internet about music theory, music techniques, you just have to spend time learning !

● Where are you in your musical journey (release, label, collaborations ...)?

Well, I just released my first 6 tracks EP on Soundcloud and Bandcamp. It will be soon on all streaming platforms. I made this EP to set up my identity, and to start creating "a lore". I'm working with a 3D artist who totally got my universe. We want to tell a story. In the future, I think I'll release singles and start to look for a label. I would also love to do collabs, for there are awesome musicians in the community.

● What is the secret for you to good synthwave music?

There are so many synthwave producers, it's hard not to sound as "generic synthwave". You first have to learn the codes, and then break it somehow. Breaking codes is where art begins. You have to find your own identity to step up.

● If we had to listen to just one music from you, which one would it be?

I would say "Knights Of The Temple". I had the best feedback for that one. It would be a good definition of my identity because it has the spirit of a medieval movie, in my opinion. It's inspired by movies and tv shows like The Name Of The Rose, Knightfall, Kingdom Of Heaven. However, If you are looking for calm Synthwave instead of Darksynth, you may try "Silence Speaks Volumes" for Hugo Lee's epic saxophone.

● To follow you :
Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/5NS8vPrghyaye1Tv9RswsF?si=dBur5uASQQCVwNojx6Ftzw&dl_branch=1
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/lempereur.synthwave/?hl=fr
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lempereur.synthwave/
Soundcloud : https://soundcloud.com/empereur-darksynth
Bandcamp : https://lempereur.bandcamp.com/releases

► Listen on Synthwave MANIA Youtube :
https://youtu.be/YHU4OMutS4Q

======== L'EMPEREUR ========Artist : L'EMPEREURMusic : Knights Of The TempleEP : Roman After AllRelease Date : January 15, 2021Support :► Spotify : https://o...

04/06/2021

======== SHINE =======
We present you the Norwegian pop music band SHINE and their dance 80's single "Let's Get Spiritual" released on November 13, 2021!
Check them out!

● To follow them :
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6A2NPUfmiDxT6Ujluf0BWS?si=2STOorA0TxeqCYKI4Y-Kqw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebandshine
Facebook: SHINE
Website: https://linktr.ee/thebandshine
Twitter: ​​​
​​​
► Listen on Synthwave MANIA Youtube:
https://youtu.be/q-1doHFv8jM

======== SHINE ========Artist : Cartoon TheoryMusic : Let's Get SpiritualSingle : Let's Get SpiritualRelease Date : November 13, 2020Support :► Instagram: ht...

04/06/2021

======== CARTOON THEORY =======
We come back with the French synthwave artist CARTOON THEORY who talks to us about his musical universe and here is his single "Sacred Geometry 2020" released in 2020.
Discover his interview!

● What brought you to synthwave music?

My immersion in Synthwave music was made in 2 steps. First of all, I was born in the early 80’s and I grew up in an environment steeped in synthetic music between jingle pub, TV series credits and film music. For example, Music from Blade Runner or Miami Vice or the serie's theme from Street Hawk recorded by Tangerine Dream.
Secondly, Growing up, I totally ignored this facet in my musical learning more focused on progressive, jazz or metal music. Then a few years ago, I discovered Tycho and the album Dive which is a tribute music and then I listened later to artists really catalogued Synthwave.

● How do you define the spirit of your music?

At the base, Cartoon Theory is a band of Instrumental Progressive Metal with Japanese vibes then little by little with the support of computer software, there was the integration of electronic music elements like dubstep, chiptune or synthwave. Electronic music brings a great narrative dimension.

● What are your references?

For the progressive and tech dimension, bands influencing me are Liquid Tension Experiment, Periphery or Plini. For the electronic side, my references are Mr Bill, Au5, Kubbi or Tycho. And concerning synthwave music, that's definitely Perturbator, Carpenter Brut, Com Truise and The Midnight !

● What is your musical background?

I'm Drummer and hardcore Abletonneer. As drummer in extreme Metal band which names OEstre and which share stage with bands like Gojira, The Algorithm or Kadinja and as drummer and producer in Cartoon Theory. I did some lots of collabs with great musicians like Plini or The Algorithm and I accumulate almost 800 000 streams on Spotify.

● Where are you in your musical journey?

I am an independent artist who officiates in Cartoon Theory since 2009 and who realized 2 albums "Planet Geisha 2016" and "Yokai Orchestra 2019" plus 2 splits, Eps and Singles. Now the artistic dimension for Cartoon Theory concerns 2 musicians, Morgan Thomaso (Guitarist, composer) and I. Some Remixes and new album are coming soon.

● What is the secret for you to good synthwave music?

Feelings and OTT compressor ^^. More seriously, it requires a well catchy structure, careful and emotional chords, an elaborate sound design and a codified visual universe.

● If we had to listen to just one music from you, which one would it be?

The track "Shisa" which is the perfect mixture between chiptune part, epic and progressive vibes and Blade Runner Final.
https://open.spotify.com/track/51bCCfDVcMu85MoQmHWco4?si=hgr5lbSkRcuS1XjH-fMfPQ

● To follow you :

Facebook : https://fr-fr.facebook.com/CartoonTheoryBand/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/cartoontheorymusic/
Bandcamp : https://cartoontheory.bandcamp.com/
Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UPSjbEaWn0LrLoF4f8ipX?si=6BurTXqqTF6SxruwP7wIuQ

► Listen on Synthwave MANIA Youtube:
https://youtu.be/pMQouHYj7Ko

======== CARTOON THEORY ========Artist : Cartoon TheoryMusic : Sacred Geometry 2020Single : Sacred Geometry 2020Release Date : 2020Support :► Facebook : http...

19/05/2021

======== ROLLER =======
We present you the French synthwave artist 'Roller' and his melancholy song "Army of Darkness" from his last album "Orion 4, Pt. II" released in 2020.
Discover his interview...

● What brought you to Synthwave music?

I would say that 80’s movies and music is what brings most of the artists working in that genre. The one movie that really made me go into that genre was The Bounty, by Roger Donaldson, 1984. There was a mix between electronic music and historical drama (the story takes place in 1789), which developed my love for it.

● How do you define the spirit of your music?

In one word : visual. Coming from film school, I try to make something which can be turned into a video.

● What are your references?

My references would not seem too original, I’m a deep fan of John Carpenter’s work, but I also draw a lot of inspiration from Vangelis. Both artists have really had a big influence on me. I also have a lot of affection for Jóhann Jóhannsson, with his work on Mandy.

● What is your musical background (studies, self-taught etc.)?

I studied for four years in film school. During those years, I got badly sick for about three months and because I couldn’t do too much, I started playing with VSTs and that’s how it began.

● Where are you in your musical journey (release, label, collaborations ...)?

Recently I was officially recognized as an artist with rights and royalties by the french SACEM. And that was big news for me. I released my third album, Orion 4 Part II, on December 5th 2020, and I’m working on a new album titled Ixodes, which will be coming in the next months I believe. I would love to collaborate with another artist, may it be singer or filmmaker.

● What is the secret for you to good Synthwave music?

I don’t know if there is a secret. What I try to do is a tune, something you can whistle after you hear it. I believe that when you get a tune, or a melody, people remember your music better. Take The Thing for example, that heartbeat is unforgettable. You listen to it and after that, you have it in your head.
I would also argue that in a synthwave music piece, if it makes you want to drive a car with neon lights and sunglasses, you did a good job as a synthwave artist.

● If we had to listen to just one music from you, which one would it be?

There may be a lot that I would want to show. If I had to narrow it to one, it would be Army of Darkness, it catches the "tune" idea that I was talking about earlier.

● To follow you :

Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/6NztvmfngXkomO6SFHcg3h
Bandcamp : https://roller.bandcamp.com/
Twitter : https://twitter.com/Roller_711

► Listen on Synthwave MANIA Youtube :
https://youtu.be/R3Yfy7JZxCY

======== ROLLER ========Artist : Roller Music : Army of DarknessAlbum : Orion 4, Pt. IIRelease Date : 2020Support :► Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artis...

19/05/2021

======= 90S MAZE =======
Here is the Italian synthwave duo '90s Maze' and their latest retro single "Noctural Tape".
Furthermore, they won the Special Mention of Synthwave MANIA of the Synthwave MANIA's Rad Contest (02/25/2021) with their song "Novastar". Discover them!

● To follow them:
Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/5nO7HastM8ycTxSnxilI5q?si=SfLbkJ9AQpCe6oghn6BUJA
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/90smaze/?hl=fr
Website : https://instabio.cc/209088QLOk4

► Listen on Synthwave MANIA Youtube :
https://youtu.be/ywP-ohWCxeI

======== 90S MAZE ========Artist : 90s MazeMusic : Noctural TapeSingle : Noctural TapeRelease Date : 2021Support :► Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist...

08/05/2021

======== FORGOTTEN SECTORS =======
Discover the synthwave artist Forgotten Sectors and his retro song "Victory" from his latest EP "Close Your Eyes" released in 2021.
Here is his interview!

● What brought you to synthwave music?

I actually grew up in the 80s so I have a nostalgic love affair with the sounds of that time. What we call Synth Wave now was
the defining sound of that era. It was everywhere. In movies, TV shows, and on the radio. I was infatuated by the sounds people made with the machines of that day and being a musician I wanted to connect with that and share my personal take on it.

● How do you define the spirit of your music?

The music of Forgotten Sectors right now is pretty much "straight ahead" retro synth wave. A lot of synth wave stuff you’ll hear is very progressive and
experimental because it’s geared towards the people who are immersed in the genre. I purposely create synth wave in a more evangelical fashion to lure
more uninitiated listeners and people who are new to the whole synth wave vibe. I feel like Forgotten Sectors can be the gateway for the listener to find other
synth wave artists that the love.

● What are your references?

You’ll find that a lot of us that produce synth wave either loosely follow or completely try to rip off the same few “bigger name" producers.
That being said I do use a few of those producers and groups like the Midnight, Gunship, FM84, Carpenter Brut as inspiration but I’m also heavily influenced by
producers like, Ace Buchanan and McRocklin & Hutch as well. A lot of my influences from outside synth wave fuel my creating process as well coming from a
Jazz/Gospel background.

● What is your musical background (studies, self-taught etc.)?

I have a mixture of classical training and school of DIY. I’m a multi-instrumentalist. I play piano, bass guitar, electric guitar, and drums well enough to speak of
and I have a working knowledge of some other wind instruments. I studied music composition in college for a while but dropped out. My parents are musicians
and I grew up in a musical household so I have always been around recording and performing. That part comes pretty naturally to me. I also interned in various studio
im my hometown of Chicago, IL back in the 90s to hone my engineering chops.

● Where are you in your musical journey (release, label, collaborations …)?

I sort of live in a perpetual state of discovery where, I’ll find something new all the time that I can add to my process or some new piece of gear that will inspire me to
in a different direction than I usually would. Musically, I’m pretty open-minded and free spirited so I don’t work within perimeters much. Even though I'm pretty new to the synthwave scene, I’ve been creating music professionally for the past 25+ years. My music has been featured world-wide on many TV programs, games and movies.

● What is the secret for you to good synthwave music?

I believe the secret to GOOD sounding synth wave music is a connection to the sources where the music comes from. Synthwave is an entire genre built on tropes and cliches but inside
that, it has it’s own very nuanced vocabulary the fans truly understand. Just like any popular genre, certain things have been done near to death but there are aspects, we as synthwave fans are drawn to and expect in the music. Producers who embrace these aspects of the music while adding fresh inspiration are the ones creating GOOD synth wave. It’s one thing to have the correct instrumentation and elements in your songs, its another thing entirely to make it FRESH and EXCITING for the listener by pushing those ideas and elements past conventional boundaries. A mentor of mine told me “don’t make DECENT music. It must either be horrible or amazing.”

● If we had to listen to just one music from you, which one would it be?

One song I think sort of defines my sound is “Shibuya Crossing” from my "Return To The Fight" album. Even though I feel like I’ve gotten better since that album came out, that one feels most like the statement I'm trying to make with all my synth wave music.

● To follow you :

Bandcamp : https://forgettensectors.bandcamp.com/
Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/5PGh7BbLDLZGlIHX3YE4nS?si=ZgdK3eYhQ0uX1yx_1zJlbA
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/forgottensectors
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/forgottensectors/
Website : https://www.davidrogersproduction.com/

► Listen on Synthwave MANIA Youtube :
https://youtu.be/Vi6lG2PjMDA

======== FORGOTTEN SECTORS ========Artist : Forgotten SectorsMusic : VictoryEP : Close Your EyesRelease Date : 2021Support :► Bandcamp : https://forgettensec...

29/04/2021

======== COSAQUITOS EN GLOBO =======
It's time for the pop synthwave duo Cosaquitos en Globo to present their vocal song "Recall" from their 3 track single "Recall" released in 2020.
Discover their interview...

● What brought you to synthwave music?

We released our first album in 2005. At that time we didn't know Synthwave (I think it didn't exist), but we made an album of 80s influenced Synthpop because we love the sound of that era, and a lot of the songs ended sounding like what we nowadays know as Synthwave. One of the songs of that album (Fantasy) was included in a Synthwave compilation a few years ago.
After that, we made a couple of albums exploring the edges of Synthpop and Electro, but always with some 80s influence.
When we started working on our fourth album we wanted to get back to the feeling and sound of the first album. At that point we already knew about Synthwave; we were listening to Kavinsky, Arcade High, Nina, etc. So, in 2017 we released "Humanum" which is our first intentional Synthwave sounding album and after that, we released a couple of EPs in the same vein.

● How do you define the spirit of your music?

We like to think of it as songs you can dance to... Most of them have a melancholic feel, but also they are full of energy, even the slower ones.
But also, if you want to lay back and listen, there is a world of layers and sensations you can unveil in terms of lyrics and soundscapes.

● What are your references?

As we grew up in the 80s, most of our influences come from that era. We love Giorgio Moroder, Duran Duran, Human League, Depeche Mode, New Order, The Cure, David Bowie, Prince, but also we like music from any time.
We also love Sci-Fi movies and series, so we are influenced by Blade Runner, Logan's Run, Star Wars, etc.

● What is your musical background (studies, self-taught, etc.)?

♪ Sebastian: I studied Sound & Recording at University, so I have a more technical background. Musically I'm self-taught, I started to make music with a Commodore 64 when I was a kid in the 80s and after that, I just couldn't stop.

♪ Maru: I took singing lessons privately, from pop to bel canto styles, and also did part of my studies at the conservatory of music in my hometown, but didn't feel like pursuing.
In terms of songwriting, I am a hundred percent self-taught. I don't remember a moment in my life when I was not trying to put words and create melodies every time I listened to an instrumental song.
It was quite annoying for the people that were around me.

● Where are you in your musical journey (release, label, collaborations ...)?

We already released 4 albums and 3 EPs, some releases are independent, and some under labels like Aztec Records, Alfa Matrix, Electro London Records among others.
Recently, we collaborated with Midnight Fighters, SoftWave and we plan to do some more collaborations for the upcoming songs, soon.
Our latest EP called "Recall" was released this year and now we are starting to work on a new album to be released hopefully next year.

● What is the secret for you to good synthwave music?

Good songs, for us everything is about the song.

● If we had to listen to just one music from you, which one would it be?

It is hard to say, but we think that at the moment "Recall" is one of our most representative songs we have.

● To follow you :

Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Ppe0SyQXF8z46utuKhwy9?si=inCupQ2GRTWwXwW3JcaThQ
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/cosaquitos/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/cosaquitos
Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/cosaquitosenglobo

► Listen on Synthwave MANIA Youtube :
https://youtu.be/y-pyOskj8KU

======== COSAQUITOS EN GLOBO ========Artist : Cosaquitos En GloboMusic : RecallSingle : RecallRelease Date : 2020Support :► Spotify : https://open.spotify.co...

22/04/2021

========== SHEIDA ASSA =========
Let's discover the cyberpunk visual designer Sheida Assa and her original and beautiful artworks. Take a look at her interview!

● Why choose the futuristic/cyberpunk universe?

I find cyberpunk world fascinating, probably because everything about this fantasy world is so real and close to our reality. It's easy to imagine yourself walking on the street full of skyline and neon.

● How would you describe your style?

Cyberpunkgoth this is what I call it always.

● What are your references?

Everything, film, music, but most of the times others creative who inspire me the most.

● What is your background?

I graduate from Fine Art Academy and working as graphic designer, but I've come a long way and tried many different things, illustrations, graffiti, music and ...

● How long does it take you to make an artwork?

Well it's really It depends in many factors sometimes few hours sometimes one week.

● What's the secret to good artwork?

There's no secret, hard work and determination.

● What is the main message of your works?

Every works has own story and message I can’t categorise them all.

● If we had to discover you through just one of your artworks, which would it be?

Well its really hard to select one, but currently ‘Cyberpunk Kill Bill’.

● To see more, take a look at her social networks :

Instagram: http://instagram.com/sheida.assa/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SheidaAssa

22/04/2021

======== 20SIX Hundred =======
We present you the synthwave artist 20SIX Hundred and his song "Equinox" from his album "Demon Haunted Worlds" released in 2020.
Discover his interview...

● What brought you to synthwave music?

I had been making low budget movies with friends and went to school to film making - I always scored my own videos with the cheap Casio keyboard I had since the early 90’s and into the 2000’s.I am a HUGE John Carpenter fan, and even made a few Halloween fan films. I would rent a Korg X3 synth, and then finally got Reason for my computer and helped score a few of my friends’ low budget short films. After the birth of my second boy, a friend of mine said “hey you make cool music this, why you don’t try and do something like this” as we had listened to an Act Razor track (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7yfPaY0bdE) and so I tried my hand at it - naming myself 20SIX Hundred, after my 80’s love for the Atari 2600 VCS.

● How do you define the spirit of your music?

I’m actually really interested in soundscapes and atmospheres. I tend to prefer that over melodic hooks, like something that would show up in a movie rather than on the radio. A lot of it is more on the melancholy side and usually in minor keys, so I would liken it more to a soundtrack for a movie in your mind.

● What are your references?

Like I said, I’m a HUGE John Carpenter fan, and love sci-fi and horror flicks form the 80’s. I’m also a big Pink Floyd fan, as well as Tangerine Dream, Vangelis and I have a wide range of music I like, from classic rock, to electronica, soundtracks, 60’s music, and especially, the ’80's

● What is your musical background (studies, self-taught etc.)?

I’m totally self taught on the keyboard, bass, guitar and drums. I used to be in a classic Rock cover band in the mid 2000’s

● Where are you in your musical journey (release, label, collaborations …)?

I’ve done a few collaborations, had a few of my tracks remixed by some amazing artists, and had guest singers on some of my tracks. Recently, I had just scored two actually films, and won a festival award for Best Soundtrack for a film I worked on last year called Monster Force Zero - which is now available for rent on digital services. I have another soundtrack coming out this winter or early next year for a film called HellKat that will be released soon as well.

● What is the secret for you to good synthwave music?

I think the secret to ANY good music is how it makes the listener feel. If you can transport someone out of this crazy and scary world into somewhere the music takes you in your mind, if even for a moment, and you forget about all of your woes and problems, then I think that music is successful. It doesn’t really matter if there is a melodic hook, but that always helps brings the listener back to keep checking out your songs.

● If we had to listen to just one music from you, which one would it be?

I think my best album is The Cold Rise from Sleep. It’s got some great stuff on there that I’m really proud of. But I’m also really proud of a few tracks on my newest album, like Equinox and This Means Warp

● To follow you :

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/20sixhundredmusic
Twitter : https://twitter.com/20six_hundred
Bandcamp : https://20sixhundred.bandcamp.com/
Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/5PwGR0IJRoPPaa9t3s11Yv
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/20six_hundred

► Listen on Synthwave MANIA Youtube:
https://youtu.be/NDzquSacpvA

======== 20SIX Hundred ========Artist : 20SIX HundredMusic : EquinoxAlbum : Demon Haunted WorldsRelease Date : 2020Support :► Facebook : https://www.facebook...

16/04/2021

======== GIGOLETTE =======
We introduce you the retrowave artist Gigolette and her single "Promise Of Love" released on February 25.
She finished second in the category 'Public Vote' in the Synthwave Mania's Rad Contest which took place on February 25 as well.
Discover her interview.

● What brought you to synthwave music?

Synthwave music is magical. Everytime I listen to it, I close my eyes and I can picture myself traveling, flying. The sounds of synthwave are really inspiring. Last year when the lockdown started, Ed Carabantes (My fiancé and producer) told me he wanted me to sing synthwave. He told me my voice was made for that. So, he wrote "SHINE" in just one afternoon. Then, the recording process took a week. We asked Claudio Guerrero, from AOR Rock Band HUNTER, to record the guitar solo. The song was immediately magical. It was even included in a Synthwave compilation called "This is synthwave 2", released on Vinyl, cd, cassette and minidisc by british label Red Manor Records. That's how I've got into it and now I can say I have fallen in love with it.

● What are your references?

I really love 80's music but I also listen to new artists from different musical genres. Michael Jackson is my favorite artist but I listen to Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Sandra, Bruno Mars, and from the newretrowave artists of course Nina, Kalax and Ollie Wride.

● What is your musical background (studies, self-taught etc.)?

I have never had the chance to take any singing lessons so I can say it is a natural skill. Would love to do it in the future cause I know there are a lot of things to improve. I want to be a better singer and artist.

● Where are you in your musical journey (release, label, collaborations ...)?

Right now we are in the process of writing and recording new songs for my album 'Shine' which will be released in June by a Russian label "Neon Retro Records" with which I signed. My album will be released on Cd, cassette and Vinyl in June this year. I can't say anything else right now, only that it will be available on cd, cassette and Vinyl so I'm very happy and excited about it.

● What is the secret for you to good synthwave music?

Well, I believe music in general must use different sounds and dynamics, with an easy to catch melody and lyrics, so the audience can immediately starts singing it after the first listen.

● If we had to listen to just one music from you, which one would it be?

My favorite song is "Promise Of Love". I think that song has it all. A catchy melody, beautiful and meaningful lyrics, a great Video Clip and a very powerful message. Besides it combines the best of synthwave with the best of Pop music. That song is very special for me.

● To follow you :

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Gigolette-Angeline-104123684708582
Instagram :
YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW-GMnal0iYYp7SFnSdYjjg/playlists

► Listen on Synthwave MANIA Youtube:
https://youtu.be/-TQcsc3qp7Q

======== GIGOLETTE ========Artist : GigoletteMusic : Promise Of LoveSingle : Promise Of LoveRelease Date : February 25, 2021Support :► Facebook : https://www...