mallsoft
what it is
Mallsoft is a subgenre of Vaporwave that first appeared in 2012 that blends the main characteristics of the genre with what can be described as background/elevator music. Mallsoft typically samples music commonly played in malls and other shopping centers, such as Easy Listening, Smooth Jazz or other forms of background or elevator music associated with Muzak, and it sometimes mixes in some elements from Ambient. Mallsoft artists often apply to said mall muzak a heavy use of reverb in addition to other editing practices commonly found in vaporwave.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make mallsoft a playlist
turn these 17 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is mallsoft?
Mallsoft is a subgenre of Vaporwave that first appeared in 2012 that blends the main characteristics of the genre with what can be described as background/elevator music. Mallsoft typically samples music commonly played in malls and other shopping centers, such as Easy Listening, Smooth Jazz or other forms of background or elevator music associated with Muzak, and it sometimes mixes in some elements from Ambient. Mallsoft artists often apply to said mall muzak a heavy use of reverb in addition to other editing practices commonly found in vaporwave.
What are good mallsoft albums to start with?
Try Building a Better World by 猫 シ Corp., Hologram Plaza by Disconscious, アンタラ通信 by t e l e p a t h テレパシー能力者, and 슈퍼마켓Yes! We're Open by 식료품groceries.
Who are some women making mallsoft?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/mallsoft/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making mallsoft, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20