retrowave
what it is
Retrowave is an alternate term for synthwave. Retrowave focuses on the stylistics of the 1980s decade of preferable Miami/Californian atmosphere. Retrowave takes its origin in January 2012, when Power Glove released their first EP, EP 1.
✦ 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 retrowave a playlist
turn these 26 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is retrowave?
Retrowave is an alternate term for synthwave. Retrowave focuses on the stylistics of the 1980s decade of preferable Miami/Californian atmosphere. Retrowave takes its origin in January 2012, when Power Glove released their first EP, EP 1.
What are good retrowave albums to start with?
Try Leather Teeth by Carpenter Brut, Syndicate by The Midnight, Night Driving Avenger EP by Perturbator, and Exploration 84 by Waveshaper.
Who are some women making retrowave?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/retrowave/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making retrowave, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20