Shades of Synthesizers
The synthesizer ain’t just for the 80s anymore… though it certainly can be that too.
Once hailed as the sound of the future, perhaps popular culture has simply caught up. Synthesizers have found footing in nearly every genre of music while also benefiting from an extra boost from the nostalgia effect, thanks in no small part to era-specific shows like Stranger Things and Halt and Catch Fire or the sequels to classic films Tron or Blade Runner.
We’ve patched together a few albums that feature the many Shades of Synthesizers, pulling from our Eyeballs & Eardrums label to showcase synths in a variety of settings including retro, modern, and the truly unique.
Synthwave (E&E-029)
An electric display of retro and current synthesizers has arrived to sweep you off your feet.
Dialed-In Tones: Pulsating, Dreamy, Dance, Exciting
Our Summary: Features a more danceable synth genre that sets itself firmly in the 80s and early 90s. These longer tracks are ripe with edit points, builds, breaks, and are ready for manipulation within a production.
Retrograde Synths (E&E-021)
Vintage synthetic soundtracks for horror, drama, and suspense.
Dialed-In Tones: Nostalgia, Dark, Moody, Automated
Our Summary: Incredible layers and soundscapes with legit vintage synthesizers, some borrowed from Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon and his studio April Base.
Check out the lazer and fog machine fueled video below for full credits and equipment list.
Steel Surreal (E&E-033)
Emotive pedal steel melodies flow over modular synthesizers and percussion in a satisfying mix of wonder, melancholy and drive.
Dialed-In Tones: Atmospheric, Bold, Unexpected, Spacious
Our Summary: A truly unique showcase of synths and lap steel from Philippe Bronchtein and drums from Jason McGerr of Death Cab For Cutie. The tracks work like mood paintings thanks to emotive playing amplified by post-processing of the lap steel.
Luxe Synths (E&E-036)
Nocturnal nightclubs and nostalgia set to retro synthesizers, tapping into the energy of chill night drives, high school crushes, and a trip down the autobahn.
Dialed-In Tones: Chill, Romantic, Confident, Slick
Our Summary: A foot in the past and the present, this album scratches the retro synthesizer itch while balancing modern luxury with touches of nostalgia.
More syntheseismic options:
