Synthetix Weekend Update

Aaand we're back!! Rockin the 80s with a modern flavour, Synthetix.FM is back on deck and ready to take off to the raddest dimensions with the magical sounds from the most tubular superstars in the galaxy!

Before we take off to adventure I've got some special plans for Halloween on Synthetix.FM. Starting today I'm taking submissions for the inaugural Synthetix.FM Rhythm Vivisection Halloween Ultra Mix! For the next two weeks, with the cut-off date being the 27th of October, I'll be looking forward to hearing your most horrifying synth creations and from this pool of bloody remnants, resurrecting them into a huge mix of nightmares and demons to provide you with the ultimate soundtrack for your Halloween festivities! The music should be 80s inspired synth of any denomination but of course the darker side is what I'm needing. Giallo Disco, Dark Synth, Slash Electro and even more ambient pieces are the order of the day, but being creative and adding your own flavour to the experience is what it's all about.

This is not a contest, nor is there a guarantee your track will make the cut but I'll certainly endeavour to include as many chapters of darkness as possible. The tracks submitted don't have to be new or exclusive but they must be your own work, that said, covers are also fine.  To submit your track simply use the Contact Form on the left hand column of this page. 

The Synthetix.FM Rhythm Vivisection Halloween Ultra Mix will go live on the 30th of October with a special edition of Synthetix.FM. The mix will be downloadable so that you can rock it all night long during your Halloween festivities. I'm looking forward to this project, as I hope you are also, and I hope we can make this one hell of a kick arse Halloween soundtrack!!

I'll be sure to post an update about this project in the next weekend. Now, lets get rockin with the new Super Jumbo Sized Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM!

First up is a hot new rocker on the scene going by the name of Trevorsomething. His latest song 'All Night' is a supremely moody homage to darker side of synth pop sounds. The vocal track is haunting with a story of substance abuse woven into a cautionary tale with a downward spiral being the only path to travel. Shades of Visage resonate throughout the music and really make for an incredibly kick arse ambience. Trevorsomething is someone I'll definitely be following ardently in the future.




Combining forces into a supernova of synth scintillations are STARFORCE and Tommy with their new epic, 'Interstellar'. The melodic beauty of both of these talented composers is allowed to bloom in to visions of vibrant colours and stunning synthscapes. The purity of this track is undeniable, it's essence is something unquestionable wondrous. Currently available for FREE download through the player.




More kick arse new music from Phaserland next. This producer's been releasing music for the last year on soundcloud but in recent months has found the love for 80s sounds and his new track rocks the retro sounds with much panache. 'Night Talk' is a slow burn that creates a salaciously steamy atmosphere full of hot sounds and tempting melodies. This piece of sultry synth erotica is best served with ice, on a warm night with the volume set to the most intimate of levels.




RF Extreme continues to hone his musical skills in each successive outing and for his latest track he's returned to luxuriant tones of Synth Romance in 'The Eyes Of Fantasy'. The melodic structure are light and hopeful with an air of longing about them. The driving rhythm section gives the experience a really purposeful direction, allowing for each passage to expand further on the story.




It's been a while since we had some honest to goodness Transformers inspired tracks on Synthetix.FM and it pleases me greatly to have Lazerpunk!'s 'Death Of A Hero' to right this injustice. Lazerpunk! has created an exceptionally atmospheric adventure that rocks on in a most satisfying manner with set pieces in all the right places while retaining a reverence throughout the leading melodic refrain.




Russia's Pulse 80 has been rockin the classic 80s sounds for quite a while now, but I've only become aware of his work recently. The sounds he creates are totally rockin the authentic 80s vibes and with his new track, 'Old-Skoolin' he's managed to recreate some kick arse electro funk breakin' beats. From the excessive hand claps to the hooky bassline this is pure killer. Be sure to grab a copy of his FREE Best of 2013 EP here for more beautifully authentic 80s inspired synth sounds.




One thing I really love about Mitch Murder's music is that you only need to hear about three or four seconds of it to know it's him. His individualised sounds are instantly recognisable, which is definitely a  rarity in the scene and is one of the reasons he's so respected and loved. With his latest piece we find Mitch Murder again creating synth magic strung from golden tones and magical melodies. 'Killer Angels' features a modicum of drama set amidst a flurry of exciting passages. The master does it yet it again.




I was all set to post Dr Pecco's awesome Denim Python and then the Doctor released something extraordinary yesterday that I just had to cover. 'October' featuring Jonah on vocals is a spectacular R&B groove that mixes old and new elements with stunning results. The vocal tracks is vastly impressive whilst the music keeps as soulful edge but also manages to get a bit dirty too. Dr Pecco just keeps on rockin.




Highway Superstar is back with an ambient atmospheric epic entitled 'The Road To Alpha Centauri'. The music is allowed to flow of it's own innate volition with glacially epic presence while the instrumentations are kept in a bright formations of celestial power with intimate details audible throughout the stars. Moving and invigorating throughout.



I previously reviewed Sam Haggblad's 'Never Say Never' in it's three track form on Synthetix.FM , and that release has now evolved into an eight track affair that provides even more kick arse Italo gold from this modern day master of the genre. The previously released three tracks are joined by three more originals and a cover of Queen's 'Back Chat'.  The combined talents of Haggblad and singer Johanna Liljegren make for the the most authentically rockin Italo experience this side of 1986 with arrangements, instrumentations and production engineered for complete 80s accuracy.

 This is a must-have release for all fans of 80s inspired synth that endeavours to genuinely recreate the classic sounds with a pure heart and total respect for the retro sounds. In this longer format Never Say Never is an explosive flash of why Italo sounds are so engagingly 80s from beginning to end.



Droid Bishop is back for the attack with his new experience in sci-fi synth entitled 'The Outlander'. I really enjoyed Droid Bishop's Electric Love EP and this new track continues his adventures into the future with powerful star flight into unknown regions of the cosmos. The drama never threatens to become over wrought with the melodies becoming more jubilant and uplifting as the story evolves.



Continuing through a similar channel in space-time but in another dimension is the hot new track from Dallas Campbell. 'Outrunners Theme' is the theme to the Outrunners online comic, available for your perusal here and is the second track I'm aware of being used in this production from the 80s inspired synth scene (NFD Music's 'Infiltration' also being part of the experience). Dallas Campbell has fabricated an anthemic space synth piece that is most definitely 80s in design and make up but also includes some more 70s inspired progressions. He certainly makes both worlds work exceedingly well together in this dramatic tale of love, hate and adventure.



Another new artist to Synthetix.FM is Falconhoof. This British producer's sounds are certainly kicking much arse and his new track 'Falconh Attitude' is set to bursting point with 80s love. The music feels like a mixture of Beverly Hills Cop era Faltermeyer combined with a healthy dose of Synth Romance, creating a heady experience in good times and great rock'n'roll. Falconhoof definitely has the love and the skills, I'll be looking forward to hearing more from him in the future.



Speaking of good times and great rock'n'roll the new Plaisance track is full of both. This high energy homage to the Dolphins greatest quarterback is full of intense synth action and lovingly crafted with that Plaisance magic we absolutely love on Synthetix.FM.  This track is available at a 'name your own price' point through Bandcamp, so get on it and rock it!


LA Dreams keeps on bringing in new elements and inspirations into his vast repertoire of 80s soundscapes and his most exciting of late is 'Battle Graffiti Kids'. The electro breakin' sounds are complemented by layers of percussive details and held together by a melody that is 1000% pure LA Dreams.  Totally rockin.



Introduced to me by the always radical Noah 'BenniMushu' Kaufman is another new act to Synthetix.FM, the glorious Flamingo Drive. Their track 'Flamingo Drive Theme' as absolutely enrapturing in it's glorious beauty. The synthscape is full of magical passages and lovingly crafted details and it's emotional investment is inspiringly deep. This is the world famous Satin Jackets' pure 80s side project and I for one can't wait for more music from them.



Noir Deco's sounds are coming thick and fast in 2013 as his return to the scene was heralded initially by a short YouTube teaser has now escalated into a juggernaut of high calibre synth firepower. His new track, 'Rasalom' inspires with it's gigantic atmosphere and  epic narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The soundtrack flavoured pieces from Noir Deco have always been one of his strong points, on 'Rasalom' this theory is bolstered even further.



Clusterbuster from Norway is another new rocker on scene with a love for 80s sounds and penchant for more dramatic experiences. 'Welcome To Camp Crystal Lake' is Clusterbuster's homage to Friday The 13th and whilst it does contain darker elements it's more OutRun oriented than pure dark synth. The pace is as exciting as melodies and are arranged to keep excitement levels redlining in the danger zone.



A new act who's music really effected me is Shklovsky & Pale Blue Dot featuring Line with their song 'Sunset Eyes'. The 80s love courses through this ambient synth pop exposition and takes on ingenious new forms with the ghostly vocal track. The arrangements are avant garde in their construction which adds even more mystery to the haunting soundscape.



The final piece this this week's Weekend Update is a totally rockin new video by Dan Fisk, Heath Saunders and Dani Mueller. This is their submission of the ABC's of Death for the letter M. 'M Is For Mothers Against Drunk Driving' features two classic tracks from Carpenter Brut and turns a night of alcohol excess into a night of excessive violence. Great work from these guys!!


M is for Mothers Against Driving Drunk from Heath Saunders on Vimeo.

That does us for a huge Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. Remember to contact me through the email contact form on the left hand side of this page with your submissions for the Synthetix.FM Rhythm Vivisection Halloween Ultra Mix.

I'll be back with regular updates through the week, 'til then stay 80s and keep on rockin!

Never Say Never To Sam Häggblad

The past few months has witnessed a huge increase in the amount of quality, authentic italo based 80s synth music releases. One of the most refined and authentic, thus far, is the totally kick arse new three track EP from Sam Häggblad.

Italo has a defined personality to it that is instantly identifiable and the italo synth pop denominations that have been drawn from the early days of this musical style create some of my most favourite 80s experiences. The passion and drama that permeates classic italo is always complemented beautifully by the right vocal track and the finest exponents always contained a delightful naiveté about the lyrics and personality that I always find even more endearing.

The classic period of pop italo from 1984-87 generated hundreds of incredible anthems that are all but forgotten by many, these days, which is a shame as this window of musical creativity typified the idealism and vibrancy of the 80s and has become a true hallmark of this decade's soundtrack. It's a shame very little of this music made it out of Europe at the time and it was only by the late 80s that the Stock, Aitken and Waterman version of italo became more widely accepted and chart friendly. But the golden period in the mid 80s was the true high water mark for this genre.

Which brings us to the fantastic new EP from Sam Häggblad. Two of the three tracks on this EP are purely spun italo gold and third piece is an atmospheric instrumental number that displays more dimensions this producers is capable of mastering. From the outset, the Sam Häggblad sound creates a vision of what quality italo is all about and the authentic vocals and beautifully orchestrated music drive home just how magical this genre really is.


As 'Never Say Never' begins the catchy synth melodies, orchestral stabs and sweet vocals combine into an italo maelstrom that is without any reservation 100% authentic to the classic mid 80s period. The lead melody is full of the that wondrous euromance that is delivered to the listener like aural candy, wrapped in a big red satin ribbon, adorned with heart balloons and a dozen red roses thrown into a soft focus night time rendezvous with glittering stars and shimmering waters. The lead vocals promises worlds of untold pleasures and unimaginable joys, sung in a warm embrace of youthful honesty and sultriness courtesy of Johanna Liljegren

I mentioned earlier that much of the classic italo had a drama to it that created an atmosphere of longing that the torture of unrequited affection can bring. This is examined brilliantly in the second song 'No Time To Loose (In The Night)' where bright and bouncing synths steer to darker waters through the wonderful vocals talents, again, of Johanna Liljegren. The music tells a story of passions running out of control and the exuberance of young lust becoming a dangerous game. The combination of music and vocal are perfection, dancing with and around each other in a perfect partnership of plushly patterned pop prestidigitation.

Our final chapter in the this three track affair is the enigmatically titled 'Sam's Theme 12inch Megamix'. This supremely atmospheric piece of soundtrack inspired synth work is not without it's italo charms as crashing orchestral stabs and melancholic lead melodies create an atmosphere riddled with darker emotions and passages of awesome grandeur. This track completes the experience perfectly as we're left wondering where Sam Häggblad will be taking us next time in his musical journeys. 'Never Say Never' has me champing at the bit for more of this producer's work; and with a full length album release  coming out in the near future we won't have too wait long for more rocking good times courtesy of the Häggblad italo disco machine.

'Never Say Never' is presented on Sam Häggblad's Bandcamp page here and Synthetix.FM very, very highly recommends this release to all lovers of classic italo disco pop soundscapes. The authenticity of the music contained on this EP to the original italo sounds is some of the most accurate I've ever heard. Combined with the totally pop sensibilities of the melodies and vocal work this is indeed the full package and every fan of what makes 80s italo great should be picking this up as soon as possible.

Synthetix Weekend Update

The discussion about genres and titles in the 80s inspired synth scene is one that crops up regularly in the Synthetix Music group on Facebook. It's a likely reason for the scene being so fractured in that there isn't an overriding genre title that everyone can agree on. By far the most common name attributed to the music is Synth Wave, which is has been around for a few years now and is commonly used. But what does it mean?

One of the biggest issues I have with this name is that it has connotations with New Wave. New Wave is possibly the broadest and most meaningless descriptors in all of pop music. It means so little and has many, many different interpretations and none of them are specific to anything. To quote the Wikipedia entry for New Wave:

"The catch all nature of new wave music has been a source of much confusion and controversy. The 1985 discography Who's New Wave in Music listed artists in over 130 separate categories. The New Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock uses the term "virtually meaningless" in its definition of new wave, while Allmusic mentions "stylistic diversity"."

Therein lies my own personal issue with giving 80s inspired synth music the blanket term of synth wave and that is that is that it doesn't mean anything. It's a genre that people need to listen to first and then learn that it's synth wave. The ambiguity of the name just doesn't resonate with me, but my perspective is of course tinged with the memories of New Wave. Then again perhaps the stylistic diversity of 80s inspired synth that ranges from soundtrack to italo to pop synth sounds actually benefits from the blurred definition drawn from New Wave?

The music covered on Synthetix.FM is genre specific music. All the music contains similar sounds, arrangements and emotions, albeit executed through different musical styles that are defined as being 80s as their unifying motif.  Like any type of music that is drawn from similar influences to create something that reflects that inspiration. I often draw similarities between the metal scenes and the 80s synth scene, and under the blanket term of heavy metal you have tens of variations and they all have hallmarks of their specific genres that make them what they are.

I remember when dubstep first surfaced and I had no idea what it meant. Initially I thought it was some kind of dub-reggae based music from the name, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Nowadays everyone understands what dubstep means and for better or for worse the music pigeon holed as dubstep is very specific.  I believe that, eventually, the names for the genres and an overall definition will come into being on it's own for 80s inspired synth music and this will take time.

Perhaps Synth Wave will become 'the' name? For this to happen the producers of the music need to embrace this name and push it as a brand they're associated with. Through creating these ideas in movements the name will become adopted. But people need to know what it means first and the ambiguity needs to be focused much more.

I must say, this is all just my personal opinion, and may in no way reflect your own opinions. I'm just a fan of this music not an expert but this is a constant issue that will keep on cropping up and I wanted to explain my own thoughts on the subject. To the producers of the music I love I'd just like to say that it's your art and exists only because of your love and passion and how you define your music in genres is entirely up to yourself.


Now, lets get rockin with the latest Synthetix Weekend Update!

First up is a hot new experience from Garth Knight. In 'Subroutine' Garth Knight explores hypnotically atmospheric with totally rockin computer speech samples. An air of Kraftwerk emanates throughout this piece and gives this producers work yet another dimensional soundscape to work in. 




PH Groove is back with more of his disco funk gold with his new release 'Fascinated'. The pounding rhythms and high energy drums make for an adventure full of flashing colours and glinting mirror balls. This track is currently available for FREE download through the link in the player.




It was brought to my attention this week that the name 'Gina Calabrese' was the name of one of the detectives in Miami Vice thanks to RF Extreme. The actually identity of the Gina Calabrese making music in the scene today may never be know, but one thing for sure is, whoever they are, they make totally rockin tracks. 'Tale Of The Goat' is another emotive soundtrack styled affair that ebbs and flows with much beauty and grandeur.




This past week found Rutger Megahertz dancing with extreme danger in his rockin giallo disco flavoured 'Texas Chainsaw Italo'. The production on this piece adds greatly to it's off kilter nature,  hiding terror in the shadows, but not before we dance like demons. This track is currently available for FREE download too. Coming up next week I'll be covering the new Rutger Megahertz EP: Enter Frame for more rockin action.




Future City Records has just released the new Cosmic Sand EP entitled Find Me At The Bay Tonight, consisting of two originals in 'Find Me' and '9h00' and three remixes of '9h00'. The first track sets the stage for epic synth glaciers of melody that reverberate deeply. Sounds are curved and based on ethereal matter that speaks of other times and dimensions while always remaining entrancing. '9h00' provides an entirely different aesthetic with more traditional sensibilities creating a synthscape of dancing melodies with a hint of moroseness but still marching with jubilant triumph. The three remixes of '9h00' take the ideas of the original in different directions that work quite well for Vincenzo Salvia and the surprisingly uplifting vision by Nightcrawler, but fall over in the modernist interpretation by Dorian.

The two originals on their own make for a wonderfully rich experience, however, and I definitely recommend picking this EP up and supporting the fantastic soundscapes realised by Cosmic Sand.



Robots With Rayguns walks a line that crosses over back and forth with 80s ideas and more modern influences but his latest track is firmly entrenched in glorious 80s sounds and emotions. 'Hush' is an intimate display of synth sensuality layered with the trademark RWR indistinguishable yet always familiar vocal sample cut ups. This track is full of vibrancy and energy while keeping an affectionate warmth deep in it's heart.



For those unaware there is a brand new documentary due for release this year focusing on the video game arcades of the early 80s called 'The Video Craze'. The soundtrack has been provided by many of the talented producers in the 80s inspired synth scene, including Lost Years, Silent Gloves and Mitch Murder. Lazerhawk has also created music for the production and the title track has just been released this week. The mellow and sentimental melodies are accented by the vocal refrain that is both haunting and endearing. This track is available currently for FREE download through the player, but make sure you follow all the rockin happenings of 'The Video Craze' on their Facebook page here



Like Mowrey keeps on rockin with his brand of synth based creations that are full of wonder and possibilities. 'Tikal Secrets' finds Like Mowrey travelling to new dimensions that twist and distort with a galactic resonance. This track is epic in nature and covers a lot of ground but the adventure is spectacular from beginning to end.




Taking a trip to the darker side is a producer new to Synthetix.FM going under the great title of Surgeryhead. His new track 'High School Blood' is totally kick arse horror synth with visceral stabs and  showers of crimson amid an array of samples. The music is unrelenting and builds in spectacular fashion, finishing with final crescendo of rampant evil violence. Available for FREE download through the player below.




In an inspired move, that I hope happens more often with other producers, Alpha Boy has made a Best Of compilation and released it in cassette format through Bandcamp. The 15 previously released tracks plus 1 unreleased track all contained on the always rockin cassette format provides the ultimate Alpha Boy experience. Pick up your own copy through his Bandcamp here while you can as they are a strictly limited edition.




Coming out of nowhere from the past and rockin into the future is Sam Haggblad with his totally rockin new two track EP Jammin' (To The Beat). The pop drama is set to dangerous levels as 'Jammin' (To The Beat)' takes shape with massive orchestral stabs and a totally killer vocal track. Hugely authentic and overflowing with passion for the 80s this track just plain rocks. The B side, 'Machines (Or Back To Humans)' takes the sound into more guitar driven dimensions but retaining the true 80s love. Shades of progressive late 80s synth sounds combined with more early 80s pop sensibilities make for a k-rad to the max follow up to the strong A side. These two tracks are from the upcoming full length album Never Say Never which I'll be sure to cover on Synthetix.FM based on the strength of these two songs.



Bobby Outro is back with a kick arse new tune in FM Hacker. The story in this is deep and varied, rocking a gamut of synthscapes while keep a direct focus on the lead melodic refrain. The production has a vast, echoing quality to it that adds greatly to the ambiance. Bobby Outro once again uses many inspirations and influences to creating something all together new.




In what is definitely the most epic piece of music I've heard this week we have a spectacular piece of soundtrack synth music from Saint Remy titled 'As The Fog Clears'. This producer has been predominantly creating more modern experiences in the past but his love of 80s sounds is definitely developing a great deal of late. 'As The Fog Clears' is nine plus minutes of aural rapture that is full of deep chapters that flesh out an uplifting narrative of incredible beauty. Entrancing from the first second to the last, this is sublime work in the field of melody driven soundtrack synth.




Our final piece in this week's Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM is the return of scene favourite Neros77 with his incredible video from STARFORCE's Omniversal Oscillations. Using clips from the 1984 classic Reckless and a myriad of cosmic themed elements Neros77 has created a masterpiece video for a masterpiece track. A synergy of music and video works within in ways only a true artist can envision. Inspiring work.




That does us for another Weekend Update on Synthetix.FM. I hope you've found some new favourites amidst the rockin tunes this week and I look forward to sharing more with you over the next week.
'Til then, stay 80s and keep on rockin.