If you’re hunting for the top 10 most groundbreaking names in synthwave, you’ve come to the right place. From neon‑lit nights to cinematic soundtracks, these artists have defined the genre and keep the 80s spirit alive in every synth‑laden beat.
Why These Are the Top 10 Most Influential Synthwave Artists
Each of the following musicians has left an indelible mark on the synthwave scene, whether through iconic tracks, pioneering production techniques, or unforgettable live shows. Let’s dive into why they matter.
10 NINA
Meet the German powerhouse often hailed as the Mother of Synthians. NINA burst onto the scene when her single “We Are The Wild Ones” landed a spot on the Syfy series Being Human back in 2013. From there she built a formidable catalog, culminating in her 2018 debut album Sleepwalking, which showcased her soaring vocals and sharp songwriting chops.
NINA has cemented herself as one of the leading ladies of synthwave. Her reputation has grown far beyond the studio; she now tours worldwide with a full band, delivering electrifying live performances that keep fans coming back for more.
9 84
Originally a one‑person project helmed by Col Bennett, FM‑84 transformed after the 2016 collaboration with vocalist Ollie Wride on the hit “Running In The Night.” That partnership clicked so well that Wride officially joined the act, turning FM‑84 into a full‑fledged band.
Their debut album Atlas (2016) captures the essence of classic 80s rock, offering a sun‑kissed drive‑through‑the‑palm‑trees vibe that defines synthwave nostalgia. It’s the kind of record that makes you want to hit the highway with the top down.
8 Tokyo Rose
[WARNING: The video above may cause epileptic fits in those with photosensitive epilepsy.] Hailing from New Jersey, Tokyo Rose has been a fixture in the synthwave community for nearly a decade, debuting with the EP Chases in 2014. He quickly forged a signature blend of cyber‑punk grit and dark electro, earning respect across the scene.
Partnering with longtime friend ALEX, Tokyo Rose released two collaborative albums—Akuma (2017) and its sequel Akuma II (2019). Both projects garnered critical acclaim and even cracked the Billboard charts, a rare feat for artists in the so‑called “Synth‑verse.”
7 Timecop1983
American producer Timecop1983 is often seen as the embodiment of traditional synthwave. He debuted with the 2014 EP Daydreaming, delivering smooth, melodic tracks that instantly evoked the 1980s dance‑floor vibe.
Inspired heavily by the 2011 film Drive, Timecop has collaborated with virtually every heavyweight in the genre and shows no signs of slowing down. His ninth album was slated for a 2020 release, promising yet another dose of retro bliss.
6 Jessie Frye
Not all synthwave stars start out in the genre. Texas‑born Jessie Frye first made a name as a rock vocalist before plunging into synthwave in the summer of 2018. Her breakout came with a feature on Timecop1983’s “Faded Memory,” instantly propelling her into the spotlight.
Since then she’s dropped singles like “Fantasy” and “Angel,” and teamed up on tracks such as “We Are The Night” with DJ Ten and “Fractions” with Wayfloe. These collaborations cemented her status as a genre‑defining vocalist, and fans are eagerly awaiting her upcoming album Kiss Me In The Rain.
5 Starcadian
Producer‑director Starcadian entered the synthwave arena in 2011, gaining major attention with the 2012 track “HE^RT.” Unlike many peers, his influence stretches beyond music; his compositions have appeared in films, TV shows, and even video‑game commercials like those for League of Legends.
He labels his releases as “original soundtracks” or “ear movies,” giving each project a cinematic weight. His technical mastery has led to collaborations with industry leaders such as iZotope and Arturia, helping shape new synth tools for the next generation of producers.
4 The Midnight
Anyone who’s dipped even a toe into synthwave knows The Midnight. Their 2014 EP Days Of Thunder announced them as the genre’s textbook example, and they’ve kept the momentum rolling ever since.
Their 2016 debut album Endless Summer became a staple, while 2017’s Nocturnal broke into Billboard’s Dance/Electronic chart at #17. With dreamy soundscapes that feel like a nostalgic night‑time reverie, they’ve sold out arenas worldwide and remain the genre’s front‑runners.
3 Wayfloe
Canada’s mysterious duo Wayfloe may be newer to the list, but they’re already carving out a unique niche. Their 2019 album Neon West earned praise for its inventive blend of styles, forging a sub‑genre that’s unmistakably theirs.
Even with a single album under their belt, Wayfloe’s track “Fractions” (featuring Jessie Frye) topped Iron Skullet’s “Top 40 Synthwave Songs of 2019,” outpacing heavyweights like The Midnight, FM‑84, and even The Weeknd.
2 Danger
On the darker side of the spectrum lies Franck Rivoire, better known as Danger. A veteran of the scene, he’s often credited as a true pioneer, mixing electronic beats with the eerie feel of retro horror soundtracks.
His releases are famously titled with dates and times—think “88:88,” “9:20,” or the debut EP “09/14/2007”—each marking a personal milestone. Danger’s off‑beat approach continues to push the genre’s boundaries.
1 Kavinsky
If anyone can claim to have shaped synthwave’s very DNA, it’s Kavinsky. Bursting onto the scene in 2006, his brooding French‑style productions quickly set him apart from peers like Daft Punk and Justice.
His breakout came when “Nightcall” featured in Ryan Gosling’s 2011 film Drive, catapulting him into mainstream consciousness. The subsequent album OutRun became a template for countless producers, even though Kavinsky hasn’t released new music since 2013, leaving fans yearning for a comeback.