El synth no es solo un eco nostálgico de los años 80; es un lenguaje sonoro que, con el paso del tiempo, ha sabido reinventarse y adaptarse a distintos contextos culturales. Aunque su origen se encuentra en Europa, especialmente en países como Alemania y Reino Unido, en las últimas décadas ha comenzado a formarse una escena propia en Latinoamérica: discreta, independiente y en constante crecimiento.

Lejos de los reflectores del mainstream, el synth en la región se ha desarrollado en espacios alternativos, impulsado por comunidades pequeñas pero comprometidas, donde el sonido electrónico se mezcla con nuevas formas de identidad.

Fernando von Reichenbach, ingeniero y pionero de la tecnología sonora argentina, operando el Convertidor Gráfico Analógico (Catalina), una herramienta innovadora para la creación musical experimental en la década de 1960.

¿Qué es el Synth?

El término hace referencia a la música creada principalmente con sintetizadores, instrumentos electrónicos capaces de generar una amplia variedad de sonidos. Su desarrollo como lenguaje musical moderno está estrechamente ligado con proyectos como Kraftwerk.

En el libro “Electronic and Experimental Music”, Thom Holmes menciona que estos primeros acercamientos sentaron las bases para entender la música no solo como composición, sino como exploración sonora a través de la tecnología.

Más adelante, propuestas como Depeche Mode y New Order llevaron estos sonidos a un público más amplio, consolidando el synth como parte fundamental del panorama musical global.

Subgéneros principales

A lo largo del tiempo, el synth se ha diversificado en distintos subgéneros, cada uno con características propias:

• Synth Pop

Con un enfoque más melódico y accesible, el synth pop combinó sintetizadores con estructuras cercanas al pop tradicional, permitiendo que la música electrónica llegara a públicos más amplios. Durante los años 80 y 90, bandas como Virus, Soda Stereo y Moenia ayudaron a popularizar estos sonidos dentro de Latinoamérica. Actualmente, muchas propuestas independientes continúan retomando estas influencias y mezclándolas con géneros como el Darkwave, el Post-punk y la electrónica alternativa, manteniendo viva una escena que sigue creciendo desde lo underground.

• Synthwave

Inspirado en la estética de los años 80, este subgénero mezcla nostalgia, sonidos retro y una fuerte identidad visual. Como plantea Simon Reynolds en Retromania, gran parte de la música contemporánea se construye a partir de una reinterpretación constante del pasado, algo evidente en este estilo.

• Darkwave

Más introspectivo y atmosférico, el Darkwave incorpora elementos melancólicos y una estética cercana a lo gótico, con gran presencia en escenas alternativas.

• EBM / Industrial

Con ritmos más agresivos y repetitivos, estos estilos priorizan la energía y la estructura rítmica. Medios especializados como Resident Advisor han documentado su evolución hacia formas más orientadas a la pista de baile.

Integrantes de la banda alemana Kraftwerk en la estética representativa de su álbum The Man-Machine (Die Mensch-Maschine), lanzado en 1978.

El Synth en Latinoamérica

En Latinoamérica, el uso de sintetizadores durante los años 80 no fue tan accesible como en otras regiones, principalmente por cuestiones económicas y de distribución. Aun así, distintas bandas comenzaron a incorporar estos sonidos dentro de sus propios contextos. Proyectos como Aparato Raro, Virus o Los Prisioneros exploraron el uso del synth dentro de la New Wave y el rock latino, adaptándolo a sus propias realidades.

Este antecedente ayuda a entender por qué, con el paso del tiempo, el Synth en la región ha encontrado su lugar principalmente dentro de lo underground. A diferencia de otros géneros más comerciales, su crecimiento ha sido más orgánico, apoyado por comunidades independientes, colectivos y plataformas digitales.

De acuerdo con coberturas de Bandcamp Daily, muchas escenas electrónicas en Latinoamérica se han desarrollado desde lo independiente, encontrando en internet un espacio clave para su difusión y consolidación. Países como Argentina, México y Chile han construido comunidades activas dentro de estos géneros, especialmente en propuestas cercanas al Darkwave y la electrónica alternativa, donde el Synth funciona también como una forma de identidad cultural.

El crecimiento del Synth en la actualidad responde a múltiples factores. Por un lado, la accesibilidad tecnológica ha permitido que más artistas produzcan música desde espacios independientes. Por otro, la difusión digital ha abierto nuevas posibilidades de circulación y conexión entre escenas. En distintos estudios se analiza sobre música electrónica contemporánea, como los recopilados en Energy Flash, los géneros electrónicos suelen expandirse a través de redes culturales antes que por industrias tradicionales.

En Latinoamérica, el synth ha encontrado su lugar principalmente dentro de lo underground. A diferencia de otros géneros más comerciales, su crecimiento ha sido más orgánico, apoyado por comunidades independientes, colectivos y plataformas digitales. De acuerdo con coberturas de Bandcamp Daily, muchas escenas electrónicas en la región se han desarrollado desde lo independiente, encontrando en internet un espacio clave para su difusión y consolidación. Países como Argentina y Chile han construido comunidades activas dentro de estos géneros, especialmente en propuestas cercanas al darkwave y la electrónica alternativa, donde el synth funciona también como una forma de identidad cultural.

En este panorama, distintos artistas han aportado desde sus propios contextos. En Argentina, propuestas como Ferrari Kid, Midnight Fighters, The Affirmation, Revenge Of The Neon Kids, Ozimov, Geómetra, Toxic Enemy, Nostromo, entre otros, han explorado la electrónica desde lo experimental y lo identitario. Mientras que en Brasil proyectos como Ankh Wave, Technique, Turbo Hamster, Violation Drive, Menak y Heirisix, han llevado el sonido hacia terrenos más contemporáneos. En Colombia destacan Meteor y Data Fatale quienes están fuertemente influenciados por la nostalgia de bandas sonoras, así como del anime Cyberpunk de los años 80s/90s.

Data Fatale (Colombia), arte del álbum Transynthion Instrumentals, 2023.

En México, proyectos Synthwave como: Neon Vice 83, Death Selektor, Dei Zephyr, Toxxic Project, ZuluZ, Dug Masters, Saturno 5, Blind Cobra o Thermal Noise reflejan la diversidad de estilos dentro del synth, desde propuestas más melódicas hasta sonidos más orientados al Darksynth y el Cyberpunk.

Saturno 5 — On Time (portada), vía Bandcamp

A nivel regional, compilaciones como Wonderlands y proyectos colectivos similares han reunido artistas de distintos países latinoamericanos —Argentina, Colombia o Venezuela— mostrando cómo esta escena se construye desde múltiples contextos pero con una identidad compartida. En este mismo contexto, también han surgido iniciativas que buscan fortalecer esta comunidad desde lo local. Un ejemplo es MexSynthCo, un espacio dedicado a la cultura del sintetizador que reúne a músicos, productores y entusiastas en torno a la exploración sonora, la tecnología y el aprendizaje colectivo.

Aunque el synth en Latinoamérica aún se mantiene dentro de circuitos alternativos, su evolución constante y su capacidad de adaptación lo convierten en una de las escenas más interesantes del panorama musical actual. y más allá de ser una tendencia pasajera, se trata de un movimiento que continúa creciendo desde lo independiente, conectando sonidos globales con contextos locales. Más que una escena centralizada se ha construido desde múltiples nodos conectados entre sí.

Por: Diana Flores Alanis

https://www.instagram.com/dianyflores12

Fuentes:

• Bandcamp Daily. (15 de mayo de 2023). A guide to Mexico City’s thriving electronic scene. https://daily.bandcamp.com/scene-report/mexican-electronic-netlabels-list
• FILTER México. (s.f.). Synth Britannia: La historia del synth-pop con Depeche Mode, Human League y New Order. https://filtermexico.com/2018/07/07/depeche-mode-human-league-y-new-order-nos-narran-la-historia-del-synth-pop/?utm_source=chatgpt.com#google_vignette
• Holmes, T. (2002). Electronic and Experimental Music: Pioneers in Technology and Composition. Routledge.
• Lasagna, E. (2021). The Synthesizer Experience: Experiencia de usuario en los instrumentos musicales electrónicos [Trabajo Final de Grado, Universidad Nacional de Tres de Febrero]. Repositorio ICAS. http://icas.untref.edu.ar/
• MexSynthCo. (2026). ¿Qué es MexSynthCo? Recuperado de: MexSynthCo sitio oficial⁠
• Reynolds, S. (2011). Retromanía: La adicción del pop a su propio pasado (T. Arijón, Trad.; 3ª ed.). Caja Negra.

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Review by Karl Magi 

Overall Album Impressions

Turbulence delivers a huge cinematic punch of classic synthwave, bursting with neon imagery and a sense of the open road unfurling in front of a car rushing through the night. Miami Nights 1984 evokes powerfully nostalgic emotions—a retro future that can never be—and the sensation of filmic vignettes being broadcast through my brain. This is layered and melodic synthwave of the highest calibre. Having never heard this classic until now, I am glad I had the chance to take a listen.

The way Miami Nights 1984 employs his synth palette allows him to weave intoxicating auditory imagery throughout each track of Turbulence. All the different tones, colours, textures and sensations combine into a deeply visual musical experience. Each synth works like a different paint on a canvas, building on the other elements to add dimension and shape to the whole work.

Another reason why Turbulence captivates me is the cinematic nature of Miami Nights 1984’s music. I am viscerally carried through engaging scenes and into exciting circumstances as the music unfolds. Each track feels like a film clip, capturing and delivering emotion and sensation with undeniable power. The evocative nature of this album allows me to close my eyes and embark on a journey far from ordinary life and into new, thrilling realms.

Melodic writing is another standout feature of Turbulence. The melodies are memorable, clear and full of emotional impact. Each melody intertwines seamlessly with the other elements of the tracks, drawing me even deeper into the world Miami Nights 1984 creates. I often find myself replaying the melodies in my mind, accompanied by the intense sensations they evoke.

I also want to highlight Miami Nights 1984’s virtuosic synth solos. They are intricate, rich and deeply engaging. His ability to weave intricacy into his solos creates fascinating improvisational moments, which only heighten the album’s impact on me.

My Favourite Tracks Analyzed

“MN84 Theme” comes to life as tranquil chimes tumble and flash while sharply slicing sounds move below. The chimes continue to revolve with steady flickering as the massive low end cuts in, adding intimidating weight. Glistening synth chords rise along with the heavy, dark pulses as brilliant notes flare. The chimes continue to tumble, adding dramatic spin as the trumpeting notes blare and then fade away.

A steadily pulsing synth, along with tapping percussion and dynamic bass, moves in to commence “Ocean Drive.” A metallic percussion element rings out as the low end oscillates and a twirling synth moves through the music, adding more speeding motion. The low end undulates and the gleaming synth moves in a steadily luminous line as the percussion punctuates the music.

A growing, dancing synth fills the distance with brightness as the sharp percussion and deep bass propel the music. Windy sounds glide through the music as the bass oscillates, the drums remaining unrelenting and propulsive. A sense of charging motion permeates the music as warmer chords add gentle light in the background, contrasting with the heavy weight below.

The main melody comes in on a thrilling, shiny synth and unfurls with dramatic, speeding life. Images of rushing asphalt and powerful cars fill my mind as the synth solo bends and howls, soaring to the sky with unrestrained strength. My heart and soul are lifted by the tune as it moves above the unstoppable low end.

The glowing synth elates me as it cascades through the music. A hint of melancholy emotion also moves through the melody, adding a nostalgic quality. The track comes to an end with the drums and bass driving hard.

“The Getaway” kicks off with quickly rushing bass and scintillating light floating from a rapidly tumbling synth as the gigantic bass evenly pulses. Towering chords shift as the intensely cascading, string-like synth twirls over and over while a widely flaring synth howls with abandon. The bass is unstoppable as it throbs, and the soaring, glistening synth has a slight roughness.

Now the kick drum presses forward with a steady heartbeat as the endlessly twirling synth adds to the feeling of intense motion. The high, broad-sounding synth carries a melody that is both painful and energizing. Synth chords rise and fall, adding drama as the endlessly revolving synth flickers like tiny motes of light.

The trumpeting synth climbs and howls with brightly glimmering notes falling over and over again while the drums batter and the bass roars. Images of an escape from a dangerous situation fill the music as a crying, bending synth descends with madly shredding energy and the spinning notes beneath create momentum. The synth solo’s detailed madness sucks me in as the drums and bass thunder. The music propels me forward on an adventurous journey through cinematic imagery before the song ends.

A fiercely cutting synth wildly swirls past as the classic ’80s beat hits, accompanied by orchestra hits to launch “Streets On Fire.” The refulgent synth that shines into the music carries a motivating melody, which explodes into active motion as the low end rebounds. Intensely intertwining, ferociously shining synths carry a drifting melody that conveys endless motion.

The orchestra hits add another element of explosive life as the razor-edged bass continues to undulate and the hollow percussion taps. A sense of continually speeding action permeates the music, painting images of midnight streets and cars racing through a neon-drenched city.

Elevated synth pours out scintillating luminosity, slowly descending in a more mellow segment as the percussion continues to shape the music. The bass has a rich roundness, and now the synth solo revolves with unapologetic madness as the highest sounds curl through the music and the low end continues to pound.

“New Tomorrow” begins with tremendous bass strongly pulsating as swirling synth mingles into a luscious whole. The bass continues to growl as the synth grows ever more brilliant and intense before the kick drum begins to charge. The tide of lusciously interwoven synth moves along with glittering notes that coruscate in the background. The sharp-edged synth undulates, and airy sounds flow.

Now the percussion forms a heartbeat that launches the music forward, while lissome notes interlock into a smoothly moving pattern. The drums rebound as the background notes continue to sway, spilling out brilliant light. Slightly gruff notes ring out in a hopeful melody that fills me with a wonderful sense of possibility. Diamond-like light pours from the high notes as the low end contrasts it with massive strength.

A sense of unstoppable forward motion dominates the track while the synth begins to slowly fade, becoming softer and more calming. Underneath the other elements, the crisp snare drum continues to pulse. Breathy sounds shift again and the kick drum slams as full-sounding, lush chords leap back into life. The drum beat throbs hard, and the snare drum adds more form.

Shimmering notes convey a yearning feeling and forward motion. The drums flourish again, and now a synth solo joyously flips through the music, crying out with electrifying liveliness. My heart lifts as the music carries me to the end of the song.

“Tiger42” commences with heavily rebounding drums throbbing as cleanly cutting notes jump, and a crystalline synth dances. Massively flashing chords leap as the glassy synth spins out and trumpeting notes ring with brash energy in contrast to the muscled low end, which continually pulsates.

The trumpeting notes blast out with an irresistible energy, as gem-like notes whirl in the background. Now a bending synth howls with passionate life while the bouncing drums and bass undulate. The echoing, twirling synth in the distance exudes a freshness and clarity that draws me in. Soaring notes rise and fall, descending with luminous life before the track ends.

A sharply angular synth pulses as a phone is dialed to start “Phone Tag.” As the phone rings, rushing sounds sweep into the music and as the phone conversation moves in the background, the bass undulates darkly and the kick drum slams. Blinding luminosity explodes from the trumpet-like synth as it calls out, and the heavy bass rumbles as the snare drum kicks into overdrive.

The low end has thickness and weight to it as it continually throbs and the lucent synth leaps in with eager energy. The oscillating low end carries the other musical elements as a burnished synth descends through the music with caressing emotion. Flowing sounds move in the distance as a snare drum clashes, and the bass continues to surge like a massive tide.

I am drawn to this track’s razor-sharp edges as coruscating notes fly above the speeding low end. The music has a sense of unending momentum as it unfolds. In the distance, full-sounding notes swirl and the main melody cascades brightly as the sharper trumpeting noises call out, until the bass finally falls silent.

“Saved By The Bell” comes to life as deep bass continually pulses and an effulgent synth cuts in with sharply slashing lines. A kick drum begins to throb along with the bass as the flaring notes echo with victorious brilliance and a dancing synth spins out a web of exuberant light. The full drums kick in as delicately interlocking notes slip lightly through the music, exuding a sense of freedom and carefree happiness.

This track nostalgically evokes the sensations of the school day coming to an end, along with the relief and enjoyment I felt. The main melody is inspirational and exudes abandon and youthful liveliness as it unfolds. I find myself wanting to punch the air as I listen to this track. The diamond-lit synth flies out with exhilaration as the low end punches on.

The bass oscillates and the drums continually pulsate.The lead synth begins to build the melody again as a snare drum kicks in, while the twirling notes in the distance swell with an encouraging glow. The entire track reaches a crescendo, erupting with celebratory emotion. A sparkling synth soars out, twisting slightly as it whirls through an intricate solo and the track ends.

A steady kick drum heartbeat moves with trickling, shining notes that tumble through to open “High Beams.” The percussion is bouncy and energizing as it rebounds through the music, while a smoothly wandering synth glides with fluting elegance. A relaxing ease permeates the flute-like synth as twirling arpeggios whirl in the distance.

The jazzy sounds of the active flute-like synth cascading through the music are delightful in my view. A ringing, xylophone-like instrument twinkles and swirls past with graceful speed, as the open-voiced, trickling synth roams through the track.

Bursting notes add intense light as a raised synth cries out with a sliding melody, invoking the image of a ribbon of pavement unfolding under a car’s headlights at night. I am pleased with the way this track cruises on, feeling cool and laid-back, before it comes to an end.

“The End” begins with brilliant chimes ringing above heavy bass descending below them. The chimes coruscate as they flicker through the music, while sharp-edged bass rumbles beneath. The bass is richly textured and the sparkling notes have a ringing intensity. A round, resonant synth echoes and bends with haunting emotion.  I am enamored with the weight and lushness of the sounds as they cry out, elevated and piercing, before the track fades into silence.

Conclusion

Turbulence is a high octane synthwave ride touched with moments of calm and beauty. Miami Nights 1984 carries me away to the world he evokes through his melodies, synth layers and auditory imagery. As a classic album, this stands out as one of the most enjoyable listening experiences I’ve had in that realm.

Reviewed By Karl Magi

https://www.instagram.com/synthwriter80s/ 
https://x.com/CulinaryCdn013

Leading most of synth music reviews around, now part of our editorial team.
Find more reviews on his own site https://hubpages.com/@kpm2017

Miami Nights 84

https://www.facebook.com/miaminights1984
https://www.instagram.com/miaminights1984
https://x.com/MiamiNights1984

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A now stablished name in the synthwave world: Cassetter has quickly built a reputation for his top-flight production and his innovative take on a classic synthwave sound that pulls influences from a diverse array of outside genres.

Combining the melodic nostalgia of old school synthwave with modern production chops and a variety of outside genre influences, Cassetter creates Cyberpunk music that is simultaneously a throw back to the past and a cutting-edge vision of what´s next. The artist crafts every bit of his retro-futuristic soundscapes from the ground up for an unmistakable sound, and his subtly dark world invites listeners to come and go exploring.

The man behind the tape. 

Cassetter represents the best of synthwave’s past, present, and future, combining nostalgic synthwave melodies with modern songwriting elements and a cyberpunk edge for a sound that will appeal to incoming fans and diehards alike.

Get in the Time Vehicle and travel with Cassetter!

Releases 2020  (find full discography on Spotify)

A magnificent Cyberpunk race track!

Catch Cassetter´s full debut album: The Fugitive (2019) 

Bandcamp: https://cassetter.bandcamp.com/

Connect with Cassetter!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cassetter-1948599435260078/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassetter.official/

Youtube Channel

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STYLEX is an electronic female producer, born in the city of Monterrey, N.L. Mexico on April 29, 1994. The genres she plays are: Synthwave, Nu-Disco, House and Progressive House.

She began her career as an independent artist in 2013, entering the EDM fields, and then going on to experience other fields of electronic music like House.

STYLEX has currently 3 albums, 1 EP and 5 Singles.

The Paradoja Single released in April 2018, is composed using a darker sound and works as a perfect gateway entering to STYLEX´s Synthwave era.

STYLEX has achieved recognition across the electronic and most recently the Synthwave community due to the twist in her music in 2019 with the single NOVA and the album under same name.

STYLEX interviewed by DRTV – Radio FM 88.5 (Spanish).

The album NOVA was released on November 15, 2019 containing collaborations by Erik Hassan, ØBLVN and VOYAGER. 100% focused on Synthwave style music.

BUY IT here: https://stylexmusic.bandcamp.com/album/nova

You can find STYLEX updated discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7jximtvrq0CONsWUBWLF7Q

STYLEX is featured in our playlists: SYNTHWAVE and MEXZYNTHRONIKA 2 – A SynthMX Journey.

Also featured in our first official Compilation FUTURENOW by PurZynth Rekords

Buy Futurenow here: https://purzynthrekords.bandcamp.com/album/futurenow

Follow us on Bandcamp!

Connect with STYLEX:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoyStylex

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoyStylex

Instagram: https://instagram.com/SoyStylex

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/StylexSekai2/

Bandcamp: https://stylexmusic.bandcamp.com

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/stylexmusic

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They have published 3 albums and an EP. First one is Starfighter which was well received by audience and lead them to achieve almost 2 M reproductions on YouTube and 2.5 M reproductions of band´s full discography on Spotify.

Night Runner has worked for movie directors such ad Mark Pavia and collaborated with renown artists like Dan Avidan from Ninja Sex Party and Game Grumps.

Discography:

Starfighter (2014)

Thunderbird (2017)  https://fanlink.to/Thunderbird

Storyteller (2019)  https://fanlink.to/StorytellerEP

Merch

Check out our interview to Night Runner in our Podcast on Mixcloud (Spanish):

Support Night Runner!

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/NightRunnerOfficial/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/nightrunnermusic84

Soundcloud

Spotify

More!

https://fanlink.to/Nightrunnermusic

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Retro-Futuristic-Industrial-Synthwave-Cyberpunk happening in year 2118 in Japan. That would be the proper way to describe DANGEROUS CITY.

The Musical duo from Guadalajara, Mexico was founded in the year 2016 by Mephisto Regnault, arrogant aristocratic vampire, and Leandro Espadas a.k.a. Crowley, audacious alcoholic sorcerer.

Dangerous City relates through powerful and frantic musical algorithms the threatening events that these anti-heroes must face in the city of Saiba, name of the criminal cyberpunk underworld in which, in addition to being musicians, Mephisto and Crowley execute soullessly their other evil profession; mercenaries.

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