Below is the list of our top 10 collaborations from this year from some of the best acts in the scene….

10. Dreamreaper & MAGNAVOLT – BLOODRAVE

9. Earmake & Stilz – Artifact Hunt

8. ALEX & Mono Memory – SOCIAL MEDIOCRITY

7. Futurecop! – Home (feat. Parallels)

6. Fury Weekend & Ollie Wride – Soul Survivor

5. All the Damn Vampires – I Can’t Go (feat. Mint Simon & Sunglasses Kid)

4. DRYVE – 80s Song (feat. Cassiopeia)

3. Josh Dally & Timecop1983 – Take Me Back

2. PYLOT – Invisible (feat. Ezra Hyte)

1. Miami Nights 1984 – Only When It’s Dark (feat. Gunship)

At 1980’s Beginnings in Synthwave / Synthpop

At 1980 is the wonder-duo of England-based Josh Dally and Madrid-based  Adrián Quesada Michelena. Michelena originally started At 1980 because he was born in 1980. He contacted Dally for vocals and the two enjoyed working together so much that they began producing together. Josh Dally is known for his amazing synthpop vocals, and continues to deliver on track after track on “Late Night Calls.” Frequently featured alongside Timecop1983’s wonderfully well-produced synthwave, Dally has also worked with a number of other heavy hitters. He’s been featured on numerous classics like FM84’s “Atlas.” A true powerhouse of synthpop vocals.

From an interview with Retro-Synthwave:
“It started out as my personal project. I was born in 1980, hence the name. I contacted Josh for a vocal performance on a more or less finished track (Now), but we enjoyed working together so much that we decided working on another track (ended up being Have a heart), this time co-writing it. The creative match was further confirmed and we decided to embark on an album project together.” – Adrian Michelena.

Together, they created their first release,  “A Thousand Lives” and instantly became retrowave fan favorites. Fun Fact: At 1980 joined NRW after Ollie Wride introduced them to us. Thanks Ollie! (Read a full interview with Ollie Wride here.)

The Dreamy Synthpop Continues with “Late Night Calls”

Now At 1980 is back with “Late Night Calls“- what shaping up to be another synthwave / synthpop smash hit! Only the first three tracks are available to hear for now until the album drops – ‘Maria,’ ‘California Nights,’ and ‘Caroline.’ These endlessly catchy upbeat synthwave tracks are filled with nostalgic crooning vocals and a huge emphasis on nostalgia. “Late Night Calls”  instantly tugs at your hearstrings, playing them like a wistful instrument of the past. We’re incredibly excited for this release, and we hope the fans are too!

Grab a listen to the “Late Night Calls” singles and purchase physicals Here!

The singles released ahead of the album are the perfect example of fantastically catchy romantic synthwave and synthpop. Her longtime musical team mate Matt Aslanian has some wild production skills, and they really shine on the few tracks we’ve heard thus far – even the vinyls have already sold out in pre-sale!

Jessie Frye has been creating fantastic releases and performing on stage since way back in 2008. Since that time she’s played alongside FM-84, Timecop1983, Com Truise, and more. “Kiss Me In The Rain” is no exception, with tracks featuring the fantastic Ollie Wride, Timecop1983, and Robert Parker.

We can’t wait to hear “Kiss Me In The Rains” nostalgia-bomb final release – get this Friday Here!

In fact, Josh Dally was featured on Timecop1983’s album “Night Drive,” tracks by FM-84 and has taken the stage next to Ollie Wride and Dana Jean Pheonix! As you might expect from one rubbing shoulders with those high caliber musicians, At 1980’s debut “A Thousand Lives” is a top-notch synthpop album perfect for fans of the The Midnight, Michael Oakley, and Ollie Wride.

Filled with catchy vocals, perfectly produced synthesizers, plenty of gated reverb, and a soft saxophone glaze, At 1980 is quickly joining the pantheon of New Retro Synthpop. Exploding with nostalgia and a transcendental atmosphere, “A Thousand Lives” is simply not an album you want to miss!

Listen to the new album here!

But more on that in a second, let’s talk really quick about this radical EP.

“High Tides” is fantastic enough to stand on it’s own, with some insanely heavy hitting talent behind it. WOLF CLUB, Tonebox, Orax, Robert Parker and a Michael Oakley & Ollie Wride collab!

These sunsoaked synth tracks are funky, upbeat, cinematic, and all-around just GREAT. This is a short release perfect for summer – and one that you can’t miss! Grab a listen here now.

The “Wave Break” retro shooter game from Funktronic Labs looks plays great – a mix of a 3^rd person shooter and Tony Hawks Pro Skater. It’s beautiful too – and filled with enough 80s references for you to shake your arcade sticks at! Check out the trailer below – and download it now from their official page here! 

This collaboration features Ollies’ signature upbeat synth-pop style, drenched in beautiful vocals from the duo. There’s something special about the way their voices blend in this collab, witch, each verse from “Malibu Broken” feeling like a string of insanely catchy hooks bound together by neon.

The appearance of this single begs the question – are going to see a full release from Ollie sometime soon?

Grab a listen here!

Peter Zimmermann – Through The Night (Part 1)

Florida Skyline – The Green Tapes

Arcade High – New Impressions

Megadrive – 199XAD

Billy Mays Band – Introspection

Betamaxxx – Lost In A Dreamworld

Powerglove – Playback

Top 10 Retrowave Albums of 2019

10. Lucy in disguise – Sunset Radio

9. FM Attack – New World

8. Tonebox – Cloud Highway

7. Futurecop! – Voltrana

6. Akuma II – Alex & Tokyo Rose

5. Com Truise – Persuasion System

4. Waveshaper – Artifact

3. Quixotic – Flamingo Drive In

2. Michael Oakley – Introspect

1. Ollie Wride – Thanks in Advance

Top 10 Retrowave Songs of 2019

10. McRocklin & Hutch – One of Them

9. Michael Oakley – Push It To The Limit

8. FM Attack – Dark Blue Sky

7. Futurecop! – Star (feat. Computer Magic)

6. Kalax – Let Go (feat. Anton Vic)

5. Timecop1983 – My Delorean (feat. Primo)

4. FM-84 – Bend & Break

3. Wayfloe – Fractions (feat. Jessie Frye)

2. SYML – Clean Eyes (The Midnight Remix)

1. Ollie Wride – Back To Life (Official Video)

Carpenter Brut – Blood Machines
(The only reason this isn’t #1 is because it technically isn’t a music video, and it’s currently not available to stream. Check out the website here to see it when it becomes publicly available!)

Jack Stauber – Baby Hotline

Confrontational – Happy Children

Korine – Elegance & You

Top 10 Retrowave Music Videos of 2019

10. Deadlife – Nothing Left But Pills

9. Morgan Willis – Lets Go Together

8. Futurecop! – We Belong (feat. Parallels)

7. Starcadian – Freak night

6. Glowline – Glow with Me

5. Carpenter Brut – Leather Teeth

4. Com Truise – Ultrafiche of You

3. Alex & Tokyo Rose – Affliction

2. Ollie Wride – Back to Life

1. Michael Oakley – Left Behind

Thanks in Advance by Ollie Wride

Can you explain the choice of the album title: ‘Thanks in Advance’ ?

From the outset, my intention with this record was to create the kind of classic rock / pop I had treasured as a kid…  or at the very least evoke a similar sentiment, creatively I have always been attracted to lack of self consciousness, an eclectic approach – but all the while rooted in sincerity.

The title felt like a natural embodiment of that, both unapologetic but also having an air of light heartedness… Think of it as tipping the hat to Colins and Winwood “No Jacket Required”, “Back In The High Life” etc.

Tell us a little about the history behind these songs. When did this solo record begin to take shape?

To be frank, this entire record came from the necessity and desire to work. I’m terrible with prolonged periods of inactivity, I like to keep busy and stay creatively sharp – I’m also of the mindset that you if you’re going to step into the spotlight then have a clear message.

After “Atlas” took off in 2016 and the live shows that followed, I was (still) totally invested into FM-84 and immediately began putting together ideas to share with Col for the follow up…

Other writers can attest to this, but songs either go into the melting pot or simply don’t fit the bill and find another avenue. In this instance it was clear there was a distinct thread emerging from the work I was producing – that was far more aligned with my direct influences, stemming from Art Rock, the New Romantics, Soul and Disco. So, rather than take pause to wait until FM-84 could get back up and running in the studio – I wanted to keep going.

You’ve described your solo project a more authentic 80s’ pop record rather than a synthwave album in the purest sense, which I found to be a very interesting, insightful distinction. Can you tell us a little more in the difference in approach and vibe between your solo work and your compositions with FM-84?

That’s right, well in terms of approach, fundamentally the process is the same. I start simple, writing everything at the piano, generally chord structure and melody are the first to emerge – finding my lyrical entry is something that (more often than not) takes me time to articulate succinctly. Most of us struggle to get to the crux in our day to day life let alone in a 4 minute pop song!

Also, perhaps a common misconception about singers in general here , but I’m involved from the ground upwards, I write, produce and arrange all of the material you hear on the record as well as a substantial amount of instrumentation and arrangement in FM. The latter being a team effort and naturally the inevitable push and pull, compromises, reworking to suit both of our tastes arises but ultimately we share the same passion to land on something we love first and foremost.

When tackling this alone, I had total free rein, I went wherever I wanted to musically, said whatever I wanted lyrically without constraint, this is both liberating and inevitably presents it’s own set of challenges, but ultimately the process in some ways can be even more rewarding.

As for the feel of this record, it covers a lot of ground stylistically, I experimented with a variety of rhythms, grooves to steer the ship away from ‘synth wave’ – for no other reason than, I simply found what resonated with me and my tastes and laid it out for people to either pull up a chair or move on.

You’ve become somewhat known for your slick fashion sense, which is something you’ve had for as long as we can tell. What role does fashion play in your life? Is this something reserved for the stage? What is your philosophy when it comes to fashion and stage performance?

Thank you for noticing! I have always had a penchant for clothes as far as the stage goes. All my heroes were not only supremely talented but they each had a distinct image and this left a distinct impression on me as a kid – Glam Rock, The New Romantics – The King, Elvis hello?! Now, there’s no huge secret or contrived method to be clear. I’m actually quite a reserved person off stage. I’d be a total nightmare if I went around like that all the time.

Being candid, I view it as my coat of armour, I’m going into the fray not knowing how I’ll come out the other side. So, it’s about comfortability and portraying a version of myself that is equipped, confident and professional when I’m on stage. I love to really perform a song, to some it may be ostentatious however, it’s sincere and the only way I know how – it’s entertainment after all and if I’m paying the price of admission to watch a concert I want to indulge in escapism – my fashion choices are an extension of my stage persona. Who doesn’t want to look sharp?

 

Where do you get your suits?

I can’t reveal state secrets, however I am very lucky to work with legendary Rock n’ Roll tailor Ray Brown, he’s made bespoke threads for some of the biggest names in music over 35 years. He has made me many beautiful custom suits, leather jackets – I am honoured, he makes me look the part for sure. I’m a lucky guy.

What message do you want people to get out of your music?

Escaping whilst being self aware. Reconciling with failure and triumphing over adversity – Matters we all toil with but seldom shout about. This is a record made with absolute sincerity and authenticity, at its core I’ve turned the pen on myself here – but this is a 40 minute exposition on optimism and how the underdogs eventually get a look in.

Closing off with a question I ask at the end of every interview: can you name one of your favourite albums, movies and books?

I harvest music and art in general. Particularly fine art, I studied previously so that’s a favourite pastime of mine. Some of my all time favourite albums, Roxy Music ‘Avalon’, Queen ‘The Works’, Peter Gabriel ‘Security’, Keane ‘Perfect Symmetry’, David Bowie ‘Let’s Dance’, ELO ‘Balance Of Power’

Movies, I’m a sucker for a Gangster picture for sure. Goodfellas, Casino, The Godfather… As well as The Fugitive, Shawshank Redemption, the heavy hitters… However specifically the early – mid 80s? Bladerunner, Empire Strikes Back, Raging Bull spring to mind.

Any closing words? 

Thank you for taking the time to chat, I sincerely hope all of you out there are enjoying the record, I laid it all on the line. By all means let me know what you think and get in touch, your support means the world. Looking forward to seeing you out on the road!

‘Thanks in Advance’ is out now on NewRetroWave Records

Be sure to check out Ollie Wride on social media

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Previously known as the vocal half of synthpop-dreamwave sensation FM-84, Wride has embarked his solo career with Michael Oakley co-producing a powerhouse of an album. The three singles released ahead of “Thanks in Advance,” “The Driver (feat. The Night Hour),” “Never Live Without You,” and “Overcome” really set the tone and pace of the album to come, establishing the crisp fantastic vocals and pure 1980s dreamy synth elation Ollie Wride has to offer.

But Wride hasn’t set out to replicate the FM-84 sound. Although still poppy, “Thanks in Advance” is incredibly distinct from his previous FM-84 work, immediately setting himself apart tonally. As Vehlinggo stated, “…there’s no confusing a Phil Collins solo effort with Genesis and vice-versa.”

Each of the tracks from “Thanks in Advance” invoke retro influences while crafting some truly delicious contemporary synth-pop. This album belts out catchy hit after catchy hit, ranging from pop power ballads to synth-stomping anthems sure to please fans of Michael Oakley, The Midnight, and Gunship!

Check out the full album here!

Friday afternoons mean one thing – the NRW Weekly Selection.
We’re striving to bring you the best of the best. From outrun to darksynth, we have your weekend covered!

Check out who hit our top spots this week:

Ollie Wride – Thanks in Advance

Arcade High – Select Start

Trevor Something – Play Your Game

Krosia – Dive