Synthwave and Nostalgia: a Philosophical and Pscyhological undertaking

Synthwave, with its rolling bass lines, neon-drenched visuals, and general '80s vibe, has become a staple in my life. The blend of electronic music, pop culture, and nostalgia for a bygone era, synthwave is more than just a mere genre. It is also an exploration of memory, the appeal of retrofuturism, and our enduring fascination with the decade of excess.

Beneath this, I think there is room for a deep philosophical and psychological discussion and debate, particularly relevant to the themes that synthwave houses. Although I am grossly under-qualified to making assertions in either field, I do believe that my time in academia, along with producing synthwave music puts me in a unique position. That is, a position to at lease get the discussion happening. To kick the proverbial ball off.

Psychology of Nostalgia

Nostalgia is a complex and multidimensional psychological phenomenon. It involves a sentimental longing or wistful affection for a period in the past—often an idealized version of it. Despite once being considered a 'disease', modern psychology sees nostalgia as an essential human experience, often associated with comfort, continuity, and identity.

From a psychological perspective, nostalgia can serve several functions. It acts as a buffer against existential threats, offering a haven of positivity when our present circumstances become overwhelming. In conjuring up cherished memories, nostalgia enhances mood, providing an emotional uplift that can counteract loneliness, boredom, or anxiety. But nostalgia isn't merely an emotional retreat—it also plays a vital role in constructing and maintaining our identities. The memories that trigger nostalgia often reflect the values, experiences, and relationships that are fundamental to our sense of self.

Research has found that nostalgia can also foster a sense of social connectedness. It can awaken memories of close relationships and meaningful social interactions, which can subsequently enhance feelings of social bonds and counteract feelings of isolation. In other words, even though nostalgia arises from the past, it often projects towards the future, giving a sense of continuity and coherence to our life narrative, through inspiration and self-continuity.

So, how does this translate to synthwave? For many listeners, synthwave's allure lies in its ability to transport them back to the vibrant pop culture of the '80s—an era that many see as more optimistic, innovative, and simpler. The genre's signature elements are reminiscent of '80s synth-pop, movie soundtracks, and video games and evoke a nostalgic response, fostering a sense of personal continuity and emotional comfort.

But synthwave's appeal isn't limited to those who lived through the '80s. Younger listeners, who may have no personal memories of the decade, also find themselves drawn to the genre. Here, nostalgia takes on a vicarious dimension—it's not so much about reminiscing personal past experiences but rather engaging with a cultural past that predates their own experiences.

I fall into this latter category. I was born in the ‘90s, however, my parents lived through the 80s. I would say their era of self-discovery came during the ‘80s, turning from teen to adult, and setting out in the world of their own, places them in the heart of the ‘80s. This 10-year period of time thus engraving itself on my parents for their lifetime to come. Thus, through their parenting I was exposed to relics of the era prior to me. This forged a relationship with myself and the cultural past, providing a false sense of nostalgia, if you will.

Thus, my love of synthwave highlights something interesting about nostalgia—the ability to feel a longing for a time one has never personally experienced, a phenomenon termed 'historical nostalgia'. This can result in feelings of connection to a larger cultural narrative, reinforcing a sense of identity and belonging within a specific cultural group or community.

Through its retro aesthetics and soundscapes, synthwave effectively leverages the power of nostalgia, providing listeners with emotional comfort, personal continuity, and social connectedness. It reflects how music, as a form of cultural expression, can tap into our shared histories, values, and narratives to create a resonant and meaningful experience.

Philosophy of Nostalgia

Nostalgia doesn't only invite psychological exploration; it also presents a complex philosophical discussion that touches on themes of memory, temporality, authenticity, and identity. This dimension deepens our understanding of synthwave's nostalgic core, showing us that the music's resonance goes beyond mere reminiscence—it is interwoven with profound questions about how we relate to our own personal histories and cultural narratives.

First, let's consider nostalgia in relation to memory. Philosophically, memory has been examined as a reconstructive rather than a reproductive process. This view aligns with current psychological theories, positing that our memories are not exact replicas of our past experiences but rather reconstructions shaped by a range of influences, including our current knowledge, emotions, and expectations. When we engage in nostalgia, we don't just 'remember' the past; we actively recreate it, often adding emotional and interpretive layers that can make the past seem more idyllic or meaningful than it may have been. In the context of synthwave, the genre's artists and fans aren't merely recreating '80s music; they are reinterpreting it through a contemporary lens, imbuing it with new meanings and emotional significance. Not to mention, new tools.

The temporality of nostalgia, and particularly in synthwave and other genres of art retrofuturisim, presents another fascinating philosophical angle. It shows how the lines can blur between past, present, and future. It engages with the past, manifests in the present, and influences our vision of the future. Philosophically, this disrupts linear conceptions of time and underscores the fluidity of temporal experience. Synthwave embodies this fluidity—it draws from the past ('80s aesthetics and sounds), exists in the present (contemporary production and fan engagement), and even projects into the future (retrofuturistic themes and imagined future landscapes).

Moreover, nostalgia raises questions about authenticity and self-deception. There's often a tension between the 'real' past and the 'nostalgized' past—the latter being a rosier, selective version of our history. Is nostalgic authentic, or is it a form of self-deception, a denial of the full complexity of the past? In synthwave, this tension becomes an interesting paradox, as the genre doesn't aim for historical accuracy but rather seeks to capture the spirit of the '80s—its essence, its energy, and its optimism. In someways it is kissing the realm of satire as well, often over exaggerating the spirit of the ‘80s.

Finally, nostalgia brings philosophical attention to the idea of selfhood. Memories, particularly those that stir nostalgia, play a key role in shaping our sense of self. They provide continuity to our life narratives and connect us to our past selves. For synthwave fans, the nostalgic experience can be an affirmation of identity, a reaffirmation of their connection to '80s culture, or even a construction of a new identity linked to the synthwave community.

By examining synthwave through these philosophical lenses, we can see the genre as more than a mere nostalgia trip. It becomes a space where we negotiate our relationships with memory, time, authenticity, and selfhood—a testament to music's capacity to evoke and engage with deep existential themes.

Nostalgia and Retrofuturism

Retrofuturism, an intriguing artistic and cultural phenomenon. It represents an imaginative look at the future from a past viewpoint. It's fueled by nostalgia, propelling our longing for a past that envisioned a specific future, which, ironically, is part of our past in and of iteself. Synthwave, as a retrofuturistic artform, epitomizes this.

In the world of synthwave, the '80s are often romanticized as a time of boundless optimism for the future, with technology seen as a highway to utopia. Synthwave translates this vision musically, embedding within its sound design the sounds of a future that the '80s generation imagined—full of flying cars, neon cities, and advanced AI. Through its sonic aesthetics, synthwave brings to life the retrofuturistic dreams of the past, allowing listeners to momentarily inhabit this imagined future. Most often represented via its use of synthesis. Not modern synthesis, but the analog synthesizers of the ‘60s and ‘70s, along with the cheap digital synthesizers of the ‘80s.

However, there's an inherent irony within this nostalgic retrofuturism. The utopian future envisioned by the '80s generation never truly came to be. Our current reality, while technologically advanced, is far from the polished, neon-glow promise that '80s popular culture depicted. What would perhaps be considered as a cyberpunk dystopia, Yet, synthwave celebrates and longs for this unrealized future, which, in essence, is a form of nostalgia for an era that never really existed.

From a philosophical and psychological perspective, this longing for a past future might be indicative of our collective desire for simplicity and optimism. It could also reflect our discomfort with the unpredictability of the real future and our yearning for a time when the future seemed more predictable or even controllable.

Interestingly, the nostalgic retrofuturism of synthwave might also offer an escape from the pressures and complexities of the contemporary world. By revisiting an imagined past future, listeners can find comfort and freedom within the genre's landscape, which balance familiarity with novelty, and reality with fantasy.

Synthwave's cultural significance, therefore, is tightly linked to its unique blend of nostalgia and retrofuturism. Its enduring popularity suggests that the genre's retrofuturistic escapism resonates with listeners, allowing them to navigate their own experiences of nostalgia, time, and the complexities of modern life. This interplay ultimately points to the versatile power of music in reflecting and shaping our personal and cultural narratives.

Synthwave as a Cultural Phenomenon

Synthwave's rise to prominence is a testament to more than just the cyclical nature of trends. Rather, its enduring popularity shines a light on the power of music as a cultural phenomenon, reflecting collective emotions, memories, and aspirations.

At its core, synthwave serves as a conduit for the multilayered experience of nostalgia, drawing listeners into a vibrant past that is simultaneously familiar yet distinct, personal yet collective. It plays on our shared cultural memory of the '80s—a decade marked by rapid technological advancement and a sense of unlimited potential. This shared memory, shaped and amplified by media, pop culture, and personal narratives, forms a common thread that weaves together the diverse synthwave community.

Simultaneously, synthwave stands as a beacon of retrofuturism, embodying a vision of the future as seen through the lens of the past. This interplay between the past, present, and future fosters a dynamic dialogue within the genre—a dialogue that encourages listeners to question, explore, and reimagine their perceptions of time and progress.

Moreover, the genre's retrofuturism, tinged with nostalgia, serves as a unique form of social commentary. It casts a critical, yet hopeful gaze on our present, subtly highlighting the disparities between the utopian future once envisioned and our current reality.

In essence, synthwave does more than just entertain, it engages. It prompts listeners to reflect on societal changes, technological progress, and cultural shifts. It fosters a sense of community around shared memories and collective longing. And most importantly, it offers a sonic space for individuals to navigate their personal and collective pasts, presents, and futures.

Synthwave's popularity is not an accident; it's a response to a cultural and emotional need—an exploration of our relationship with time, a connection to a shared past, and a hopeful gaze into the future. As such, synthwave serves as a powerful reminder of music's potential to transcend time, stirring memories, and evoking emotions while simultaneously pushing boundaries and challenging norms.

The thoughts and opinions I have written about here are that of my own, and are just that. Thoughts and opinions. Much of my scholarly work has existed in the space of adult education. I urge you to do your own research when it pertains to philosophy, and ensure to consult a professional when relevant to your own personal psychology. Below is a non-exhaustive list of references consulted during the writing of this article. To reiterate, it is non-exhaustive, and much of it came from my own reflection, thus could mean there are inaccuracies and loopholes. Feel free to exploit that in a counter argument and develop your own theory for synthwave.

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