What is it?

Vaporwave, maybe you've overheard some kids talking about it, or some not-so-kids, or maybe you already love it - either way, it's undoubtedly beautiful. It parodies genres like Japanese Funk, Jazz, even Elevator music, and adds samples from 80's hits. This, put through a lethargic-sounding filter, will take you on a nostalgic trip whether you like it or not.

The movement was mainly popularised by an album 'Floral Shoppe' from artist Vektroid, featuring defining songs like 'Lisa Frank 420/Modern Computing'. After this album gained traction, it became an internet meme, causing this new-found love of Vaporwave to become widespread. Listeners then turned to other similar genres like Synthwave, and Chillwave, and even created a new genre: Simpsonwave, which capitalises even further on that feeling of nostalgia by combining vaporwave with scenes from The Simpsons.

Vaporwave interests so many because the music, accompanied with 80's VHS-style graphics, leaves you missing an era in which you may never have even existed. Its repetitive, mostly depressing tunes chip away at your existence, and leave you longing for a simpler time. Ironically beautiful.

It's not all sad though, there are some Vaporwave tracks which steer away from the depressing, and more toward the upbeat nostalgia. 'Cherry Pepsi' by Skylar Pence is a great example of this as it subtly achieves the Vaporwave effect, hidden behind a mask of funk.

AESTHETIC

While Vaporwave is able to communicate it's message through sound, it still owes much of it's success and popularity to the visuals, or, the 'aesthetics'. These visuals define vaporwave, giving it the retro, sentimental look which compliments the music's similar qualities. These visuals range from ancient greek statues, to consumer-capitalsim, usually presented through a filter of VHS static, or glitch graphics. Japanese lettering is also commonly included in Vaporwave art, paying tribute to its roots. Here are some common examples. Why not listen to 'Modus Operandi' by 18 Carat Affair to aid your viewing experience.

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There is a strong sense or irony present in the Vaporwave aesthetic, as although it exploded as an internet meme, it's still adored by the generation it so accurately represents. To many, the aesthetic is more than just a throw-back, but an identity.

Listen

Ever since Vaporwave exploded on to the internet, countless artists have been making stunning music and visuals on a range of sites. Here's a list of great tracks to keep you feeling nostalgic.

• Chuck Person - 'END OF LIFE ENTERTAINMENT SCENARIO 1'

• Eco Virtual - 'Tropical Depression'

• Esprit - 'Summer Night'

• Internet Club - 'Wave Temple'

• Vector Graphics - 'Destine'

--COPYRIGHT NOTICE--

I do not own any of the GIFs, images, songs, or youtube videos linked or used in this project.