The State of Synth

This week on The State of Synth, we’re joined by Seattle synthwave veteran Vector Hold (Peter Rice). We talk about his evolution from dreamwave to harder-hitting retro sounds, his production setup, creative influences, and his latest track, “Soft Focus Apocalypse.” Plus, new music from Eden Future, Altermore, Jeremiah Kane, Glenn Main, and more — closing […]

Season 15 launches offworld to Kepler-609c. In this episode, we’re joined by the Creative Director of Neotropolis for an exclusive preview of the 2026 festival — what’s new, what’s evolving, and what to expect before liftoff. With fresh tracks from Carpenter Brut, Jessy Mach, Cat Temper, and more!

We wrap up the season with a full Zenith Sounds takeover, co-hosted by Von Kaiser. Dennis G and Neon Fawkes hang out with Jonah (7 Rising), Alan (Let Em Riot), Mayah Camara, and Bobby (Syst3m Glitch) to talk shop, spin new music, and debut a handful of Zenith Edition reworks. Thanks for listening. See you […]

This week on The State of Synth, Groot and Neon Fawkes are joined by John Kunkel of The New Division for a focused chat on his music, production process, and work within the synthwave scene. We spin key tracks from The New Division alongside fresh cuts from Jessy Mach & lxst child, DRUMxWAVE, Lyst & […]

This week on The State of Synth, Groot and Neon Fawkes welcome Ohio synthpop duo Chroma Cloud (Jamie & Brian) to chat about their cinematic sound, creative process, and the stories behind their latest releases. We spin some of their standout tracks—including “Mine,” “No Escape (Pray for Light Mix),” and their killer “Knights of Cydonia” […]

On this week’s episode of The State of Synth, Groot and Neon Fawkes hang out with Swedish producer Lyst to talk about his music, his influences, his favorite tools, and what he’s been working on lately. We spin three of his tracks—“The Return,” “Downhill Drift,” and “Doze”—while diving into how he approaches sound, collaboration, and […]

This week on The State of Synth, Groot and Neon Fawkes chat with Swedish-French artist YOTA about her new album The Touch, collaborations with Johan Agebjörn and Douze, and her latest video. Plus new music from Droidglow, Kobra Force, Mecha Matos, Dynatron, Extra Terra, and Glitbiter.

This week on The State of Synth, Groot and Neon Fawkes sit down with the one and only Dr. Jess Blaise Ward — yes, an actual doctor of synthwave. Music producer, author, and cultural researcher, Jess joins us to talk about her brand-new book, “Making Synthwave: How an Online Music Community Invented a Genre.”

Groot and Neon Fawkes sit down with Anniee to talk Night School, her musical The Heart (and the making-of doc), and what’s next. They also run through upcoming tour dates and spin a stack of fresh cuts from Phaserland, Jessy Mach, The Midnight, Atlas Neon, Battlejuice & Power Rob, and Miami Nights 1984.

Groot and Neon Fawkes were joined by Swedish outrun powerhouse Neon Nox to talk about his music, collaborations, and production techniques behind his high-octane sound — including his work on the Terrorbytes soundtrack. The episode featured premieres from Signal Void, Annie, and Von Kaiser, plus bangers from Droid Bishop, YOTA, and Megan McDuffee.