RECOMMENDED MODERN SYNTHPOP BANDS

The following are links to artists which are highly regarded by Synthpopalooza Radio as being among the best and most unique in the Synthpop Universe!

A


AGENCY-X

A new synthpop duo which consists of California synthpopster davidmahr, and Lars Wallden, the keyboardist from the Swedish band Avantgarde. The style is light, bouncy synthpop with heavy Erasure and Yazoo influences. This is bubblegum synthpop at its sugary sweet best!

Location: San Francisco, California, and Stockholm, Sweden
Label: Delicious Records
Website: http://www.agency-x.net
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/agencyxband



Recommended CD: "Mission Impossible" BUY NOW!



ALPHAVILLE

A legendary band from Germany which dates back all the way to the 1980's, probably most famous for the anthem "Forever Young". To say that Marin Gold is simply one of the best vocalists in the scene is a vast understatement. Definitely check out their most recent CD, "Salvation".

Location: Germany
Label: Metropolis Records
Website: http://www.alphaville.de
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/alphavilleareforever


Recommended CD: "Salvation" BUY NOW!

ASTROMILL

This is the unique electronic project of Sheryl McMillan, an electronic artist from the UK who is heavily influenced by

Location: London, UK
Label: Ninthwave Records (US) / Earth Academy (UK)
Website: http://www.astromill.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/astromill

Recommended CD:  "Astromill"  BUY NOW!

B


BRAND NEW IDOL

This very talented band consists of former members of the legendary mp3.com band Joy Machine, who set the mp3.com charts on fire with their Depeche Mode inspired music. Like Color Theory, one of their tracks ended up on a Depeche Mode bootleg, credited to Depeche Mode. BNI continues in this tradition, cementing themselves as America's best unsigned synthpop act.

Location: New York City, New York
Label: Unsigned
Website: http://www.brandnewidol.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/brandnewidol

Recommended CD: "Still Beautiful, Falling Apart"  - OUT OF PRINT

C


COLOR THEORY

A one-man project made up of Brian Hazard, a very talented vocalist and musician. He takes the synthpop style, and blends in some very emotional and romantic elements. He is probably one of the best songwriters in the genre. In fact, the Color Theory song "Ponytail Girl" was even mistaken for a Depeche Mode Exciter unreleased track and appeared on a Depeche Mode bootleg CD!

Location: Huntington Beach, California
Label: 11th Records
Website: http://www.colortheory.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/colortheory

Recommended CD: "Life's Fairytale" BUY NOW!





COSMICITY

Mark Nicholas is this one-man synthpop machine from Michigan. He has consistently released quality danceable synthpop music since being signed to A Different Drum in 1997. His music has probably the widest appeal in the scene, and he often writes his songs from personal experiences.  Mark released the final Cosmicity album "Escape Pod For Two" in 2003, but continues to make electronic music under his own name.

Location: Detroit, Michigan
Label: A Different Drum
Website: http://www.cosmicity.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/purecosmicity

Recommended CD: "Escape Pod For Two" BUY NOW!



D 

DAVIDMAHR

davidmahr is a very talented synthpop vocalist from the famous Castro Street section of San Francisco, and a longtime presence in the underground synthpop scene.  His major influences vocally and electronically are bands such as Erasure, Pet Shop Boys, and Yazoo.  His vocals are very emotional, and his music is catchy, yet at times very bittersweet.  In addition to his solo project, davidmahr also teamed up with former Avantgarde keyboardist Lars Wallden to form the project Agency-X.  

Location: San Francisco, California
Label: Delicious Records
Website: http://www.davidmahr.com

E





ELECTROSQUAD

Craig Simmons and Peter Cooper make up this unique synthpop duo from Australia. The music recalls at times the bright synthpoppy stylings of Erasure, but also infuses elements of pop music from the late 60's and early 70's. The visual image of Electrosquad is inspired by 60's spy movies and TV series such as James Bond, or the Avengers.  Electrosquad is currently on hiatus, although Craig Simmons continues on with his 60's inspired electronica as Space March

Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Label: Hark Records
Website: http://www.electrosquad.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/electrosquad  

Recommended CD: "Espionage" BUY NOW!

SYNTHPOPALOOZA FEATURED ARTIST INTERVIEW

ELOQUENT

Steven Cochran is the mastermind behind Eloquent, and is a person with a long history in the underground synthpop scene.  His first album "Future Pop" was based around a unique concept:  One vocalist collaborating with various musicians.  The result was an album musically diverse, but eminently listenable.  Steven's collaborations have included artists such as Simulator, Blind Before Dawn, Purveyor, and Synthetik FM.   In addition to his Eloquent material, Steven is also part of the two-man retro synthpop project Royal Visionaries.  Steven has teamed up with Tristraum frontman Randall Erkelens for the forthcoming sophomore Eloquent album, "Carousel of Life".  Keep your eyes open for it.

Location: Los Angeles, California and Denver, Colorado
Label: Section 44 / World Synthpop Records
Website: http://www.eloquentmusic.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/eloquent 

Recommended CD: "Future Pop" BUY NOW!

EMPIRE STATE HUMAN

Aidan Casserly fronts this three-man trio from Dublin, Ireland, who do synthpop with a lot of electronic influences, ranging from Pet Shop Boys, to new age electronic artists such as Vangelis and Jean Michel Jarre. The trademark of the ESH sound is Aidan's high-tenor vocals, which are comparable to Marc Almond from Soft Cell.  ESH have been among the most prolific bands in the scene, having recorded no less than 4 albums and amassed numerous compilation appearances.  In addition to his ESH work, Aidan Casserly is also part of the electronica project The Garland Cult, and a solo project known as Figaro.  

Location: Dublin, Ireland
Label: Ninthwave Records
Website: http://www.empirestatehuman.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/empirestatehuman

Recommended CD: "Pop Robot" BUY NOW!

ENTROPY64

Colleen Curtis, Jim Stelluto, and Shane Gue make up this female-fronted trio from Nashville, Tennessee. They do high quality synthpop with a lot of modern europop influences. This is a band which could conceivably break through into the top 40 given a chance.

Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Label: E64 Records
Website: http://www.entropy64.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/e64

Recommended CD: "Dynamical Systems" BUY NOW!





EQUATRONIC

Oliver Thom and Dirk Gerlach are a  duo from Germany who do light erasure-influenced synthpop, with a few unusual classical elements thrown in. This is a bit more intelligent than your usual synthpop.  Equatronic have been around since 1993 and have had lineup changes, but the quality of the music remains consistent

Location: Saarbrucken, Germany
Label:  Koi Records

Recommended CD: "Endorphine"  BUY NOW! 



F


FREEZEPOP

With fruity names like Liz Enthusiam, Sean T. Drinkwater, and the Duke of Pannekoeken, Freezepop are one of the more unique acts on the scene. Their brand of blippy, happy, minimalistic synthpop has a lot of 80's videogame influences, and it's very infectuous. Winners of the ASA Award for Best US Band of 2002.  Since then, thanks to some apperances in the Playstation video games Frequency, Amplitude, and Guitar Hero, Freezepop have gone onto major success, recently being signed to the label Cordless records (owned by Time-Warner) in time for their latest album release "Future Future Future Perfect".  Meanwhile, band members Sean and Duke have been more than busy in their own respective electronic side projects:  Sean with Lifestyle and Karacter, and Duke with Symbion Project

Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Label: The Archenemy Record Company  and Cordless Records
Website: http://www.freezepop.net
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/freezepop


Recommended CD: "Fancy Ultra-Fresh" BUY NOW!


SYNTHPOPALOOZA FEATURED ARTIST INTERVIEW



G


GANYMEDE

David Friede and Patrick Runkle make up this talented synthpop duo from the northeastern USA. Their music has a lot of early 80's new wave analog influences, yet also incorporates a lot of modern dancefloor influences. Ganymede were nominated for just about every award category in the 2002 ASA's. After the release of their first two albums on Ninthwave Records, Patrick and Dave formed their own synthpop label, Cohaagen, and have gone on to even greater acclaim with the release of their third album "Space and Time", which has currently sold out of its CD pressing, and is available now only as a digital download.  David Friede is also musically active as the EBM influenced techno vigilante Fr/action.

Location: Brooklyn, New York and Pittsburgh, PA
Label: Cohaagen Music
Website: http://www.ganymede.us
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/ganymedemusic




Recommended CD: "Euromantique" BUY NOW!





GARY FLANAGAN

A one man synthpop machine from eastern Canada, whose brain is eternally stuck in 1981. Gary's music is lighthearted, low-budget, and naive, recalling the pre-midi stylings of bands like OMD, Visage, and early Depeche Mode.   Gary continues to tinker in his studio today, concocting more early 80's inspired madness.

Location: Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Label: Cohaagen Music  Ninthwave Records  
Website: http://www.garyflanagan.ca
Website (official): http://garyflanaganwebsite.tripod.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/garyflanagan

Recommended CD: "Future Fashion" BUY NOW!




H

HYPERBUBBLE

This is the Texas version of Freezepop. Cute lyrics and bubbly synthesizers are the trademark of Hyperbubble, a husband and wife duo made up of Jeff and Jess DeCuir. The offbeat lyrics cover everything from vending machines to cute housecats. Highly addictive, and recommended for fans of Devo and Blondie.



Location: San Antonio, Texas
Label: Socket Sounds
Website: http://www.hyperbubble.net
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/hyperbubble

Recommended CD: "Airbrushed Alibis"   BUY NOW!

I


I SATELLITE

One of the lesser known acts in the scene, though certainly not lesser talented. Rod MacQuarrie is the brains behind this Michigan project which does early 80's-inspired analog synthpop with infectuous melodies. I Satellite's mode of operation includes a heavy reliance on vintage analog synths and drum machines, and it shows in the music. A couple of compilation appearances with the Plastiq Musiq label led to the recording of the debut CD "AUTO:MATIC".  Highly recommended for fans of The Human League (Dare era) and John Foxx.

Location: Detroit, Michigan
Label: Omeganaut Records
Website: http://www.isatellite.info
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/isatellite

Recommended CD: "AUTO:MATIC" BUY NOW!

 

 

INTUITION

This very talented duo from Arizona is made up of vocalist Garret Miles and keyboardist Ken Porter (formerly of the synthpop duo Intact).  Their music is electronic, at times danceable, and at times very poignant and emotionally charged.  Garret is probably one of the best vocalists in the underground scene and their music is not to be overlooked.

Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Label: A Different Drum (US) / Infacted Recordings (Germany)
Website: http://www.clubintutiton.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/intuition2

Recommended CD:  "Further"  BUY NOW!

 

J


JOY ELECTRIC

This is one of the most influential and experimental bands in the American synthpop scene. Ronnie Martin crafts his songs entirely on vintage analog synth equipment, inspired by Kraftwerk, John Foxx, the early Human League, and other experimental futurists from before the MIDI era. Ronnie's Christian faith also is a lyrical part of some of his music. Ronnie is also the founder of the Plastiq Musiq label.

Location: Orange, California
Label: Tooth and Nail, Plastiq Musiq
Website: http://www.joyelectric.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/joyelectric

Recommended CD: "The Tick Tock Treasury" BUY NOW!




K L M


MARSHEAUX

Marianthi and Sophie make up this stylish two-piece duo from Greece, who do electropop with a huge influence from 80's bands such as the Human League, with a modern sensibility. Since the release of their first two albums, this duo has garnered a major undergound following in Europe.



Location: Athens, Greece
Label: Undo Records
Website: http://www.marsheaux.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/marsheaux

Recommended CD: "Peek-a-boo"   BUY NOW!


N


NORTHERN KIND

Sarah Heeley and Matt Culpin make up this duo which hails from Sheffield, in the north of England, also a stomping ground for the 80's band Human League. It is this influence which shines most prominently in Northern Kind's music, with very sharp production and top-notch vocals from Sarah. This is quite easily one of the best bands to come out of the underground synthpop scene in a number of years.



Location: Sheffield, UK
Label: Electrotease
Website: http://www.northernkind.co.uk
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/northernkinduk

Recommended CD: "53 Degrees North" BUY NOW!



NUKLEON

Dan Burke is the brainchild behind this project which garnered some fame through the old mp3.com music portal. The NukleoN formula is electronic synthpop and EBM-flavoured music, mixed with emotive vocals which recall Morrissey, or Marion Gold from Alphaville. Truly one of the most talented voices in the genre.  

Location: Los Angeles, California
Label: Cohaagen Music
Website: http://www.nukleon.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/nukleon

Recommended CD: "Earth Rising" BUY NOW!


SYNTHPOPALOOZA FEATURED ARTIST INTERVIEW




NURVIS

This was one of the more unique acts in the scene, consisting of Paul Nurminen and Susan Orvis. Musically a lot of New Order influences here, with female vocals which range from wistful, to dark and angry. Highly recommended as a break from the usual synthpop fare.  NURVIS is no more, but Paul is continuing his musical endeavours.  Stay tuned.

Location: El Segundo, California
Label: MixElektro Records
Website: http://www.nurmix.com

Recommended CD: "Un-Subferior" - BUY NOW!

SYNTHPOPALOOZA FEATURED ARTIST INTERVIEW



O P Q R


RED FLAG

Brothers Mark and Chris Reynolds made up this legendary synthpop duo, whose career spanned three decades, starting in 1988 with the album "Naive Art" released on the now defunct Enigma records, garnering them some airplay on MTV. This is emotional darkwave synthpop music, at times melancholy, and at times energetic. These guys were simply unique, independent to a fault, and you never knew what to expect from them next.  They had a prolific career, releasing several albums under their own Plan B label after the demise of Enigma records.  Sadly, singer Mark Reynolds died in 2003, but his brother Chris has now assumed the Red Flag torch, and has released the latest Red Flag album "Born Again".

Location: San Diego, California
Label: Plan B Records
Website: http://www.redflag.org
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/redflagfans 



Recommended CD: "Fear of a Red Planet" BUY NOW!




S


SEVEN WORDS

This is simply unique music. Paul Adams takes experimental synthpop to a new level, with interesting melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, tackling issues including global warming and animal cruelty. This is among the best songwriting in the genre.  The project is currently on hiatus since the demise of Hand Held Halo Productions.

Location: United Kingdom
Label: Hand Held Halo Productions
Website: http://www.sevenwords.co.uk


Recommended CD: "Fall from Grace" - OUT OF PRINT




SOVIET

This is the brainchild of Keith Ruggiero, crafting old-style robotic synthpop with lots of contemporary sensibilities and strong New Order influences.  Having started out on the now-defunct music portal peoplesound.com, Soviet experienced a strong upsurge in popularity as a result of performing along with other electronic bands at Electroclash, an electronic music festival in New York City in 2002. A direct result of this sudden popularity was the sellout of the original Plastiq Musiq pressing of the debut CD "We Are Eyes, We Are Builders". The CD has since been re-pressed, in a new edition with additional tracks.

Location: Los Angeles, CA
Label: Head Records
Website: http://www.sovietbot.net
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/sovietboy 

Recommended CD: "We Are Eyes, We Are Builders" - BUY NOW!

SYNTHETIK FM

A new synthpop project from Knoxville, Tennessee, started by Bobby Clark (also the originator of Synthpopalooza Radio). Synthetik FM merges the electronic talents of Bobby Clark with the vocal talents of guest vocalists from around the Synthpop Universe. Synthetik FM has also participated inremix projects for red Flag and Seven Words. The debut album has been digitally released through Ninthwave Records on Amazon and iTunes, and features collaborations with NukleoN, Ganymede, and Empire State Human.

Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Label: Ninthwave Records
Website: http://www.synthetikfm.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/synthetikfm

Recommended album: "e=mc²" (Digital release) - BUY NOW!

T


TONY REED

From San Diego, Tony is one of the most talented artists out there who have yet to be signed to a label. His music is danceable, with some Erasure influences, but has some unique elements as well. His latest album, "Lost", has a lot of political themes to it.

Location: San Diego, California
Label: Unsigned
Website: http://www.tonyreed.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/qabbalah

Recommended CD: "Lost" BUY NOW!





TRAVELOGUE

Jon Sonnenberg was recently half of the electronic duo House of Wires, and it is his techinical wizardry which defines the Travelogue sound: Sparse minimalism, homemade synthesizers, cold emotionless deadpan vocals recorded using vintage 8-track tape technology. Travelogue was the name of a Human League album from 1980, and very appropriate, as Travelogue draws heavily upon the early Human League as an influence. Jon Sonnenberg's vocals sound much like a young Philip Oakey from around 1979. The debut CD "The Art of Conversation" is available now, as is the followup "Imaginary Hospitals" and both are well worth your time. This is a unique sound in the scene.

Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Label: Plastiq Musiq
Website: http://www.artoftravelogue.com
Myspace:  http://www.myspace.com/travelogue

Recommended CD: "The Art of Conversation" BUY NOW!






U V W


WAVE IN HEAD

Michael Pohl is the brainchild behind this one-man project from Germany. This is among the most polished and detailed synthpop production in the scene, everything just shines. The vocal style recalls Depeche Mode or Camouflage, and the styles range from downtempo ballads to flat-out danceclub music.  An appearance on the Ninthwave compilation "Electricity" led to a signing by A Different Drum and the production of the debut album "Time to Speak" in 2001.  Michael recently released his third album "For a Special Moment" in 2005.

Location: Madgeburg, Germany
Label: A Different Drum
Website: http://www.waveinhead.de
Myspace: http://www.mp3.com/waveinhead

Recommended CD: "Time to Speak" BUY NOW!




X Y Z