Anyone that is at all familiar with Synthwave culture knows how important the aesthetic element is. The nostalgia and late night drive vibes are something most of these artists strive to accomplish; often this translates to their creative spaces. Sometimes, spaces that are more straightforward than you’d think are all they need to get into a productive mindset. Other times, folks like to totally immersive themselves in the vibe to get into that focus. We asked several artists and creatives to show us their spaces. Maybe you’ll find some inspiration for your own vibey nook! See below a list of each creative professional, photos, and their explanations for their spaces! Sidenote – Lazer Club did not send a photo of their space, but included a list of gear that audiophiles will no doubt love to learn about!

Heartbreak City (synthpop trio)

(There is) quite a minimalist design in our main studio, utilising lights for our aesthetic.
Setup with edrums, keyboards, guitar and a vocal mic. Speakers: Genelec 8030A

Interface: UA Apollo Twin X

GLENN MAIN (Electronic Music Composer)

Every synth in the picture is connected via MIDI in my studio, and works as it should. I use my synths for recordings in the “end result”. Swapping VST with the real stuff 😃 In the creative prosess I use VST of synths I have, just to make the flow «more portable» because I am on tour most of the time with my party pianobar 80’s gigs.

Perfect Female Type (RETROWAVE ARTIST)

“Everything is done in Logic, so it’s not much to look at!”

LOGAN PYLE (VIDEO AND MARKETING PROFESSIONAL)

I work remotely in marketing and spend a significant amount of my life in this office, so I want it to feel as fun as possible. My lights aren’t always this colorful, but if I’m working late and want to feel creative, this setup definitely helps set the vibe.

Roberto Montoya (Synthwave Composer)

I used this setup to compose and record my award-winning soundtrack for the documentary Blood of the Ancient Vine.

LAU (Retrowave artist and co-founder of Aztec Records)

“I use a Mac Mini with Logic keyboard, a Mackie Big Knob, a Focusrite Scarlett 4i4, Roland SPD-SX, Neumann U87A Mic, iLoud speakers and Arturia Minilab MIDI Keyboard.”

LightSource (Synthwave artist)

My Setup includes, Native instruments Maschine, Arturia MiniFreak, Asm Hydrasynth, Korg Minilouge XD, Behringer pro 800, Arturia Drumbrute, Strymon Bigsky and Timeloop pedals, Native instruments S49 Mk3 controller, my drums are a Roland Td27kvx Electronic kit with digital Ride/crash, digital snare and digital Hi Hit Hats, ive converted the kit to more resemble a traditional Drumkit setup with All Tama stands and pedals so its a very custom setup, My music is hybrid so I use Software synths and Hardware in my music productions.

TJ FROM BEYOND (Synthwave artist)

Most of my setup isn’t shown because I’m moving in a few months from near Morse Rd to near Diley Rd into a new build and larger space where I plan to redecorate with more studio synthwave aesthetics.

Geoff Duncan (pop music songwriter and producer)

I still love the retrowave vibes , even after all these years. From the original Tron and Blade Runner movies and various resurgences of 80s inspired music – whether a-ha, Duran Duran, Tears for Fears , and then the incredible Kavinsky, Robyn, Gunship, Lazerhawk – it all becomes this genre of inspiring sounds and atmosphere. Simultaneously nostalgic and futuristic. It definitely still permeates a lot of the music I make.

Crozet (night drive pop/rock band)

John Helmuth’s studio:

Sean Lee’s setup:

Lazer Club

Band’s typical setup:
Vocals: Audio-Technica AT4040/ AKG 414 B-ULS + Neve 1073 + 1176 compressor.
Guitars: Harley Benton st75, Harley Benton st62 Shell pink.
Bass: Fender Aerodyne.
Most Used Synths: Casio Cz-101, Yamaha DX7, U-he Diva, Tal-U-No LX, Korg M1, Korg Wavestation, Battery 4, Kontakt, Arturia Analog Lab, Spectrasonic Omnisphere. Other: Soundcraft 400b