Synthwave and Retro Electro music are genres deeply rooted in the nostalgia of the 1980s, drawing heavily from the decade's electronic music, pop culture, and aesthetics. Synthwave, also known as Retrowave, is characterized by its use of synthesizers, drum machines, and bass lines that evoke the soundtracks of 1980s movies, TV shows, and video games. This genre often features lush, atmospheric sounds that aim to recreate the cinematic feel of the era, blending elements of New Wave, Italo Disco, and film scores.

Retro Electro, on the other hand, focuses more broadly on emulating the electronic music styles from the late 70s to the early 90s. It often incorporates early electro, synthpop, and techno influences, featuring crisp, robotic beats and futuristic soundscapes. Both genres have experienced a resurgence in recent years, propelled by a wave of nostalgia and the use of retro aesthetics in modern media.

Key artists in these genres include Kavinsky, whose track "Nightcall" became iconic after featuring in the movie *Drive*, and Perturbator, known for his dark, cyberpunk-inspired synthwave. The genres have also been popularized through various online platforms, video game soundtracks, and streaming services, contributing to their vibrant and continually growing fanbase.