Synthwave, Retrowave, and Cyberpunk are interconnected genres that evoke a strong sense of 1980s nostalgia while projecting futuristic visions. Synthwave, emerging in the mid-2000s, draws heavily from the electronic music, film scores, and video games of the 1980s. It features lush synthesizers, retro drum machines, and a heavy use of reverb, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Notable artists like Kavinsky and Perturbator embody this style, which is often characterized by its neon-lit, futuristic soundscapes reminiscent of 80s sci-fi and action movies.

Retrowave, a subgenre of Synthwave, leans even more into 80s pop culture and aesthetics, incorporating elements of New Wave, Italo Disco, and pop music from that era. This genre aims to create a nostalgic yet modern sound, blending catchy melodies with retro production techniques. Artists such as The Midnight and FM-84 exemplify Retrowave, producing music that feels both familiar and fresh. Retrowave focuses on more melodic and accessible compositions, often evoking the charm and optimism of 80s pop culture.

Cyberpunk music overlaps with Synthwave and Retrowave but is defined by its darker, edgier, and more dystopian themes. Drawing inspiration from the cyberpunk genre of science fiction, which explores futuristic worlds with advanced technology and societal decay, Cyberpunk music often features a gritty, industrial sound. Artists like Carpenter Brut and Power Glove incorporate aggressive synth lines and dark atmospheres, creating a sense of tension and intensity that reflects the high-tech, low-life scenarios depicted in cyberpunk literature and films.

Collectively referred to as "Superwave," these genres celebrate the aesthetics of the past while imagining the possibilities of the future. They share common elements such as neon colors, gridlines, and futuristic cityscapes, along with heavy use of synthesizers and reverb. This fusion of nostalgia and futurism has created a rich, immersive musical landscape that continues to captivate audiences, blending the charm of retro pop culture with the allure of futuristic fantasy.