What is it?
Also known as glo-fi, chillwave is distinguished by its oft-forlorn, always hazy amalgamation of '80s synth-pop, lo-fi, and dance beats. Of course, that means it can either be slow and melancholic, or slightly more upbeat and soaring ― as long as the vocals are straight-faced.
Why is it called that?
Chillwave is typically characterized by its "chilled out," but joyous nostalgia for good times past. The "wave" suffix is borrowed from "new wave"; the two genres are similar in that both borrow strongly from, and experiment with, the rhythm-heavy tradition of electronic music.
Who's doing it?
Washed Out, Neon Indian, Small Black, Toro Y Moi (pictured), MillionYoung, Memory Tapes.
Where should I start?
Neon Indian Psychic Chasms (Lefse), Washed Out/Small Black split seven-inch (Lovepump United), Toro Y Moi Causers of This (Carpark).
What's next?
Washed Out's debut full-length, due later this year.
Listen to the Exclaim! Chillwave playlist at rdio.
Also known as glo-fi, chillwave is distinguished by its oft-forlorn, always hazy amalgamation of '80s synth-pop, lo-fi, and dance beats. Of course, that means it can either be slow and melancholic, or slightly more upbeat and soaring ― as long as the vocals are straight-faced.
Why is it called that?
Chillwave is typically characterized by its "chilled out," but joyous nostalgia for good times past. The "wave" suffix is borrowed from "new wave"; the two genres are similar in that both borrow strongly from, and experiment with, the rhythm-heavy tradition of electronic music.
Who's doing it?
Washed Out, Neon Indian, Small Black, Toro Y Moi (pictured), MillionYoung, Memory Tapes.
Where should I start?
Neon Indian Psychic Chasms (Lefse), Washed Out/Small Black split seven-inch (Lovepump United), Toro Y Moi Causers of This (Carpark).
What's next?
Washed Out's debut full-length, due later this year.
Listen to the Exclaim! Chillwave playlist at rdio.