Acétate: The Pioneers of Modern Synthwave
Acétate is a synthwave and electronic music project known for its cinematic soundscapes and retro-futuristic aesthetic. Hailing from Los Angeles, California, the artist achieved notable commercial success with the 2018 album Neon Dusk, which charted on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart and spawned several viral streaming hits.
Early career
Acétate emerged from the underground Los Angeles electronic scene around 2014. The project began as the solo endeavor of producer and multi-instrumentalist Alex Vance, who initially self-released a series of digital EPs on Bandcamp.
These early works, like the 2015 EP Circuit Ghost, blended 1980s-inspired synthesizers with modern production techniques. This DIY approach caught the attention of the independent label Neon Noir Records, which signed Acétate in late 2016.
Breakthrough
The major breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of the debut full-length album Neon Dusk on Neon Noir Records. Lead single Midway Velocity gained traction on key streaming playlists, propelling the album to number 12 on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart.
This success was solidified by extensive sync placements in video games and online media, establishing Acétate's sound in the broader synthwave genre. The album's follow-up single, Aurora Grid, also received gold certification in Canada for digital sales.
Key tracks
Midway Velocity — This breakthrough single defined the modern synthwave sound with its pulsating bassline and became a streaming phenomenon.
Aurora Grid — A certified gold track in Canada, it showcased Acétate's ability to craft melodic, vocal-driven hooks within an electronic framework.
Neon Dusk — The title track from the landmark album is a sprawling, cinematic instrumental that remains a centerpiece of live performances.
Signal Interference (feat. FM-84) — This 2020 collaboration with a fellow scene leader expanded Acétate's audience within the retro wave community.
Chrome Horizon — A key track from the 2021 sophomore album Analog Dreams, it illustrated a progression into darker, more complex production.
Building on this momentum, Acétate released the sophomore album Analog Dreams in 2021. This work saw collaborations with notable figures like vocalist Dana Jean Phoenix and producer Timecop1983, exploring deeper thematic territory.
The artist's profile was further raised through remix work for acts like The Midnight and Gunship, bridging connections across the wider synthwave and outrun scene. Acétate continues to be a driving force in the genre, headlining specialized festivals and maintaining a consistent release schedule.
Fans of Acétate's brand of cinematic synthwave often also enjoy the work of The Midnight, who similarly blend saxophone and vocals with retro electronics. The driving, instrumental style of Timecop1983 shares a clear lineage with Acétate's earlier work. For a more pop-oriented take on the genre, listeners explore FM-84. The darker, more atmospheric productions of Perturbator will also appeal to those who enjoy the edges of Acétate's sound.
The music of Acétate is a staple on dedicated synthwave and retro electronic radio stations featured on this website. You can hear tracks from Neon Dusk and Analog Dreams in regular rotation on specialty online radio streams that focus on independent electronic music and classic synthwave sounds.
Listeners can discover the evolving discography of Acétate by tuning into the synthwave and alternative electronic radio stations available on onairium.com. Experience the retro-futuristic soundscapes that have defined this project's journey through the airwaves.
