AD 1984: The Architects of Modern Synthwave
AD 1984 is an American synthwave and retro-electronic music project known for its cinematic soundscapes and driving beats. Hailing from Los Angeles, California, the artist achieved notable recognition with the 2018 album Neon Dreams, which charted on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart and solidified a dedicated international following.
Early career
The project AD 1984 was formed in 2012 by producer and multi-instrumentalist Alex Davis. Davis, inspired by 1980s film scores and video game music, began crafting instrumental tracks in his home studio. His early work circulated on online music platforms, leading to a debut EP, Circuit Breaker, released independently in 2014.
Breakthrough
The breakthrough moment arrived in 2016 with the single Midnight Run. The track's inclusion in a popular video game soundtrack exposed AD 1984 to a massive new audience. This momentum propelled the 2018 album Neon Dreams, released through the independent label Rosso Corsa Records, onto the Billboard charts and sparked a wave of sold-out live performances in North America and Europe.
Key tracks
Midnight Run — This 2016 single provided the first major commercial exposure through a high-profile video game sync placement.
Neon Skies — The lead single from Neon Dreams became a flagship track for the modern synthwave genre on streaming platforms.
Echoes of You (featuring Dana Jean Phoenix) — This 2019 collaboration showcased a successful fusion of synthwave with powerful vocal melodies.
Accelerate — A relentless instrumental from the 2021 album Digital Frontier, frequently used to open high-energy live sets.
Sunset Cruiser — This mellower, nostalgic track demonstrates the project's range beyond high-tempo retro beats.
Following the success of Neon Dreams, AD 1984 embarked on extensive touring and further refined their sound. The 2021 album Digital Frontier incorporated more live instrumentation and complex production, earning praise for its evolution. Notable collaborations have included work with fellow electronic artist Timecop1983 and vocalist Ollie Wride, strengthening their standing within the scene.
Fans of AD 1984 often appreciate the work of similar artists in the retro-wave sphere. The Midnight shares a similar blend of saxophone melodies and nostalgic themes. Gunship explores a comparable cinematic and vocal-driven approach to the genre. FM-84 crafts equally anthemic and melody-focused synthwave anthems. Carpenter Brut offers a darker, more aggressive take on the same foundational 80s influences.
The pulsating retro-electronica of AD 1984 is a staple on many online radio streams and independent music radio stations focusing on synthwave and new retro sounds. Their tracks are regularly featured in specialty programming blocks dedicated to electronic music's past and future, connecting with listeners seeking an atmospheric escape.
You can discover the driving synthwave anthems of AD 1984 by tuning into the radio stations featured on onairium.com. Listen to their charting hits and deep cuts across a selection of curated electronic and alternative rock radio stations available on our platform.
