Altered Visions: Architects of Modern Synthwave
Altered Visions is an American electronic music project that masterfully blends retro-futuristic synthwave with modern cinematic production. Hailing from Los Angeles, California, the artist achieved a notable commercial milestone with the 2018 album Neon Dystopia, which charted on Billboard's Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart and solidified a dedicated international fanbase.
Early career
The project was formed in 2012 by producer and multi-instrumentalist Alex Vance. Initially releasing free tracks and demos on platforms like SoundCloud, Altered Visions cultivated an early following within the online retrowave community. This grassroots momentum led to a signing with the independent electronic label Neon Noir Records in 2014, which released the debut EP Circuit Dreams the following year.
Breakthrough
The breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the critically acclaimed album Neon Dystopia. Released via the larger indie label Midnight City, the album peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart. Its lead single gained significant traction on streaming platforms, leading to a licensing deal for a major video game soundtrack and pushing the album's sales past 100,000 units.
Key tracks
Midway Run — This pulsating single from Neon Dystopia became a breakout hit, receiving heavy rotation on electronic internet radio streams.
Echoes in Rain — Featuring vocalist Kaitlyn Stark, this track showcased the project's ability to merge emotive songwriting with driving synth production.
Digital Ghosts — An instrumental from the early EP, it remains a fan favorite and a staple in live sets for its complex arpeggiated sequences.
Neon Dystopia — The album's title track exemplifies the artist's signature sound, blending ominous basslines with soaring melodic leads.
Horizon Chase — This 2021 collaboration with producer Lazerhawk appeared on several influential synthwave playlists, expanding their reach.
Following the success of Neon Dystopia, Altered Visions embarked on a successful North American tour and contributed to compilation albums for labels like NewRetroWave. The 2022 follow-up album, Axiom, explored darker, more progressive territories while maintaining the core synthwave aesthetic. A notable collaboration emerged in 2023 with film composer Joseph Bishara for a track on a sci-fi movie soundtrack.
Fans of Altered Visions often appreciate the work of similar artists in the synthwave and outrun scene. The Midnight shares a focus on nostalgic melody and saxophone-infused arrangements. Perturbator explores a similarly cinematic, though often heavier, side of the genre. Timecop1983 delivers the dreamy, atmospheric qualities present in much of Altered Visions' work. Carpenter Brut matches the project's high-energy, rhythm-driven approach to modern synth music.
The music of Altered Visions is a regular feature across numerous radio stations featured on this website. Listeners can frequently hear their driving retro-electronica on dedicated synthwave online radio streams, alternative electronic music stations, and specialty shows focusing on indie electronic artists.
You can discover the expansive catalog of Altered Visions by tuning into radio stations available on onairium.com. Their defining synthwave anthems and deep cuts are regularly featured, offering a perfect gateway into their neon-lit sonic universe.
