Animator: The Driving Force of Modern Synthwave

Animator is the electronic music project of Australian producer and composer Andrew R. Brown, known for crafting cinematic synthwave and retro-futuristic soundscapes. Hailing from Melbourne, the artist achieved notable recognition with the 2016 album "Black Sky," which charted on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart and solidified his international following.

Early career

Andrew R. Brown formed Animator in 2012, channeling influences from 1980s film scores and electronic music into a fresh, modern production style. His early work, including the self-released "Avenue" EP in 2013, quickly garnered attention within the online synthwave community, leading to a deal with the Berlin-based electronic label NewRetroWave in 2014.

Breakthrough

Animator's breakthrough arrived in 2016 with the release of his sophomore album, "Black Sky," via NewRetroWave. The album's lead single gained massive traction on streaming platforms and YouTube, propelling the album to a number 22 debut on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart and establishing him as a key name in the genre.

Key tracks

Black Sky — This title track became a signature anthem, defining Animator's blend of melancholic melodies and powerful, driving basslines.

Neon — An earlier single that went viral, this track is credited with bringing a wider audience to his music and the synthwave scene at large.

Echoes — Featured on the "Black Sky" album, this song showcases his skill for expansive, narrative-driven instrumentals that evoke vivid imagery.

Running — A collaboration with vocalist Ashley Barnhill, this track demonstrated Animator's ability to successfully integrate vocals into his cinematic style.

Following the success of "Black Sky," Animator continued to release well-received albums, including "The Grand Tour" in 2018 and "Avenue II" in 2021, which saw him refining his sound with more complex arrangements. He has collaborated with notable figures in the synthwave scene such as Timecop1983 and Nina, and his music has been featured in video games and numerous online radio streams, expanding his reach beyond the core genre audience.

Fans of Animator's brand of atmospheric and rhythm-focused synthwave should also explore the work of similar Australian electronic producers. The Midnight shares a fondness for saxophone-laden, nostalgic 80s aesthetics. Perturbator explores a darker, more aggressive side of the retro-electronic spectrum. FM-84 crafts similarly uplifting and melodic synthwave anthems with strong vocal features.

Animator's music maintains a strong presence in radio rotation, featured prominently on dedicated synthwave and retrowave online radio stations, as well as broader electronic and independent music radio streams. His tracks are staples in playlists that celebrate the resurgence of 80s-inspired electronic sounds.

Listeners can discover the pulsating synthwave catalog of Animator by tuning into the various electronic and retro-focused radio stations available on onairium.com, where his driving anthems and cinematic scores are regularly featured.