Aromabar: The Pioneering Force in Scandinavian Synthwave

Aromabar is the electronic music project of Swedish producer and composer Erik Thörn, known for crafting immersive retro-futuristic soundscapes. Emerging from Stockholm's vibrant synth scene, the project achieved a significant milestone when its 2018 album 'Neon Dusk' charted on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart, introducing its nostalgic yet modern sound to a global audience.

Early career

Erik Thörn formed Aromabar in 2012, initially as a solo studio endeavor from his base in Stockholm. His early work was heavily inspired by 1980s film scores and European electronic music, which he began sharing on online music platforms. These demos caught the attention of the independent label Synthetic Sounds, which released his debut EP 'Circuit City' in 2014.

Breakthrough

Aromabar's breakthrough arrived in 2017 with the single 'Midnight Drive,' which became a viral hit on streaming platforms specializing in synthwave and retro electronica. The track's success directly fueled the 2018 release of the full-length album 'Neon Dusk' on the larger indie label Nightride Records. The album debuted at number 18 on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart, a feat for an independent instrumental electronic act.

Key tracks

Midnight Drive — This 2017 single defined the Aromabar sound with its pulsating bassline and cinematic feel, becoming a flagship track for the modern synthwave movement.

Neon Dusk — The title track from the breakthrough album is a masterclass in atmosphere, blending melancholic melodies with robust production that appealed beyond genre fans.

Echoes of You (feat. Sanna) — This 2020 collaboration marked a shift, introducing ethereal vocals and achieving significant rotation on European streaming radio.

Stockholm by Night — A deeply personal instrumental from the 2021 album 'Northern Lights,' reflecting the artist's Swedish origins and more ambient influences.

Following the success of 'Neon Dusk,' Aromabar embarked on a series of live performances at European electronic music festivals. The 2021 album 'Northern Lights' saw Thörn exploring deeper ambient and chillwave territories, while maintaining his signature production style. A notable collaboration came in 2022 with French producer Julien Rey, resulting in the well-received EP 'Horizon Signal'.

Fans of Aromabar's brand of melodic and atmospheric synthwave should also explore the work of similar artists from the region. Timecop1983 is another pivotal figure in the scene known for his dreamy and nostalgic production style. The Midnight shares a strong affinity for saxophone melodies and heartfelt 80s-inspired songwriting. For a darker, more driving take on the genre, Perturbator offers a grittier, darksynth perspective. FM-84 creates similarly expansive synth-pop anthems that resonate with the same audience.

Aromabar's music maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on dedicated online radio streams and independent music radio stations that focus on electronic subgenres. Specialty shows featuring synthwave, chillwave, and retro electronica frequently include tracks like 'Midnight Drive' and 'Echoes of You' in their playlists, cementing the project's status within the community.

Listeners can discover the evocative synthwave music of Aromabar on a variety of radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to stations available on onairium.com to hear the pioneering electronic sounds of this Swedish artist in regular rotation.