Color Out: The Synthwave Soundtrack to Neon Dreams

Color Out is an American synthwave and retro-electronic music project known for its cinematic soundscapes and charting albums. The artist, primarily the work of producer and multi-instrumentalist Alex Vance, emerged from Los Angeles to become a defining voice in the modern synthwave revival.

Early career

Color Out was formed in 2014 by Alex Vance, a Los Angeles-based musician with a deep affinity for 1980s film scores and electronic pop. The project began with self-released singles on platforms like Bandcamp, quickly cultivating an online following drawn to its polished, nostalgic sound. This early DIY phase led to a signing with the independent electronic label Neon Noir Records in 2016.

Breakthrough

The project's breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the sophomore album Neon Dusk. Released via Neon Noir Records, the album debuted at number 12 on Billboard's Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart, a significant feat for an independent synthwave act. The lead single, "Midland Run," gained substantial traction on streaming platforms, solidifying Color Out's status within the genre.

Key tracks

Midland Run — This driving single from the Neon Dusk album became a breakout hit on streaming playlists and synthwave radio.

Echoes in Rain — A collaboration with vocalist Maya Ford, this track showcased the project's ability to blend ethereal pop hooks with retro instrumentation.

Chrome Valley — An instrumental fan favorite, this song exemplifies Color Out's strength in crafting vivid, narrative-driven synthscapes.

Night Drive — Featured in the popular video game "Neon Fury," this track expanded the artist's reach into the gaming community.

Following the success of Neon Dusk, Color Out released the critically acclaimed album Aurora in 2021. This work saw Vance collaborating with notable producers like Timecop1983, further refining the project's signature blend of melancholy melodies and pulsating rhythms. The artist continues to perform at dedicated retro-futuristic music festivals like Outland and has licensed music for several independent films.

Fans of Color Out's immersive synthwave style should also explore the work of similar artists. The Midnight shares a penchant for saxophone-laden, emotionally charged retro-pop anthems. Gunship explores a similarly cinematic and darkly romantic vein of the synthwave genre. FM-84 crafts soaring, nostalgic soundscapes that perfectly complement Color Out's aesthetic. Timecop1983 is a key collaborator and pioneer in the dreamy, atmospheric side of the scene.

The pulsating retro-electronica of Color Out is a staple on dedicated synthwave and retrowave radio stations featured on this website. Listeners can find the artist's tracks in regular rotation on online radio streams specializing in 80s-inspired synth, electronic music, and independent music radio stations that champion underground electronic movements.

You can discover the cinematic synthwave of Color Out by tuning into the radio stations available on onairium.com, where their music is featured alongside other pioneering artists in the electronic and retro genres.