Color Out: The Synthwave Prodigies from the Pacific Northwest

Color Out is an American synthwave and retro-electronic music project known for its cinematic soundscapes and charting independent releases. Hailing from Portland, Oregon, the duo achieved a significant underground milestone when their 2018 album Neon Dusk entered the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart, solidifying their status as a leading force in the modern synthwave revival.

Early career

Color Out was formed in 2012 by producers Liam Vance and Kara Solis, who met while studying sound design. Their initial work involved creating atmospheric electronic scores for local independent film projects, which honed their narrative-driven production style. This led to their first self-released EP, Circuit Ghost, in 2014, which caught the attention of the boutique electronic label Neon Noir Records.

Breakthrough

The project's breakthrough arrived in 2017 with the single Midnight Driver, which became a viral hit on streaming platforms and a staple on synthwave-focused YouTube channels. This momentum propelled their subsequent 2018 album, Neon Dusk, released via Neon Noir Records, to debut at number 18 on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart, a rare feat for an independent act in the genre.

Key tracks

Midnight Driver — This 2017 single defined their signature blend of pulsating arpeggios and melancholic melody, becoming their first track to surpass one million streams.

Neon Dusk — The title track from their breakthrough album showcases their evolution into more complex, layered productions with a distinct cinematic quality.

Echoes in Rain (feat. FM-84) — A 2020 collaboration that merged their driving rhythms with the collaborator's lush vocals, expanding their audience within the broader synth-pop scene.

Digital Horizon — This instrumental from their 2021 LP Aether is noted for its expansive, atmospheric build and frequent use in film and game trailers.

Following Neon Dusk, Color Out continued to refine their sound, releasing the critically acclaimed Aether in 2021. They have since engaged in notable collaborations, including production work for the artist The Midnight and a remix for the legendary electronic group FM-84. Their consistent output maintains a strong presence on genre-specific charts and playlists, demonstrating steady growth without major label backing.

Fans of Color Out often appreciate the driving retro-futurism of The Midnight, which shares a similar blend of synthwave with emotive songcraft. The cinematic scope of Timecop1983 mirrors the expansive, narrative feel of Color Out's instrumentals. For those drawn to the project's darker, more rhythmic edge, the work of Perturbator offers a heavier, darksynth counterpart. The lush production and melodic focus of FM-84 also represents a clear parallel in the modern synthwave landscape.

The music of Color Out has earned regular rotation on a variety of dedicated radio formats, particularly on online radio streams specializing in retro-electronica and synthwave. Their tracks are also featured on independent music radio stations with a focus on instrumental and cinematic electronic genres, as well as on specialty shows within broader alternative rock radio stations that explore electronic subgenres.

Listeners can discover the evocative synthwave sounds of Color Out by tuning into the radio stations featured on our website. Their catalog, from early EPs to latest albums, is regularly played across the electronic and alternative stations available on onairium.com, offering a direct portal to their neon-lit sonic world.