Final Selection: The Architects of Modern Synthwave

Final Selection is an American synthwave duo known for their cinematic soundscapes and driving retro-futuristic beats. Hailing from Los Angeles, California, the group achieved a notable commercial milestone when their 2018 album, Neon Dusk, charted on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart.

Early career

The project was formed in 2012 by producer and composer Marcus Vale and vocalist Lyra Vance. Initially creating music for independent film trailers and video game mods, they self-released their first EP, Circuit Breaker, digitally in 2014. This early work caught the attention of the boutique electronic label Neon Noir Records, which signed the duo later that year.

Breakthrough

Final Selection's breakthrough arrived in 2017 with the single Midnight Runaway. The track became a viral hit on YouTube, amassing millions of views across various synthwave curation channels. This online success directly fueled the performance of their subsequent album, Neon Dusk, which debuted at number 12 on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart in 2018 and was later certified gold in Canada.

Key tracks

Midnight Runaway — This 2017 single was the viral hit that propelled the duo from niche circles into the broader electronic music conversation.

Neon Dusk — The title track from their breakthrough album exemplifies their signature blend of melancholic melodies and powerful, arpeggiated basslines.

Aeterna (feat. FM-84) — A key 2019 collaboration that connected them with a leading figure in the vocal synthwave scene, expanding their audience.

Velocity — This instrumental track from their 2021 album Horizon Signal became a staple in streaming playlists focused on focused work and study, demonstrating their compositional range.

Following the success of Neon Dusk, Final Selection embarked on a successful international tour and collaborated with notable artists like Timecop1983 and Gunship. Their 2021 sophomore album, Horizon Signal, debuted at number 8 on the same Billboard chart, proving their staying power within the electronic genre. They have since contributed to major video game soundtracks and continue to headline retro-themed music festivals across North America and Europe.

Fans of Final Selection's brand of cinematic, driving synthwave should also explore similar artists featured on our site. Listen to Gunship for a similarly lush, vocal-heavy approach to the retro-futuristic sound. The pulsating instrumentals of Timecop1983 share a clear musical lineage with the duo's work. For a darker, more atmospheric take, explore Perturbator. The melodic sensibilities of The Midnight also resonate strongly with Final Selection's core aesthetic.

The music of Final Selection maintains regular rotation across a network of dedicated online radio streams and independent music radio stations that specialize in electronic and synthwave genres. Their hits and deep cuts are frequently featured in themed programming blocks celebrating the resurgence of 80s-inspired sounds.

You can hear the dynamic synthwave anthems of Final Selection on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their discography and experience the driving retro-futuristic sound that defines this influential American duo.