Hertz: The Pulsating Force of Modern Synthwave
Hertz is the primary musical alias of Swedish electronic producer and composer Liam Berg. Emerging from the vibrant Stockholm underground, Berg has established himself as a defining voice in the modern synthwave and retro-electro scene. His 2018 album Neon Dreams achieved notable commercial success, charting in several European territories and earning a gold certification in his home country for combined streaming and sales.
Early career
Liam Berg began experimenting with music software and vintage synthesizers in his teenage bedroom in Uppsala, Sweden. Initially posting anonymous tracks to online music forums in the late 2000s, he quickly gained a cult following for his authentic replication of 1980s production aesthetics. His first official release under the Hertz moniker was the 2012 self-released EP Circuit Breaker, which caught the attention of the independent label Retro Future Sounds.
Breakthrough
The year 2015 marked a turning point for Hertz with the release of his single Midnight Drive. The track became a viral hit on YouTube, amassing millions of views across various synthwave-focused channels and playlists. This online success led to a licensing deal with NewRetroWave, a major label in the genre, and propelled his sophomore album, Analog Hearts (2016), to the top of the iTunes Electronic chart in over fifteen countries.
Key tracks
Midnight Drive — This breakout single defined the "drivewave" subgenre with its pulsating bassline and cinematic atmosphere.
Neon Skies — The lead single from Neon Dreams features a collaboration with vocalist Dana Jean Phoenix and received heavy rotation on satellite radio.
Echoes of You — A slower, more reflective track that showcased Hertz's ability to blend emotive melodies with robust production.
Accelerate — Known for its feature with famed synthwave producer Timecop1983, this song became a staple in live sets and festival performances.
Digital Sunrise — This track from his 2021 album Horizon Signal marked an evolution in his sound, incorporating modern production techniques while retaining his retro core.
Following the success of Neon Dreams, Hertz embarked on extensive international touring, including appearances at major festivals like Electric Castle and Synthwave Festival. His production work expanded beyond his own projects, leading to notable collaborations for film soundtracks and video games, including a contribution to the Hotline Miami sequel's official soundtrack. His 2021 album Horizon Signal debuted at number 4 on the Swedish Albums Chart, demonstrating his consistent chart appeal.
Fans of Hertz's brand of driving, melody-rich synthwave should also explore the work of similar Scandinavian artists. Mitch Murder is another Swedish producer known for his impeccable, high-energy retro instrumentals. FM-84 creates similarly anthemic synthwave with a strong focus on soaring vocal collaborations. The Midnight blends saxophone and heartfelt lyrics into their synth-driven soundscapes. For a darker, more cinematic approach, Perturbator offers a French take on the genre with intense rhythmic structures.
The music of Hertz is a regular feature on the playlists of dedicated synthwave and retro-electro radio stations. Online radio streams specializing in 80s revivalism and independent music radio stations with electronic formats frequently include his pulsating tracks, recognizing his role in shaping the contemporary sound of the genre.
Listeners can discover the dynamic catalog of Hertz and experience his evolution from underground producer to synthwave standout on radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Tune in to hear his key tracks and latest releases across a curated selection of electronic music stations available on our platform.
