Laser Cowboys: The Synthwave Outlaws

Laser Cowboys are an American synthwave duo known for crafting cinematic retro-futuristic soundscapes. Hailing from Los Angeles, California, the pair achieved a notable underground hit with their 2018 album Neon Horizon, which charted on Billboard's Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart and solidified their cult status.

Early career

The group formed in 2014 when producers Marcus Vale and Eli "Strobe" Carter met through online music forums dedicated to 1980s film scores and video game soundtracks. Their shared passion for analog synthesizers and drum machines led to self-released EPs like 2015's Midway Run on the small imprint RetroFuture Sounds.

Breakthrough

The duo's breakthrough arrived in 2018 with their debut full-length album, Neon Horizon, released on the influential electronic label FiXT Neon. The album's lead single gained traction on streaming platforms, propelling the record to a peak position of number 12 on Billboard's Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart and moving over 10,000 units in its first year.

Key tracks

Neon Horizon — This title track became their signature song, featuring heavily in YouTube car culture and cyberpunk aesthetic videos.

Desert Run 1987 — A key early track that defined their blend of pulsating synth bass with spaghetti western-inspired guitar melodies.

Phantom Data — This collaboration with vocalist Dana Jean Phoenix expanded their reach into the broader synth-pop scene.

Circuit Breaker — Known for its aggressive arpeggiated lead, this track became a staple in their live sets and DJ mixes.

Following their breakthrough, Laser Cowboys toured extensively, performing at festivals like Electric Forest and touring with acts such as The Midnight. Their 2021 sophomore album, Digital Mirage, explored darker themes and harder production, earning praise for its conceptual depth. They have since collaborated with figures like producer and composer Waveshaper, further cementing their place in the modern synthwave genre.

Fans of Laser Cowboys also enjoy the driving retro sounds of The Midnight, another act that masterfully blends 80s saxophone and synth melodies. The cinematic scope of Gunship shares a similar affinity for lush, narrative-driven synthwave anthems. The analog textures of FM-84 offer a comparable nostalgic rush, while the gritty energy of Perturbator aligns with their more intense instrumental passages.

The music of Laser Cowboys maintains regular rotation across a network of dedicated online rock radio streams and specialty electronic music stations that champion retro-futuristic sounds. Their tracks are frequently featured on programs highlighting synthwave, outrun, and new retro wave genres, connecting with a global audience of nostalgic futurists.

Listeners can discover the pulsating synthwave anthems of Laser Cowboys on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com, where their music is curated into playlists that define the cutting edge of the retro-electronic scene.