Menual: The Atmospheric Voice of Modern Synthpop

Menual is the electronic music project of Swedish producer and vocalist Simon Alexanderson, crafting immersive synthpop soundscapes from his base in Stockholm. Since emerging in the late 2010s, Menual has carved a distinct niche with a blend of melancholic melodies, driving beats, and cinematic production, leading to millions of streams and critical acclaim across Europe's alternative electronic scene.

Early career

Formed in 2017, Menual began as Alexanderson's solo endeavor after years of experimenting with synthesizers and home recording. His early work was characterized by a DIY ethos, with initial tracks like "Fade" and "Echoes" self-released on SoundCloud and Bandcamp, quickly garnering a dedicated online following. This grassroots success caught the attention of independent Swedish label Cosmic Harmony Records, which released his debut EP, "Neon Dreams," in 2018.

Breakthrough

Menual's breakthrough arrived in 2020 with the single "Horizon," a track that masterfully balanced emotive vocals with a pulsating, retro-futuristic instrumental. Released via the larger indie label Nordic Electronica, the song became a staple on streaming playlists and specialty radio, propelling his first full-length album, "Circuits," to number 12 on the Swedish album chart. The "Circuits" album has since been certified gold in Sweden for over 40,000 units sold.

Key tracks

Horizon — This breakthrough single defined the Menual sound with its expansive synth hooks and became a commercial milestone.

Neon River — A fan-favorite from the debut album known for its intricate production and driving bassline.

Signal — Featuring a collaboration with fellow Swede ELLA, this track showcased Menual's ability to blend vocals within his textured productions.

Drift — This later single marked a shift towards a darker, more atmospheric direction, receiving heavy rotation on European alternative radio.

Following the success of "Circuits," Menual's profile grew through strategic collaborations, including production work for other Nordic Electronica labelmates and a remix for Norwegian artist Dagny. His sophomore album, "Resonance," released in 2022, debuted inside the top 20 in Sweden and Germany, solidifying his status as a leading act in the modern synthpop genre. The album's lead single, "Echo Chamber," spent several weeks on official airplay charts in his home country.

Fans of Menual's brand of emotive, synth-driven pop should also explore similar artists from the Swedish electronic landscape. Kite shares a similar passion for dramatic, high-energy synthpop anthems. The Radio Dept offers a comparable blend of wistful melodies and shoegaze-inspired electronic textures. Club 8 explores the more indie-pop oriented side of the Swedish electronic sound. Little Dragon operates in a related space of innovative and soulful electronic music.

Menual's music maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly across networks specializing in new alternative and electronic sounds. His tracks are regularly featured on independent music radio stations and curated online rock radio streams that champion forward-thinking pop music, ensuring his atmospheric productions reach a wide, engaged audience.

Listeners can discover the immersive synthpop of Menual by tuning into the radio stations featured on our website. His evolving catalog, from early hits to latest releases, is played regularly on the electronic and alternative stations available on onairium.com.