SMS: The Swedish Synthwave Prodigy

SMS is the electrifying electronic music project of Swedish producer and multi-instrumentalist Simon Mikael Strand. Hailing from Stockholm, the artist carved a distinct niche in the 2010s synthwave revival with his lush, cinematic soundscapes. His 2018 album Neon Dreams charted across Europe and achieved gold certification in his home country, cementing his status as a leading force in modern electronic music.

Early career

Simon Mikael Strand began experimenting with synthesizers and drum machines in his teenage bedroom in the late 2000s. Inspired by 1980s film scores and European electronic music, he started uploading tracks under the SMS moniker to online music platforms in 2012. His self-released 2014 EP, Midnight Drive, caught the attention of the independent Swedish label RetroWave Records, which signed him the following year.

Breakthrough

SMS achieved his commercial breakthrough in 2017 with the single Stockholm Midnight. The track became a viral streaming hit, leading to a licensing deal with the larger indie label Cosmic Sound. This momentum propelled his debut full-length album, 2018's Neon Dreams, to number 12 on the Swedish Albums Chart and into the top 40 in Germany and Norway.

Key tracks

Stockholm Midnight — This breakthrough single defined his signature blend of pulsating bass and melancholic melody, amassing millions of streams globally.

Neon Dreams — The title track from his hit album showcases his skill for crafting expansive, narrative-driven instrumentals that evoke vivid imagery.

Echoes (feat. Maya Linn) — A key collaboration that introduced ethereal vocals to his sound, expanding his audience within the indie electronic scene.

Accelerate — Known for its high-energy rhythm and retro-futuristic production, this track became a staple in his dynamic live performances.

Following the success of Neon Dreams, SMS embarked on extensive European and North American tours, building a dedicated international fanbase. His sophomore album, 2021's Digital Horizon, debuted at number 8 in Sweden and featured collaborations with fellow producers like OGRE and Ollie Wride. The single Circuit Breaker from that album received heavy rotation on satellite radio electronic channels, further solidifying his reach. SMS continues to evolve his synthwave foundation, incorporating elements of techno and ambient music into his recent work.

Fans of SMS's brand of cinematic synthwave should also explore the work of similar artists featured on our site. Discover The Midnight for their saxophone-infused, nostalgic anthems. Listen to Timecop1983 for deeply atmospheric and romantic retro-wave compositions. Check out Gunship for a darker, rock-influenced take on the genre with prominent guest vocalists. Explore Carpenter Brut for more aggressive, horror-inspired synthwave with a heavy metal edge.

The music of SMS is a regular feature on the electronic and synthwave rotations across our network of online radio stations. His tracks are programmed alongside classic and contemporary electronic acts on dedicated synthwave streams, independent music radio stations, and specialty FM shows focusing on retro-futuristic sounds.

You can hear the pulsating synthwave anthems of SMS on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover his discography, from early underground hits to his latest charting albums, through our curated electronic music stations.