SoftSun: The Dreamy Synth-Pop Architects

SoftSun is an American synth-pop duo known for crafting lush, atmospheric soundscapes that blend nostalgic 80s influences with modern electronic production. Hailing from Los Angeles, California, the pair achieved mainstream recognition when their 2018 debut album, Neon Dusk, charted on the Billboard 200 and spawned a certified Gold single.

Early career

Producer Leo Vance and vocalist Elara Stone officially formed SoftSun in 2014 after meeting at a college music workshop in Los Angeles. Their initial foray into music involved self-releasing a series of ambient EPs on Bandcamp, which slowly cultivated a dedicated online following. This early buzz attracted the attention of independent label Mirrorball Recordings, which signed the duo and released their first proper single, "Aurora," in 2016.

Breakthrough

The duo's breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of their debut LP, Neon Dusk, on Mirrorball Recordings. The album's lead single, "Midnight Drive," became a sleeper hit, eventually peaking at number 12 on the Billboard Hot Alternative Songs chart and earning a RIAA Gold certification for sales exceeding 500,000 units. This success propelled Neon Dusk to number 67 on the Billboard 200, a significant feat for an independent synth-pop release.

Key tracks

Midnight Drive — This Gold-certified single defined the SoftSun sound and served as their first major chart entry.

Aurora — Their first label-backed single established their dream-pop aesthetic and built crucial early momentum.

Electric Ocean — A standout track from their second album that highlights their evolution into more complex, layered production.

Neon Dusk — The title track from their debut album is a fan favorite and a staple of their live performances.

Horizon Line featuring Vérité — This 2021 collaboration marked a successful venture into working with other vocalists within the indie-electronic scene.

Following their debut success, SoftSun released their sophomore album, Circuits & Serenity, in 2021. The record debuted at number 54 on the Billboard 200, demonstrating consistent commercial appeal. They have since collaborated with artists like electronic producer Kasbo and singer Vérité, further expanding their reach within the modern synth-pop and indie-electronic genres.

Fans of SoftSun's shimmering synth-pop often appreciate the work of similar artists. CHVRCHES shares a similar foundation in catchy, vocal-driven synth-pop. The Midnight explores comparable nostalgic 80s aesthetics within the synthwave scene. Purity Ring offers a darker, more ethereal take on electronic pop music. FM-84 crafts a similarly retro-futuristic sound that resonates with SoftSun's audience.

SoftSun's music maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly across modern alternative and specialty formats. Their tracks are frequently featured in the rotations of online synthwave radio streams and independent music radio stations that champion electronic pop. Many classic and alternative rock FM stations with new music programs also include SoftSun's more guitar-infused tracks in their playlists.

The music of SoftSun can be heard regularly on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover and enjoy the duo's dreamy synth-pop catalog through a variety of dedicated alternative and electronic radio stations available on onairium.com.