Soundset City: The Architects of Modern Synthwave

Soundset City is an American synthwave duo known for crafting immersive retro-futuristic soundscapes. Hailing from Los Angeles, California, the group achieved a notable commercial milestone when their 2018 album Neon Dusk charted on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart.

Early career

Formed in 2012, producers Leo Vance and Mara Solis began collaborating after meeting in an online music production forum. Their early work consisted of self-released EPs on platforms like Bandcamp, building a dedicated niche following with a distinctly cinematic and driving sound.

This grassroots success led to a signing with the independent electronic label Neon Noir Records in 2015. Their debut label EP, Circuit Breaker, established their signature blend of pulsating basslines and melancholic melodies.

Breakthrough

The duo's breakthrough arrived in 2018 with their sophomore full-length album, Neon Dusk. Released via Neon Noir, the album entered the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart at number 22, a significant feat for an independent synthwave act.

This success was propelled by strong streaming numbers and a sold-out North American club tour. The album's lead single also received synchronization placements in several popular video games and a major streaming series.

Key tracks

Midway Horizon — This driving single from Neon Dusk became their first track to surpass one million streams on a single platform.

Echo Grid — Featured in the racing game Drive Pulse 2, this instrumental track significantly expanded their global audience.

Velvet Terminal — A collaboration with vocalist Kaitlyn Frost that showcased the duo's ability to blend classic synthwave with modern pop structures.

Aurora Drive — Often cited as the track that defined their early sound, it remains a staple in their live performances.

Following the momentum of Neon Dusk, Soundset City embarked on high-profile collaborations, including a production credit for the track Neon Glow on The Midnight's 2020 album Monsters. Their third studio album, 2021's Digital Shores, debuted at number 18 on the same Billboard chart, demonstrating consistent growth within the electronic genre.

Fans of the cinematic and nostalgic tones of Soundset City should also explore the work of similar artists featured on our site. The Midnight shares a similar fusion of saxophone melodies and heartfelt songwriting. Timecop1983 excels in the same realm of dreamy, atmospheric synthwave. Gunship explores a darker, more rock-inflected side of the retro-wave spectrum. FM-84 crafts anthemic synth-pop that perfectly complements the duo's style.

The music of Soundset City maintains regular rotation across a network of dedicated online radio streams and independent music radio stations that specialize in electronic and retro-wave genres. Their tracks are frequently featured in themed programming blocks and listener-requested hours, cementing their place in the modern synthwave canon.

Listeners can discover the pulsating synthwave anthems of Soundset City by tuning into the electronic and retro-focused radio stations available right here on onairium.com, where their music is a key part of the curated soundtrack.