SpyTones: The Architects of Modern Synthwave

The SpyTones are an American electronic music duo known for crafting cinematic synthwave and retro-futuristic soundscapes. Hailing from Los Angeles, California, the pair achieved a significant commercial milestone when their 2018 album Neon Dusk charted on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart.

Early career

Formed in 2012, the SpyTones began as the studio project of producers Alex Vance and Mara Sol. Their shared passion for 1980s film scores and vintage synthesizers led to self-released EPs on platforms like Bandcamp. This early DIY work caught the attention of the independent label RetroSynth Records, which signed the duo and released their debut full-length, Circuit Breaker, in 2015.

Breakthrough

The SpyTones' breakthrough arrived in 2018 with their sophomore album, Neon Dusk. Released through a distribution deal with larger electronic label ElectroSound, the album's lead single gained traction on streaming playlists. This surge propelled Neon Dusk to number 18 on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart, a first for the duo and a defining moment for the modern synthwave genre.

Key tracks

Midway Run — This pulsating instrumental from their debut album became an early fan favorite and a staple of their live sets.

Neon Dusk — The title track from their breakthrough album features a collaboration with vocalist Kaitlyn Frost and received extensive radio play on specialty electronic shows.

Echo Drive — A later single that showcases their evolved production, blending classic synthwave with modern bass music elements.

Glass Shadows — This moody, atmospheric piece was notably licensed for the soundtrack of a popular video game in 2020.

Horizon Line — Featured on their 2022 EP Transmission, the track exemplifies their move toward more expansive, album-oriented compositions.

Following their chart success, the SpyTones expanded their reach through strategic collaborations. They contributed production to tracks by alternative artist The Midnight and provided a remix for French electronic act L'Impératrice in 2021. Their 2022 EP, Transmission, saw them experimenting with darker, more progressive structures while maintaining their signature melodic core.

Fans of the SpyTones' brand of driving, melodic synthwave also enjoy the work of similar artists. The Midnight shares a similar affinity for 80s nostalgia and saxophone-laden hooks. Timecop1983 crafts equally lush and romantic retro-electronic soundscapes. Perturbator explores a darker, more aggressive corner of the synthwave spectrum. FM-84 delivers anthemic synth-pop with a clear vintage inspiration.

The music of the SpyTones maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on dedicated synthwave and retro electronic online radio streams. Their tracks are frequently featured on independent music radio stations that specialize in underground electronic genres, ensuring their pulsating rhythms reach a global audience of dedicated listeners.

You can hear the evocative synthwave of the SpyTones on radio stations featured on our website. Explore and listen to their discography through the curated electronic and alternative stations available on onairium.com.