Video Game Players: The Synthwave Pioneers

Video Game Players is an American synthwave duo known for its nostalgic, high-energy soundscapes that blend retro video game music with modern electronic production. Hailing from Los Angeles, the group achieved mainstream recognition with their 2018 album "Neon Dreams," which charted on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart and spawned several certified gold singles.

Early career

Formed in 2012 by producers Alex Vance and Mara Chen, Video Game Players began crafting music in a small home studio, inspired by 1980s film scores and classic arcade soundtracks. Their self-released debut EP, "8-Bit Heart," gained a cult following on online music platforms, leading to a signing with the independent electronic label RetroFuture Sounds in 2015.

Breakthrough

The duo's major breakthrough arrived in 2017 with the single "Midnight Driver," which became a viral hit on YouTube and streaming services. This success propelled their subsequent album, "Neon Dreams," to debut at number 12 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic chart in 2018, with the single eventually earning a gold certification in the United States for sales exceeding 500,000 units.

Key tracks

Midnight Driver — This breakthrough single defined their signature style with its pulsating bassline and catchy melodic hook.

Neon Dreams — The title track from their charting album features a collaboration with vocalist Kaitlyn Moore and received heavy rotation on electronic music channels.

Continue? — A slower, more atmospheric piece that showcased the duo's ability to create emotional depth beyond dancefloor anthems.

System Overload — Known for its aggressive arpeggiated synths, this track became a staple in their live performances.

Following the success of "Neon Dreams," Video Game Players toured extensively and collaborated with notable artists like producer Mitch Murder on the 2020 single "Arena." Their third studio album, "Digital Ghosts" (2022), explored darker thematic territory while maintaining their core synthwave aesthetic, further solidifying their position within the electronic music scene.

Fans of the driving retro sounds of Video Game Players should also explore The Midnight, another duo that masterfully blends saxophone melodies with 80s-inspired synth pop. The cinematic scope of Timecop1983 offers a similarly nostalgic and emotive listening experience. For a harder-edged take on the genre, Perturbator delivers intense dark synthwave. The anthemic qualities of FM-84 also share a clear musical lineage with the duo's most uplifting work.

Video Game Players' music maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly across dedicated electronic and synthwave online radio streams. Their hits are frequently featured on independent music radio stations that specialize in retro-futuristic sounds and new wave revivals, connecting with a global audience of dedicated listeners.

The synthwave anthems of Video Game Players can be heard regularly on the electronic and specialty radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover their chart-topping tracks and deep cuts by tuning into the curated radio stations available on onairium.com.