Washed Out: The Dreamy Sound of Chillwave

Washed Out is the stage name of American musician Ernest Greene, a key figure in the early 2010s chillwave movement. Hailing from Perry, Georgia, Greene gained immediate attention with his 2009 debut single "Feel It All Around," which later became famous as the theme song for the television series "Portlandia."

Early Career

Ernest Greene began recording music under the name Washed Out in 2009 while living in his parents' home in Georgia. These early, home-recorded tracks were characterized by lo-fi production, hazy synthesizers, and Greene's own muffled vocals, creating a nostalgic and summery sound. He initially shared his music through the blogosphere, which quickly led to interest from independent labels like Mexican Summer and Sub Pop.

Breakthrough

Washed Out's breakthrough arrived swiftly with the 2009 "Life of Leisure" EP, which included the standout track "Feel It All Around." The song's woozy, melodic synth line and relaxed vibe became synonymous with the burgeoning chillwave genre. This early success led to a deal with Sub Pop Records and set the stage for his full-length debut.

Key Tracks

Feel It All Around - This debut single defined the Washed Out sound and achieved cultural ubiquity as the "Portlandia" theme.

Eyes Be Closed - A key track from his first album "Within and Without," showcasing a more polished and expansive production style.

Amor Fati - From the 2013 album "Paracosm," this song highlighted a shift towards brighter, more organic instrumentation while retaining his dream-pop core.

Hard to Say Goodbye - This later track from 2017's "Mister Mellow" visual album demonstrates his continued experimentation within the psychedelic pop framework.

The subsequent albums "Within and Without" (2011) and "Paracosm" (2013) refined his sound with higher fidelity production and live instrumentation, while 2017's "Mister Mellow" embraced a more eclectic, sample-based approach. Washed Out's music, while evolving, consistently maintains the atmospheric and melancholic yet melodic qualities that established him within the indie electronic scene.

Artists exploring similar territories of dreamy, synth-based indie music include Neon Indian, another pioneer of the chillwave sound known for his psychedelic pop sensibilities. Toro Y Moi frequently intersects with Washed Out's style, blending electronic production with funk and disco influences. The atmospheric work of Beach House shares a common ground in lush, reverb-drenched melodies and melancholic pop structures.