I. What is Vaporwave?
Vaporwave is a genre of electronic music and an art movement that emerged in the early 2010s. It is characterized by its heavy use of sampling, particularly from 1980s and 1990s music, as well as its nostalgic and ironic take on consumer culture. Vaporwave often features slowed-down, pitch-shifted vocals, smooth jazz and elevator music samples, and a dreamy, surreal aesthetic.
II. Origins of Vaporwave
Vaporwave originated on internet forums such as 4chan and Reddit in the early 2010s. It was influenced by a variety of musical genres, including chillwave, hypnagogic pop, and plunderphonics. Some of the earliest and most influential vaporwave artists include Macintosh Plus, Vektroid, and Saint Pepsi. These artists helped to define the sound and aesthetic of the genre, which quickly gained a dedicated following online.
III. Characteristics of Vaporwave
Some key characteristics of vaporwave music include:
– Heavy use of sampling, particularly from 1980s and 1990s music
– Slowed-down, pitch-shifted vocals
– Smooth jazz and elevator music samples
– Dreamy, surreal aesthetic
– Nostalgic and ironic take on consumer culture
– Use of retro-futuristic imagery, such as VHS tapes, old computer graphics, and neon lights
IV. Influences on Vaporwave
Vaporwave is influenced by a wide range of musical genres, including:
– Chillwave
– Hypnagogic pop
– Plunderphonics
– Ambient music
– New age music
– Smooth jazz
– R&B
– House music
– Techno
In addition to music, vaporwave is also influenced by visual art, fashion, and internet culture. The genre often incorporates retro-futuristic imagery, such as VHS tapes, old computer graphics, and neon lights, as well as references to consumer culture and capitalism.
V. Subgenres of Vaporwave
There are several subgenres of vaporwave that have emerged over the years, each with its own unique sound and aesthetic. Some of the most popular subgenres include:
– Mallsoft: characterized by its use of smooth jazz and elevator music samples, as well as its nostalgic and surreal take on shopping mall culture
– Vaportrap: a fusion of vaporwave and trap music, featuring heavy beats and hip-hop influences
– Future funk: a more upbeat and danceable form of vaporwave, often featuring disco and funk samples
– Eccojams: a subgenre of vaporwave that focuses on repetition and glitchy, distorted sounds
– Classic-style: a return to the original sound and aesthetic of early vaporwave, characterized by its heavy use of sampling and dreamy, nostalgic vibe
VI. Impact of Vaporwave on Popular Culture
Vaporwave has had a significant impact on popular culture since its emergence in the early 2010s. The genre has influenced a wide range of artists and musicians, as well as fashion designers, filmmakers, and visual artists. Vaporwave’s nostalgic and ironic take on consumer culture has resonated with a generation of internet-savvy millennials, who have embraced the genre’s dreamy, surreal aesthetic.
In addition to its influence on popular culture, vaporwave has also sparked debate and discussion about issues such as copyright law, intellectual property, and the nature of art in the digital age. Some critics argue that vaporwave’s heavy use of sampling raises questions about originality and creativity, while others see the genre as a form of artistic expression that reflects the fragmented and hyper-connected nature of the internet.
Overall, vaporwave continues to evolve and grow as a genre, with new artists and subgenres emerging all the time. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that vaporwave has left a lasting impact on the music and art world, and its influence is likely to be felt for years to come.