A Dive into the World of Post-Vaporwave Music
Post-vaporwave is an evolution of the internet-born genre known as vaporwave. Emerging in the early 2010s, vaporwave captivated listeners with its nostalgic, slowed-down samples of 80s and 90s music, accompanied by a distinct visual aesthetic inspired by retro computer graphics and ancient Greek sculptures. As vaporwave grew in popularity, various artists began to experiment with new sounds and textures, giving birth to what we now know as post-vaporwave.
Notable Subgenres of Post-Vaporwave
While post-vaporwave retains the core elements of its predecessor, it has splintered into several subgenres that each offer a unique take on the original sound. Some of these subgenres include:
- Future Funk: Blending vaporwave's nostalgic feel with upbeat funk and disco elements, future funk creates a danceable, energetic sound that has become popular among fans.
- Mallsoft: Characterized by its heavy use of reverb and ambiance, mallsoft seeks to evoke the atmosphere of abandoned shopping malls for a dreamy, surreal listening experience.
- Broken Transmission (also known as Signalwave): This subgenre focuses on the manipulation of radio broadcasts, commercials, and other media sources to create a fragmented, disorienting soundscape.
The Impact of Post-Vaporwave on Music and Culture
Post-vaporwave's impact extends beyond just the music scene. Its DIY ethos and internet-centric approach to distribution have inspired a new generation of musicians and producers to create and share their work online. The genre's signature visual aesthetic has also left a lasting mark on digital art and fashion, with its influence seen in everything from clothing designs to album covers. As post-vaporwave continues to evolve and inspire, it serves as a testament to the power of the internet in shaping modern music and culture.