Slushwave is a subgenre of Vaporwave music that features slowed-down, dreamy, and ethereal soundscapes combined with ambient synths and nostalgic samples. Emerging in the early 2010s, Slushwave takes inspiration from chillwave, ambient music, and lo-fi hip-hop, creating a soothing and immersive listening experience.
Slushwave emerged as an offshoot of Vaporwave, which originated in the late 2000s and early 2010s as an internet-based genre that critiqued consumer culture by repurposing elements from 80s and 90s pop culture. Slushwave artists took the core elements of Vaporwave and incorporated more atmospheric and calming elements to create a distinct sound.
Slushwave music is characterized by its slow tempo, often featuring heavy reverb and echo effects to create a sense of depth and space. The tracks are typically built around samples from various sources, such as vintage commercials, movie soundtracks, or old video games. These samples are then manipulated through techniques like time-stretching, pitch-shifting, and looping to create a surreal, dream-like atmosphere.
Some of the most notable Slushwave artists include Telepath, HKE, and 2814. These artists have contributed to the growth of the genre with their innovative approaches to production and sampling techniques. Their works have been highly influential in shaping the sound and aesthetic of Slushwave music.
As Slushwave gained popularity, it began to influence other electronic music genres, such as chillwave, synthwave, and future funk. Many artists across these genres have incorporated elements of Slushwave into their productions, resulting in a broader range of diverse and innovative music.
At Pianity, we offer a vast collection of Slushwave tracks from talented artists around the world. Explore our selection and dive into the dreamy soundscapes of this fascinating Vaporwave subgenre.