How to Find New Artists in the Vaporwave Scene

Vaporwave is one of the most unique and captivating subgenres of electronic music that has gained momentum over the last decade. Known for its nostalgic, surreal soundscapes, and distinct aesthetic, vaporwave blends elements of 80s and 90s culture, electronic music, and internet subculture. As the genre evolves, new artists are constantly emerging, offering fresh takes and innovative sounds within the vaporwave scene. If you're a fan looking to discover the next wave of talent in vaporwave, this guide will provide insights on how to find new artists, whether you're seeking underground gems or the next breakout stars.

Understanding Vaporwave: The Aesthetic and Sound

Before diving into how to find new vaporwave artists, it's important to understand what makes vaporwave unique. Vaporwave is a genre that draws heavily on nostalgia, particularly from the 1980s and 1990s. It incorporates slowed-down samples of smooth jazz, funk, pop, and easy listening music, combined with digital manipulation and glitchy sounds. The genre often evokes a sense of melancholic nostalgia, centered around consumer culture, technology, and the aesthetic of early internet days.

Key characteristics of vaporwave include:

• Slowed-down music samples: Vaporwave artists often sample tracks from the 80s and 90s and slow them down, sometimes significantly.
• Chopped and screwed vocals: A technique borrowed from hip-hop, where the pitch is altered to create a dreamlike, surreal quality.
• Use of digital manipulation: Artists frequently use sound effects such as reverb, delay, and filtering to create a lo-fi, washed-out effect.
• Nostalgic aesthetics: The visual component of vaporwave often features neon colors, 3D renderings of classical statues, VHS-era graphics, and retro-futuristic designs.

With this understanding of the genre's characteristics, finding new artists becomes an exploration of both sound and aesthetic. Vaporwave's creative potential is vast, offering a continually evolving landscape for both listeners and artists.

Explore Bandcamp

Why Bandcamp is a Goldmine for Discovering New Vaporwave Artists

Bandcamp is one of the most vital platforms for independent artists, especially in niche genres like vaporwave. The platform's design makes it easy to discover new music, and its community-oriented features allow artists to directly interact with their audience. Additionally, Bandcamp's tagging system and user-generated playlists make it a treasure trove for finding new vaporwave artists.

How to Use Bandcamp Effectively

To find new vaporwave artists on Bandcamp, start by exploring the vaporwave genre tag. You can narrow your search down further using filters such as:

• New releases: This will showcase the latest music added to the platform.
• Most popular: This is a good way to discover well-known artists who have gained popularity recently.
• Tag search: You can refine your search by using tags like "chillwave," "future funk," "mallsoft," or "lo-fi" --- genres and subgenres that are often closely related to vaporwave.
• Artist pages and recommendations: Once you find an artist you enjoy, Bandcamp's algorithm recommends similar artists and albums, allowing you to organically discover new music.

Furthermore, Bandcamp's albums-by-artist feature makes it easy to explore all of a particular artist's past and current work, providing you with an extensive catalog of their music.

Follow Online Communities

Vaporwave Forums and Subreddits

The vaporwave scene is deeply rooted in internet subculture, and there are numerous online communities where fans and artists alike gather to discuss the genre, share music, and discover new talent. Some of the most prominent online communities include:

• Reddit: Subreddits like r/vaporwave, r/futurefunk, and r/chillwave often feature discussions on new and emerging artists. The community frequently shares links to lesser-known releases, live streams, and upcoming vaporwave events.
• Vaporwave forums : There are several dedicated vaporwave forums, such as the Vaporwave Forum and Vaporwave Central, where artists and fans post new tracks, albums, and discoveries. These forums are an excellent way to tap into the underground side of vaporwave music.
• Discord communities: Many vaporwave fans and creators have set up dedicated servers on Discord, where they discuss new artists, share tracks, and host events. Some servers even have channels dedicated to promoting lesser-known artists.

By actively participating in these forums and subreddits, you'll gain insights into new releases, emerging artists, and hidden gems that might not be featured on larger platforms.

Utilize Social Media and YouTube

The Role of Social Media in Vaporwave Discovery

Social media platforms are a critical tool for discovering new vaporwave artists. Many musicians in the vaporwave scene build their following through platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, often sharing their music, artwork, and upcoming projects. Social media provides a direct line of communication between fans and artists, making it easier to find hidden talent and connect with the community.

• Twitter: Following hashtags like #vaporwave, #futurefunk, and #lofi will help you stay on top of new artists and releases. Many vaporwave artists tweet about their new projects or collaborations, providing a direct way to discover fresh music.
• Instagram: Artists in the vaporwave scene often use Instagram to showcase their album covers, digital artwork, and visual aesthetics. By following vaporwave-related hashtags and profiles, you can stay connected with the visual side of the genre and learn about up-and-coming artists.
• TikTok: TikTok is a powerful platform for viral music discovery, and many vaporwave songs have gained attention through trending videos. By searching for vaporwave-related content, you can discover new tracks and find lesser-known creators who are experimenting with the genre.

YouTube: A Hub for Vaporwave Artists and Content Creators

YouTube is an essential platform for both fans and creators within the vaporwave scene. Many artists post their albums or singles on YouTube, where fans can engage with the music visually and audibly. YouTube's algorithm also does a great job of recommending similar music based on your listening habits.

• Vaporwave channels: Many YouTube channels are dedicated solely to vaporwave music. Channels such as "Vaporwave Archives" and "Sunset Boulevard" curate mixes and feature emerging vaporwave artists. These channels often post new albums, providing an excellent way to keep up with the latest releases.
• Vaporwave playlists: Many creators and users make vaporwave playlists, which are often grouped by subgenre (e.g., synthwave, chillwave, future funk) or mood (e.g., relaxing, nostalgic, dreamy). Searching for vaporwave playlists on YouTube can lead to an endless stream of new music and artists.

YouTube's comment sections also allow you to interact with other listeners and discuss the artists and tracks you enjoy. This can lead to more direct recommendations from fellow fans and potential collaborations between artists.

Engage with Independent Labels and Online Radio

Discovering New Artists via Independent Vaporwave Labels

Independent labels have played a significant role in nurturing the vaporwave scene, helping artists reach new audiences while maintaining creative freedom. Many vaporwave artists choose to work with these labels because they offer a platform for experimental sounds and niche subgenres. Some well-known vaporwave labels include:

• Business Casual: A label that specializes in vaporwave and future funk, Business Casual has been instrumental in promoting new talent and offering high-quality releases.
• DMT Tapes FL: Known for its commitment to underground artists, this label releases vaporwave and experimental electronic music, often featuring new and emerging artists.
• Preacher's Son: This label focuses on vaporwave, new-age, and ambient music, offering a unique platform for artists experimenting with nostalgia-driven sounds.

By following these labels on platforms like Bandcamp and social media, you'll be able to stay updated on their latest releases and discover new artists that are being featured in their catalogs.

Online Radio and Streaming Services

While traditional radio plays a minimal role in the vaporwave scene, several internet radio stations and streaming services have emerged that focus on the genre. These stations offer 24/7 streaming of vaporwave music and feature up-and-coming artists. Some popular stations include:

• Vapor 95 Radio: A dedicated online radio station for vaporwave music, Vapor 95 often plays tracks from new artists and features mixes that highlight fresh talent in the scene.
• Wave 69: An online radio station that curates a mix of vaporwave, chillwave, and lo-fi music. Tune in for new tracks and artist discoveries.
• SoundCloud: While not specifically an internet radio station, SoundCloud is another platform that allows artists to upload their tracks and connect directly with listeners. Many vaporwave creators upload demos, experimental tracks, and full albums, making it a great platform for finding new talent.

Collaborate with Artists

The Power of Collaboration in Vaporwave

Collaboration is a major aspect of the vaporwave scene. Many artists work together on projects, either by remixing each other's tracks or by contributing guest vocals or instruments. Through collaboration, new artists gain exposure to different audiences and communities.

• Remixes and compilations: A lot of vaporwave compilations feature remixes of tracks by multiple artists, often exposing fans to a new pool of talent. These compilations might be released on labels or through online communities.
• Networking with creators: Engaging directly with artists through platforms like Bandcamp, Discord, or social media can lead to collaborations. By connecting with up-and-coming musicians, you can help them expand their reach while discovering new sounds and styles in the process.

Collaborating with artists, whether by remixing their music, sharing their work, or simply participating in online discussions, is a fantastic way to discover fresh, innovative talent within the vaporwave scene.

Stay Engaged and Be Open to New Sounds

The Importance of Staying Active in the Vaporwave Scene

The key to discovering new artists in the vaporwave scene is staying engaged with the community. Vaporwave is a continually evolving genre, and new artists emerge all the time. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, keeping an open mind and actively participating in the community ensures that you'll always be on the cutting edge of the genre.

• Attend virtual events: Many vaporwave artists host live-streamed events or virtual performances, where they share their latest music and interact with their audience.
• Participate in online communities: Join discussions, attend digital shows, and support new artists by sharing their work and promoting them across social media platforms.

By staying active and open to new ideas, you'll continuously find exciting, up-and-coming vaporwave artists and help support the next wave of creative talent in the scene.

Conclusion

Finding new artists in the vaporwave scene requires exploration, community engagement, and an open ear for new sounds. By utilizing platforms like Bandcamp, Reddit, YouTube, and independent labels, you can discover artists who are pushing the boundaries of vaporwave and creating fresh, innovative music. Engaging with online communities and participating in collaborations also helps expand your network and expose you to emerging talent. As vaporwave continues to evolve, the search for new artists remains a thrilling and ongoing journey.

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