Beyond Synth

Today on the best synth wave chat show there is Andy catches up with longtime pal and synthwave OG Mike Mendoza—aka Who-ha, Modern Knight, and the man behind Retro Promenade—for a sprawling conversation about creativity, nostalgia, and whether synthwave is dead or merely “no longer culturally ascendant.”

They discuss Mike’s return to making music, the satisfaction of learning your tools, AI-generated slop versus genuinely useful AI, and how new technology is helping them resurrect old projects. And it wouldn’t be an episode of Beyond Synth without a bunch of complaining, video game talk, and general off topic silliness. The gentlemen also try and eulogize Tim Curry and Peter Cullen, but then that just becomes Andy talking about King Willy from Predator 2 which has nothing to do with anything.

If you like what you’re hearing you can support Beyond Synth on Patreon: www.patreon.com/beyondsynth or PayPal: www.paypal.com/paypalme/beyondsynth

Check Out MODERN KNIGHT here:
https://soundcloud.com/modernknightly
https://modernknight.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3qbXYP5qPi1Sd0XrP8cnCN
https://www.instagram.com/modernknightly/
https://www.youtube.com/user/thetheWhoWhoHaHa

Today’s Playlist:
Who Ha & STARFORCE - “My Fantasy”
https://soundcloud.com/starforce
https://starforce.bandcamp.com/
http://aphasiarecords.bandcamp.com/album/omniversal-oscillations

Magic Sword - “Side Quest (Droid Bishop Remix)”
https://soundcloud.com/magic-sword
https://magic-sword.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6PzFRXjgGHQw6K4WeERMK1

Droid Bishop:
http://droidbishop.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0HPVHsbV2yIYPp2Pk4kdHe
https://www.instagram.com/droidbishop/

PULSITHER - “Space Dream”
https://neonretrorecords.bandcamp.com/album/space-dream
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1TKEbmEiwhqeigZMfqPFcg
https://www.instagram.com/neonretrorecords/

DAN TERMINUS - “Live Is To Haunt”
https://soundcloud.com/dan-smith-terminus
http://dan-terminus.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/danterminusindustries/

Emil Rottmayer - “Departure”
https://soundcloud.com/emil-rottmayer
https://emilrottmayer.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2UuvaSzB0VNumArR71ReMT

Roger Raw - “Bliss”
https://soundcloud.com/rogerraw
https://rossocorsarecords.bandcamp.com/album/neon-sunset
https://www.instagram.com/rogerraw/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/69c8xGWEjlFr47o2VMtS7N

Hideotronic - “People Machine”
https://soundcloud.com/hideotronic
http://hideotronic.bandcamp.com
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2fbKUtuqbMy9695ieFtFcX

GEORGE ERGEMLIDZE - “Psycho”
https://soundcloud.com/georgeergemlidze
https://ergemlidze.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/38LvPFlgQ19IPv07bvI32H

jacket. & New Arcades - “Hold You Up”
https://soundcloud.com/jacketsynthwave
https://jacketsynthwave.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7dBdh9JWiaj8RanPakxQ6d?si=-3D0w7kTRD6unPoUKhamUg

New Arcades:
https://soundcloud.com/newarcades
https://newarcades.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/newarcades/

Mild Peril - “Pure Reality”
https://soundcloud.com/mildperil
https://mildperil.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mild.peril/

Young Empress - “Heart Attack”
https://soundcloud.com/young-empress-725718952
https://open.spotify.com/album/42fSZHGm9KWBvymIN9ye0M
https://www.instagram.com/yngempress/

Caspro & Decisive Koala - “Come Cruise With Us”
https://soundcloud.com/caspromusic
https://caspromusic.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2jtjyIKx9XY1wuIc5UKwSp

Decisive Koala:
https://soundcloud.com/decisivekoala
https://decisivekoala.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4WWpuWvJQum5ylWMjvDPHT

Cassetter & CONNÖR - “No Remorse”
https://soundcloud.com/cassetter
https://cassetter.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6rzOP8pWzUuXlniCGCtrcE

CONNÖR:
https://www.instagram.com/connor_retro/
https://connoer.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6WFKMDluecw7Yy9PS4t0lI

After 12 years, Magic Sword returns for an epic retrospective spanning the project’s origins, evolution, and future. The Keeper reflects on the early energy of synthwave, the realities of turning a creative passion into a career, and the personal struggles that nearly brought Magic Sword to an end. He also discusses the ambitious Omnibus collection, the origins of Badlands, the experimental Side Quest, and the forthcoming record that will conclude the current good-versus-evil saga while opening the door to new creative territory.

Andy and Magic Sword wander through touring mishaps, video games, fantasy storytelling, burnout, social media, A.I., and the challenge of staying inspired. Featuring music from across the Magic Sword catalogue.

If you like what you’re hearing you can support Beyond Synth on Patreon: www.patreon.com/beyondsynth or PayPal: www.paypal.com/paypalme/beyondsynth

Check Out MAGIC SWORD here:
https://soundcloud.com/magic-sword
https://magic-sword.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6PzFRXjgGHQw6K4WeERMK1
https://www.instagram.com/magicswordmusic/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/magicswordmusic

Today’s Playlist:
Magic Sword - “Uprising”
Magic Sword - “Lady of Light”
Magic Sword - “A New Quest”
Magic Sword and Droid Bishop - “Super Nova”
Magic Sword and Metavari - “Dressed For Fantasy”
Magic Sword - “Precursor”
Magic Sword - “Suspendida Drift”
Magic Sword - “Zaros Returns”
Magic Sword - “Side Quest”
Magic Sword - “One More Chance”
Droid Bishop - “Through The Fire the Magic Sword Remix”
Magic Sword - “Dead Serious MALO Remix”

Today on the show Andy catches up with Marko to listen to cool music while talking mostly about video games. Sony says they’re going to stop making game discs in a few years which prompts these fools talking about physical vs digital media, the PS6, and the upcoming GTA VI. Andy gives an update on his Perfect Dark modding journey, and then reviews Mortal Kombat 2 and Masters of the Universe. Then Marko gives an update on his trip to the Monroeville mall Living Dead convention. And, as always, we listen to some awesome music!

If you like what you’re hearing you can support Beyond Synth on Patreon: www.patreon.com/beyondsynth or PayPal: www.paypal.com/paypalme/beyondsynth

Today’s Playlist:
Waveshaper- “Througout The Past”
https://soundcloud.com/waveshaper-2
https://waveshaper1.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4N55TE3vFODMR4BX5B9fnM
https://www.instagram.com/waveshaperofficial/
https://www.facebook.com/Waveshaperofficial

GYLDEN - “Dreamer”
https://gylden1.bandcamp.com/
https://girlfriendrecords.bandcamp.com/album/dreamer
https://www.instagram.com/gylden_music_official/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4SzRuT8xGwJwtHrhJC7fXD

Johnatron & Edictum - “Static Over Solimões”
https://soundcloud.com/johnatron
https://johnatron.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0fcTxZvZ6NBUI8Cye4Db8k
https://www.instagram.com/johnatron3000/
https://www.facebook.com/johnatron3000/

Edictum:
https://soundcloud.com/simon-24-1
https://edictum.bandcamp.com/releases
https://open.spotify.com/artist/11e1I6BUAcdUOAf7AJUXWd
https://www.instagram.com/edictum303/

lxst child & Jessy Mach & Lyst - “Corrupted Ronin”
https://soundcloud.com/lxst-child-991520631
https://www.instagram.com/lxstchildfr/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5XG0u0GsaiIvBEzznbjdCj
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUs42LeYWsS9y4yjtcufZUA

Jessy Mach:
https://soundcloud.com/jessy-mach
https://future80s.bandcamp.com/album/rainbow-active
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1TQlkahZRIbzxA02tAeCCK
https://www.instagram.com/jessymachmusic/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmY2lkW5tVussfSBsMSprjA

Lyst:
https://lystmusic.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2P8SY4USMzQn1mOmaJX9WS
https://www.instagram.com/lyst.music

KNIGHT$ - “Light the Fuse”
https://soundcloud.com/knights101
https://knights101.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/07xFYhAkgObJY8VBkIy1O4
https://www.instagram.com/knights101/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBZgKfOvMPI

Natcho WAV - “Singularity”
https://soundcloud.com/natcho_wav-301988075
https://natchowav.bandcamp.com/music
https://www.instagram.com/natcho_wav/
https://www.youtube.com/@natcho_wav
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5lZnGEj1ucDJNnsFeqU2k7

Novaclypse - “Wishing Well (feat. Shred Krueger)”
https://soundcloud.com/novaclypse
https://novaclypse.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/novaclypse/

Shred Krueger:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5jpRbEBZdGdZyJcLCZbv9Z
https://www.instagram.com/shred.krueger/
https://www.youtube.com/@Shred.Krueger/videos
https://soundcloud.com/user-892401519-280811609

Otome - “Neon Coast”
https://soundcloud.com/asna_mp
https://otome.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/kaede_sato88/

XENNON & Wilde We$t - “Sasuke”
https://soundcloud.com/xennonofficial
https://xennon.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rzJf5cQnYXZx69aRQTato?si=u5pa9HvZSGm3WsZqlW1DXA
https://www.instagram.com/xennontunes/

Wilde We$t:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3VPXOHfADI84PYs3NrpHaQ
https://www.instagram.com/joaquinwilde

Spring Break '83 (feat. 10eighty6 and INDIGO) - “Forever Lover”
https://springbreak1983.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/springbreak1983/

10eighty6:
https://10eighty6.bandcamp.com/track/go-back
https://soundcloud.com/10eighty6
https://www.instagram.com/10eighty6/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3QyBEjCLRtF5nPi7RFd2V6

INDIGO:
https://www.instagram.com/indigosynthwave/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4wmPTgjgiy9LORtWlKAFCb
https://newretrowave.bandcamp.com/album/dreams

Michael Oakley returns to Beyond Synth to talk about his new album Prologue, but as usual, the conversation goes all over the place. Michael discusses the process behind the record and how he pulled early 90s Eurodance influences into his synthwave sound.

Along the way, they also get into MacGyver villains, synthwave copycats, overused genre tropes, AI, social media validation, spaghetti westerns, creative burnout, and the difference between hobbyists and serious artists.

Michael also talks about some of his awesome collaborators on the album including Dana Jean Phoenix, Holly Dodson, Ollie Wride, John Kunkel and working with Brad Kinnan for the World of Promises music video!

If you like what you’re hearing you can support Beyond Synth on Patreon: www.patreon.com/beyondsynth or PayPal: www.paypal.com/paypalme/beyondsynth

Check Out MICHAEL OAKLEY here:
https://soundcloud.com/michaeloakleyofficial
https://newretrowave.bandcamp.com/album/prologue
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7mxepENRg71jHuLHVeK07c
https://www.instagram.com/michaeloakleyofficial/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVCnbrETvgFXwgkC1JelYXQ
https://www.facebook.com/MichaelOakleyOfficial/

Today’s Playlist:

Michael Oakley - “Hurts Like Heaven”
Michael Oakley - “World of Promises”
Michael Oakley - “Shot To ”
Michael Oakley - “Falling Skyward”
Michael Oakley - “School”
Michael Oakley - “Memory of You”
Michael Oakley - “Warriors of the Wasteland”

Today, Marko and Andy do an impromptu Power Hour! Andy has been modding Perfect Dark and Goldeneye, and building apps with the power of AI coding and Marko is going to go the the Dawn of the Dead mall! So tune in for some old guys complaining about being old, while listening to some awesome new music!

If you like what you’re hearing you can support Beyond Synth on Patreon: www.patreon.com/beyondsynth or PayPal: www.paypal.com/paypalme/beyondsynth

Today’s Playlist:
Waveshaper- “Alternate Reality”
https://soundcloud.com/waveshaper-2
https://waveshaper1.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4N55TE3vFODMR4BX5B9fnM
https://www.instagram.com/waveshaperofficial/
https://www.facebook.com/Waveshaperofficial

Lucy In Disguise - “Pacific FM”
https://soundcloud.com/lucy-in-disguise-1
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1FwlK3oTrK60CBk54koZJg
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkjSSUniLoVIbKYoZ5JgFZA
https://www.facebook.com/lucyindisguise805
https://www.instagram.com/lucyndisguise
https://bsky.app/profile/lucyndisguise.bsky.social

BUOS & Datasuck - “Downpour”
https://soundcloud.com/buos
buos.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/buos_official/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2JDNIRHHWTAbjUGhCUFUZP
https://www.youtube.com/buosmusic
https://www.facebook.com/buosmusic

Datasuck:
https://soundcloud.com/datasuck
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0JJlYvBbdil2zhR97cQ7Gv
https://girlfriendrecords.bandcamp.com/album/carry-on
https://www.instagram.com/datasuck/

Droid Bishop - “Frontiers”
https://soundcloud.com/droidbishop
http://droidbishop.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0HPVHsbV2yIYPp2Pk4kdHe
https://www.instagram.com/droidbishop/
https://www.facebook.com/DroidBishop

DELOS - “Keygen Requiem”
https://delosmusic.bandcamp.com/
https://www.beaumckeerecordings.com/
https://www.instagram.com/beaumckeerecordings
https://www.facebook.com/beaumckee
https://www.youtube.com/@BeauMcKeeRecordings

Daniel Deluxe - “Sometimes He Comes Back”
https://soundcloud.com/daniel-deluxe
https://danieldeluxe.bandcamp.com/music
https://www.instagram.com/danieldeluxemusic/
https://www.facebook.com/DanielDeluxeMusic

Leslie Young - “Bliss”
https://soundcloud.com/leslie_young
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2uJqKCdA0SUQC8kJ6KmWAP
https://www.instagram.com/leslieyoungmusic/
https://www.youtube.com/c/LeslieYoungMusic

Adlernaline - “Leaving Earth”
https://soundcloud.com/adlernaline

Jessy Mach & lxst child - “Deathball”
https://soundcloud.com/jessy-mach
https://future80s.bandcamp.com/album/rainbow-active
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1TQlkahZRIbzxA02tAeCCK
https://www.instagram.com/jessymachmusic/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmY2lkW5tVussfSBsMSprjA
https://www.facebook.com/jessymachmusic

lxst child:
https://soundcloud.com/lxst-child-991520631
https://www.instagram.com/lxstchildfr/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5XG0u0GsaiIvBEzznbjdCj
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUs42LeYWsS9y4yjtcufZUA