Retro Christmas Remix: Why 80s Synths Still Define Holiday Playlists

Synths have a special ability to arouse emotion & nostalgia, from lively songs that put everyone in the festive mood to slower ballads that make us feel something. One Christmas party stands out in my memory because I chose the music. Equipped with a variety of synth-heavy songs & my laptop, I turned what could have been an ordinary get-together into a memorable evening full of dancing and laughter. I watched as my friends joined in on the song “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” as the synth-heavy chorus blended with their voices. It was a perfect example of how 80s synths have become an integral part of our holiday customs. Synthwave, a genre that honors the sounds and aesthetics of the 1980s, has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years.

Like a moth to a neon flame, I’ve been drawn to this movement as an aspiring producer. In addition to influencing modern music, synthwave has unexpectedly found its way into our holiday celebrations. Last December, I went to a local synthwave concert where the main act played a set full of Christmas classics that had been reimagined. As we danced beneath sparkling lights and were surrounded by vintage images that took us back in time, the crowd was electrifying. I became aware of how potent synthwave could be in changing how we view holiday music during this performance.

The genre has revitalized classic songs while preserving the sentimental appeal that everyone yearns for during the holiday season. Reimagining traditional Christmas songs with 80s synths is one of my favorite hobbies as an amateur producer. Adding a new twist to a well-known melody has an immensely satisfying effect. I chose to take on “Jingle Bells” last year and transformed it into a lively synth-pop anthem that got my friends singing along at our yearly holiday get-together, albeit a little off-key.

Reimagining these songs is a rewarding & difficult process. It necessitates striking a careful balance between paying respect to the original and giving it new life. I couldn’t help but feel like a crazy scientist creating the ideal holiday concoction as I worked on synth patches and layered harmonies in my makeshift studio, which is actually my messy bedroom.

When I eventually played it for my friends, their reactions were priceless—a mixture of surprise and laughter as they realized they were dancing to “Jingle Bells” like never before. Beyond just sound, the retro style of 80s synths permeates every facet of creating holiday music. There is an indisputable charm that captivates us, from neon-colored album covers to vintage-style music videos.

I frequently find myself enthralled by artists who use this aesthetic in their holiday releases because I spend endless hours browsing social media for inspiration. I once came upon an independent musician who put out a Christmas EP with artwork that looked like vintage VHS covers from the 1980s. I was taken back to my childhood living room, where we used to gather around the TV to watch holiday specials on repeat, thanks to the immersive experience created by the combination of catchy synth melodies & vintage visuals.

This mix of creativity & nostalgia is what motivates me to continue on my own musical path. The impact of 80s synths on Christmas music around the world is truly astounding. It’s becoming evident that this sound cuts across boundaries and cultural boundaries as I interact with other producers from around the globe through social media groups and online forums. Artists from Europe & Japan are embracing the allure of 80s synths and using them in their own renditions of beloved holiday songs.

I once spoke with a Swedish producer who told me about his experience making a synth-heavy rendition of “O Holy Night.”. He explained how he combined contemporary synth sounds with traditional Scandinavian elements to create a distinctive fusion that connected with listeners both domestically and abroad. Moments like these serve as a reminder of the ability of music to bring people together, regardless of our backgrounds or languages.

I can’t help but be enthusiastic about the prospects for 80s synths and their contribution to the creation of new holiday sounds as I consider the future of Christmas music. With the rapid advancement of technology and the daily emergence of new genres, it is impossible to predict what inventive works will be produced in the future. I’m excited to try combining various styles as a future producer while preserving that nostalgic vibe. As long as there are dreamers like me out there tinkering away in their home studios, we can expect to see exciting developments in the world of Christmas music.

I frequently find myself daydreaming about working with other artists who share my passion for 80s synths—imagine creating an entire album dedicated to reimagined holiday classics! The possibilities are endless. In the end, embracing the synth-ful Christmas spirit entails using music to celebrate creativity, connection, and nostalgia. There’s something enchanting about how 80s synths can enhance our holiday celebrations, whether it’s through remixing timeless songs or creating original compositions influenced by those iconic sounds from the past. I am reminded that music has always been at the center of our celebrations as I get together with friends and family during this festive season, armed with my reliable synthesizers.

Nothing says “Merry Christmas” quite like dancing around your living room to an energetic synth version of “Deck the Halls,” so let’s embrace the joy that comes from making new memories while respecting those treasured traditions. And who knows? Maybe one day we’ll all be drinking eggnog with a hint of rum to keep things interesting while thinking back on our own holiday adventures filled with synths!