The Rise of the Synths: Ambitious Doc to Feature College, Electric Youth, Com Truise, Many More

Director Ivan Castell has a bone to pick with those who are dismissive of synthwave/retrosynth as some kind of tongue-in-cheek 1980s bullshit.

“At least for me, it’s a reinterpretation of a retro sound that taps into somewhere in your brain and brings back memories from your childhood,” he told Vehlinggo recently. Basically, he’s saying that what these artists are doing isn’t always retro, or always 80s, but they’re using the pastiche and modern production to evoke particular moods. I tend to agree.

Today, Castell and producer Javier Moreno launch the crowdfunding effort for The Rise of the Synths, their in-the-works documentary that will feature many familiar and top-level artists who will help tell the story of synthwave — its humble past, its noble if niche present, and if the chips fall where they may, its future. Along the way, the artists will reinforce the idea that their work is not just some…