The State of Synth
by The State of Synth
The State of Synth is a weekly live synthwave radio show on Nightride FM — part news, part music, and just a dash of ’80s cheese. Equal parts funny, surreal, and informative, it features exclusive interviews and tracks from some of synthwave’s most notable artists.
Episodes
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S16E7 – Stacking Synths w/ Marador
Dennis G and Neon Fawkes are joined by KZL for a pseudo-Halloween edition of The State of Synth with UK artist Marador! The crew explores his album *Power of the Synths*, musical influences, and creative process. Plus, enough spooky synthwave from Gunship, NEURON SPECTRE, Beckett, HeartBeatHero,...
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S16E06 – VICECORE w/ All The Damn Vampires
All The Damn Vampires are back! Dennis G and Neon Fawkes catch up with Davey Oberlin to talk about his latest album VICECORE, killer collaborations, ’80s covers, and what’s lurking around the corner. Plus, the guys put Street Cleaner’s hot sauce to the test while spinning fresh tracks from Jessy...
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S16E05 – Hanging Out w/ Memory Design & Windose
Is this The State of Synth or Synthwave Hangout? Dennis G and Neon Fawkes welcome Memory Design and Windose for a night of synthwave, creative collaborations, questionable nicknames, and plenty of banter. Plus, fresh music from Miami Nights 1984, Jeremiah Kane, Kodeseven, 3FORCE, and more!
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S16E4 – Wave Buffet w/ jacket.
Back from Vegas, Dennis G and Neon Fawkes welcome jacket. back to The State of Synth for a long-overdue catch-up on new music, questionable Colorado weather, an ever-growing pile of collaborations, and his upcoming album. We also get an early listen to the brand-new track “Nightfall” and spin…
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S16E3 – Jessie Frye
Neon Fawkes and Kaarin Zoe Lee welcome Jessie Frye back to The State of Synth ahead of her upcoming tour dates with The Midnight. Jessie talks new music, touring, influences, and what’s next, plus fresh synthwave from Arcade High, Cassetter, Michael Angelaux, SelloRekt/LA Dreams, and more.
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S16E2 – Religion for Machines w/ Master Boot Record
This week, The State of Synth boots into safe mode with Italian cyber-metal mastermind Master Boot Record. We talk classical music, the demoscene, VirtuaVerse, Keygen Church, and who really lugs all those CRTs to his concerts. Please insert floppy disk and repent.
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S16E1 – Live, Love, L’Avenue
The State of Synth kicks off a brand-new season with UK artist L’Avenue, catching up on his latest album En Vogue, his evolving sound, graphic design, gear, and the questionable amount of wood paneling actually found in the 80s. Dennis and Jules also spin fresh synthwave from Evanton, Johan...
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S15E18 – Touching & Tickling w/ Droid Bishop
Droid Bishop joins Dennis G and Neon Fawkes to discuss his new album Frontiers, life after Neotropolis, and catch up on what’s been going on with the World Cup. Plus, hear brand-new music from Sun City, Toxxic Project, MEGAS & Nightflyer, Earmake, SynthPrincipal, and more!
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S15E17 – What’s in the Briefcase? w/ Michael Oakley
Michael Oakley returns to The State of Synth to chat with Dennis G, Neon Fawkes, and KZL about his new album Prologue, making music, favorite movies, and whatever snacks happened to be nearby. Plus, new music from Michael Oakley, Ness Daniels, Shadowrunner, Jacket. & Echo Wolf, Ferus Melek, and...
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S15E16 – Crepes and Honey w/ Jessy Mach
Dennis G and Neon Fawkes welcome French synthwave artist Jessy Mach to The State of Synth to discuss his musical roots, classic TV inspirations, creative process, and why his music didn’t make it into the new He-Man film. Plus, hear tracks from Jessy Mach, FM Attack, Lyst & Dimi Kaye, Chelsea…
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S15E15 – Stranger Ways w/ Midnight Danger
Dennis G and Neon Fawkes welcome Midnight Danger to the show for a deep dive into the horror synth project’s origins, influences, soundtrack work, favorite snacks, live performances, and joining forces with Swedish sleaze rockers Crashdïet. Along the way, hear tracks from Midnight Danger…
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S15E14 – Paging Doctor Parker
Dennis G and Neon Fawkes catch up with Swedish synthwave favorite Robert Parker as he returns to The State of Synth to discuss what he’s been up to, his French house influences, live performances, and his most recent unreleased collaboration with the late Starcadian. Plus, fresh tracks from Power...
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S15E13 – Drifting w/ Android Automatic
Dennis G and Neon Fawkes are joined by Kaarin Zoe Lee for a long-overdue chat with Michigan synthwave veteran Android Automatic. From the desert highways of Mojave (“Mo-Jav-ay”) to the chilled-out pulse of Infinite Drift, the crew explores the origins of one of the scene’s OG artists while…
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S15E12 – Eggs and Candy w/ Nouveau Arcade
Seattle duo Nouveau Arcade join Dennis G and Neon Fawkes to talk about their deeply personal concept album Die Happy, recording inside a 19th-century church, distorted vocals, mental health, and leaving imperfections in the music on purpose. Plus: Skyrim, TMNT, Pacific Drive, and why Forza…
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S15E11 – TRAX AND SNAX w/ Jeremiah Kane
Jeremiah Kane joins Dennis G and Neon Fawkes for a synth-fueled ride through muscle cars, retro riffs, and what really belongs on a Polish sausage. Featuring brand new music from Waveshaper alongside tracks from Michael Oakley, Droid Bishop, LukHash, Scandroid, and more, this episode cruises...
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S15E10 – All Your Robs Belong to Us w/ Megatronix
Robbie Whiplash and Power Robs, better known as Megatronix, join Dennis and Jules for a fast, chaotic pre-Neotropolis warm-up packed with laughs, robo-banter, and heavy tracks. The crew talks upcoming desert plans, the origins of the Robs, gear, collabs, breakfast science, and what’s next for...
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S15E9 – Embracing the Glitch
Jules and Groot catch up with Emmy Award-winning DJ and producer Faith In The Glitch to talk Night.wav, music production, DJ life, and getting ready for Neotropolis. Plus, a stacked playlist featuring new music from Jessy Mach, Bonggita, Mayah Camara, JJ Mist and more. Grab your favorite cereal…
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S15E8 – Chillin’ w/ Skylane Drive
This week on The State of Synth, Groot and Neon Fawkes link up with Skylane Drive. We break down how his sound is built, what’s behind the recent run of releases, and what’s been fueling the atmosphere lately, from X-Files to Twin Peaks. Along the way, we spin tracks from Lukhash, Power Rob &…
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S15E7 – Blasting Off w/ Meteor
This week on The State of Synth, Groot, Jules, and Kaarin welcome Colombian artist Meteor to the show. They dive into his origins, production style, and what all those letters in front of fighter jets actually mean. Featuring music from Meteor, Rogue VHS, MYRONE, and the legendary GoST. RIP. Grab…
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S15E6 – Keeping it Clean w/ Street Cleaner
This week on The State of Synth, Groot and Jules catch up with Street Cleaner to talk Neotropolis, live shows, Street Cleaner 3 the video game, and a few bat shit crazy ideas. We spin a stacked lineup including Alex Lightspeed, DRUMxWAVE & The Neon Syndicate, Duett, Morgan Willis, Extra Terra &...
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S15E5 – Gearing Up w/ Watch Out For Snakes
This week on The State of Synth, Groot and Jules catch up with Atlanta’s Watch Out For Snakes to talk touring, retro games, and his move toward vocal tracks, featuring new cuts from WOFS, Seersha, 7 Rising, Toxxic Project, Hideotronic, and more.
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S15E04 – St. Patrick’s Day Shenanigans ft. Seersha
This week on The State of Synth, Atlanta artist Seersha joined us for a St. Patrick’s Day episode that went a little off the rails, fueled by drinks, hot sauce, and guest host KZL. Featuring tracks from Seersha, Nicolaas & Brothertiger, Eclectotron, Lyst, and Data Fatale, with a few laughs and a...
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S15E3 – Blood & Glitter w/ Megan McDuffee
This week on The State of Synth, award-winning composer and synthwave artist Megan McDuffee joins us to talk about her work in video games, film, and dark electronic music. We spin several of her tracks, dive into her collaborations, and get her thoughts on vampire bites.
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S15E2 – Beer For Dinner w/ Vector Hold
This week on The State of Synth, we’re joined by Seattle synthwave veteran Vector Hold (Peter Rice). We talk about his evolution from dreamwave to harder-hitting retro sounds, his production setup, creative influences, and his latest track, “Soft Focus Apocalypse.” Plus, new music from Eden…
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S15E1 – The Neotropolis Preview Episode
Season 15 launches offworld to Kepler-609c. In this episode, we’re joined by the Creative Director of Neotropolis for an exclusive preview of the 2026 festival — what’s new, what’s evolving, and what to expect before liftoff. With fresh tracks from Carpenter Brut, Jessy Mach, Cat Temper, and more!
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S14E15 – Season Finale: Zenith Sounds Takeover (Co-Hosted by Von Kaiser)
We wrap up the season with a full Zenith Sounds takeover, co-hosted by Von Kaiser. Dennis G and Neon Fawkes hang out with Jonah (7 Rising), Alan (Let Em Riot), Mayah Camara, and Bobby (Syst3m Glitch) to talk shop, spin new music, and debut a handful of Zenith Edition reworks. Thanks for…
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S14E14 – Noodling the DAW w/ The New Division
This week on The State of Synth, Groot and Neon Fawkes are joined by John Kunkel of The New Division for a focused chat on his music, production process, and work within the synthwave scene. We spin key tracks from The New Division alongside fresh cuts from Jessy Mach & lxst child, DRUMxWAVE…
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S14E13 – Making it Epic w/ Chroma Cloud
This week on The State of Synth, Groot and Neon Fawkes welcome Ohio synthpop duo Chroma Cloud (Jamie & Brian) to chat about their cinematic sound, creative process, and the stories behind their latest releases. We spin some of their standout tracks—including “Mine,” “No Escape (Pray for Light...
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S14E12 – The Swedish Takeover Episode w/ Lyst
On this week’s episode of The State of Synth, Groot and Neon Fawkes hang out with Swedish producer Lyst to talk about his music, his influences, his favorite tools, and what he’s been working on lately. We spin three of his tracks—“The Return,” “Downhill Drift,” and “Doze”—while diving into how…
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S14E11 – The Touch of YOTA
This week on The State of Synth, Groot and Neon Fawkes chat with Swedish-French artist YOTA about her new album The Touch, collaborations with Johan Agebjörn and Douze, and her latest video. Plus new music from Droidglow, Kobra Force, Mecha Matos, Dynatron, Extra Terra, and Glitbiter.
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S14E10 – The Doctor Will Synth You Now (w/ Dr. Jess Blaise Ward)
This week on The State of Synth, Groot and Neon Fawkes sit down with the one and only Dr. Jess Blaise Ward — yes, an actual doctor of synthwave. Music producer, author, and cultural researcher, Jess joins us to talk about her brand-new book, “Making Synthwave: How an Online Music Community…
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S14E9 – Letting Our Hair Down w/ Anniee
Groot and Neon Fawkes sit down with Anniee to talk Night School, her musical The Heart (and the making-of doc), and what’s next. They also run through upcoming tour dates and spin a stack of fresh cuts from Phaserland, Jessy Mach, The Midnight, Atlas Neon, Battlejuice & Power Rob, and Miami…
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S14E8 – Three Layers of Bass w/ Neon Nox
Groot and Neon Fawkes were joined by Swedish outrun powerhouse Neon Nox to talk about his music, collaborations, and production techniques behind his high-octane sound — including his work on the Terrorbytes soundtrack. The episode featured premieres from Signal Void, Annie, and Von Kaiser, plus...
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S14E7 – Getting Nostalgic For Nostalgia w/ Vehlinggo
Groot and Neon Fawkes were joined by Vehlinggo’s Aaron Vehling to talk about the blog’s origins, iconic interviews, and its impact on the synthwave scene. They also spun tracks from Let Em Riot plus some of Aaron’s own picks, including Electric Youth, Fawn, Foret de Vin, Kinga, Sébastien Tellier,...
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S14E6 – Making Music in Our Heads w/ VHS Dreams
Groot and Fawkes were joined by VHS Dreams — one of the OGs of the synthwave scene — for a trip through his retro-electronic world, from Trans Am and retro EDM roots to cover albums, aesthetics, and action-figure brainstorms. Along the way they spun fresh cuts and premieres from Evanton,...
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S14E5 – DreamReaper & Chill
This week, Groot and Fawkes plug into the dark cybernetic world of DreamReaper — the Portland producer whose sound fuses heavy riffs, glitchy textures, and cinematic energy. They dive into his creative process, favorite tools of destruction, and how his music is shifting toward new frontiers…
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S14E4 – Pro Wrestling Energy w/ Immortal Girlfriend
Groot and Fawkes were joined by Immortal Girlfriend — the Dark Knights of Synth — for a deep dive into their cinematic sound, brotherly chemistry, and their journey from Milwaukee to major syncs in Wednesday, Good Girls, and NBA 2K22. They shared creative inspirations, stories from the road, and...
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S14E3 – All Those Collabs w/ Pashang and Edictum
This week on The State of Synth, Groot and Neon Fawkes are joined by special guests Edictum (Austria) and Pashang (Korea) to talk about their global collaborations, upcoming releases, and the making of their concept album. Tune in for a boat load of exclusive premieres and fresh tracks from The...
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S14E2 – Hitting the Invisible Cowbell w/ DRUMxWAVE
Groot and Neon Fawkes welcome Timecop1983 tour drummer and multi-talented artist Jay, aka DRUMxWAVE, to the show. They chat about his new project, DRUMxWAVE, and his experiences working with artists such as Timecop1983, The Bad Dreamers, Arena, Chroma Cloud, and Ollie Wride.
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S14E1 – Monster Battles w/ Power Rob
Fawkes and Groot power up the season premiere with Neotropolis veteran and vocal powerhouse Power Rob — talking Dark Star, touring, and the secrets to ultimate Dragon Ball Z victory.
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S13E15 – The Valkyrie Collective (Season Finale)
Dennis and Jules wrap up the season with an epic chat featuring OG Synthwave and French Touch legends Nightstop and Maethelvin—plus some killer tunes and a few herp-a-derps for good measure. Thanks for listening! See you in September!
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S13E14 – Getting Mellow w/ Nightflyer
Groot and Neon Fawkes chat with Toronto-based chillsynth producer Nightflyer. They dive into his music, his upcoming album, the Toronto music scene, and just how much melatonin we should really be taking. Hop aboard your favorite seagull and prepare for flight!
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S13E13 – Kickin’ it w/ Indigo
In this episode of The State of Synth, Groot and Neon Fawkes sit down with New Zealand-based synthwave artist Indigo for a late-night/early-afternoon chat about her music, gaming, and what’s been going on in the land Down Under.
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S13E12 – Starcadian Tribute
In this episode of The State of Synth, Groot and Neon Fawkes honor the late Starcadian with a mix of his music, personal stories, and fan tributes. Guests Rob O’Neill, James Secker, and Jared Butler join to share their memories and experiences.
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S13E11 – The Synthwave Matryoshka w/ ODDitee
This week on The State of Synth, Groot and Neon Fawkes welcome Pacific Northwest-based artist ODDitee. We dive into his debut album Everlasting, favorite VSTs, cereal preferences, his signing with Rosso Corsa Records—and things get very meta. Plus, fresh tracks from Lukhash, L’Avenue, Midnight...
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S13E10 – Happy Spiritual Songs w/ Mike Templar
Swiss synthwave artist Mike Templar joins us to talk about his spiritual new album The Owl and The Moon, his love of sci-fi, and how storytelling drives his sound. Dennis learns more about his own Swiss roots—and how he may or may not be the main protagonist in Mike’s novel TROM.
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S13E9 – Naming Palm Trees w/ Valley Lights
In this sun-soaked episode of The State of Synth, we cruise down the neon-lit highway with Valley Lights, the LA-based retrowave artist behind Two Lane Highway. We chat about his journey into synthwave, the inspiration behind his debut album, and why he’ll never get tired of palm trees.
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S13E8 – Alex Lightspeed & the Most Excellent Episode
In this radiant new episode of The State of Synth, Groot and Neon Fawkes sit down with synth maestro Alex Lightspeed and The Most Excellent Band—featuring Siren Niphilim, The Neon Syndicate, and more—for a high-energy conversation that spans creative collaboration, retro inspirations, and the…
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S13E7 – Songwriting in the Soup w/ Jessie Frye
Dennis and Jules sit down for a poised yet playful chat with synthpop queen and NewRetroWave artist Jessie Frye. From songwriting secrets to the lush sonic landscapes of her new album Otherworld, this episode dives deep into the stories behind the songs. Plus—could a Jessie Frye darksynth project...
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S13E6 – Words, Places, and Chickens With Lasers w/ Seersha
Dennis and Neon Fawkes sit down with Seersha to talk synths, songwriting, books, food, and what she’s got planned for her upcoming set at Neotropolis. Come for the music—stay for the Eggs Benedict.
About this show
The State of Synth is a weekly live synthwave radio show on Nightride FM — part news, part music, and just a dash of ’80s cheese. Equal parts funny, surreal, and informative, it features exclusive interviews and tracks from some of synthwave’s most notable artists.
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The State of Synth
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