In the early 2010s, a niche internet subculture emerged that seemed like a digital dream, blending nostalgic aesthetics with a critique of consumer culture. This subculture, known as vaporwave, quickly became a fascinating phenomenon that left a lasting impact on music, visual art, and internet culture.
The Birth of Vaporwave
Vaporwave's origins can be traced back to 2010 when producer Daniel Lopatin, under the alias Chuck Person, released an album called Chuck Person's Eccojams Vol. 1. This album took pop songs from the 80s and 90s, slowed them down, and added reverb, creating an eerie yet familiar soundscape. Lopatin’s work laid the groundwork for what would soon be recognized as vaporwave.
The genre really took off in 2011 with the release of Floral Shoppe by Macintosh Plus, an alias of producer Vektroid. The album's track "リサフランク420 / 現代のコンピュー" became an anthem of the genre, characterized by its heavy use of sampling, nostalgic melodies, and a distinct sense of melancholy. Vaporwave was not just a musical genre but a complete aesthetic experience that included visuals and a unique online presence.
The Aesthetic
Vaporwave's visual style is unmistakable. It incorporates 80s and 90s computer graphics, glitch art, Japanese kanji, and imagery associated with consumer capitalism such as corporate logos, advertisements, and stock photos. The color palette is typically pastel, with a heavy emphasis on pinks, purples, and blues. This aesthetic is often described as a critique of consumerism and a nostalgic longing for a past that never truly existed.
Websites like Tumblr and Reddit played a crucial role in disseminating vaporwave culture. Fans created and shared their own music, art, and memes, contributing to a rapidly growing and evolving community. The subreddit r/Vaporwave became a hub for discussions, releases, and collaborations, cementing the subculture’s presence on the internet.
The Philosophy
At its core, vaporwave is often seen as a critique of late-stage capitalism. By repurposing and distorting the sounds and visuals of corporate culture, vaporwave artists comment on the emptiness of consumerism and the superficiality of a society obsessed with consumption. The genre’s use of nostalgic elements suggests a yearning for a simpler time, yet this past is filtered through a digital lens, emphasizing its artificiality.
Some critics argue that vaporwave can be seen as a form of "ironic detachment," where the line between genuine critique and mere aesthetic enjoyment is blurred. Fans of the genre, however, appreciate this ambiguity, seeing it as part of vaporwave's charm and complexity.
The Decline and Legacy
Like many internet subcultures, vaporwave experienced a rapid rise and an equally swift decline. By the mid-2010s, the genre's popularity had waned, and many of its most prominent artists had moved on to other projects. However, vaporwave's influence can still be seen in various aspects of contemporary culture.
The genre’s aesthetics have been adopted by mainstream artists and brands, sometimes stripping them of their original critical intent. Nonetheless, vaporwave’s legacy endures in the continued production of music and art that draw inspiration from its distinctive style. It has also paved the way for related genres such as future funk and synthwave, which similarly blend retro sounds with modern production techniques.
Conclusion
Vaporwave may have had a relatively short-lived peak, but its impact on internet culture and beyond is undeniable. It represents a unique moment in digital history, where nostalgia, critique, and art converged in a way that captivated a generation of internet users. As with many subcultures that thrive online, vaporwave’s true significance lies in its ability to inspire creativity and foster a sense of community among its adherents, even if only for a fleeting moment.
