Los Angeles Synth-Pop Bands and Artists
Synth-pop, also known as synthpop or electronic pop, is a subgenre of pop music that became particularly popular in the 1980s. It combines elements of electronic music, such as synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers, with catchy melodies and pop song structures. One of the most well-known synth-pop act is Depeche Mode whose influence over Los Angeles is so strong that it’s the unofficial band of the city. Not only this is where they draw the biggest crowds – they have 5 arena shows promoting their new album -, but Dave Gahan notoriously spent some time in LA in the 90s and Martin Gore lives not that far, in Montecito.
This is probably one of the reasons Los Angeles has such a vibrant music scene, Synthpop having been a prominent genre within the city’s musical landscape from the 80s to this day in 2024. What makes
Here are a few notable Los Angeles-based synthpop artists:
BOAN
Mariana Saldaña and José Cota are known for their moody, sexy songs in both English and Spanish. They are still active and touring but haven’t been releasing anything since their debut album Mentiras – hopefully they have new music coming in the near future. Their Synth pop is on the dark side so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Saldaña collaborated with Dark Wave icons Boy Harsher in 2022 on the excellent single “Machina” and its music video as well as the short film The Runner.
CAPITAL CITIES
This Los Angeles-based duo gained widespread recognition with their hit song “Safe and Sound.” Their music combines elements of synthpop, indie pop, and electronic dance music, creating a sound that is both infectious and energetic.
DESIRE
French Canadian singer Megan Louise relocated to L.A., joined by keyboardist Johnny Jewel (Chromatics, Glass Candy). She delivers moody, sexy tunes with French nonchalance and just played at the Hollywood Cemetery. We love “Black Latex” from her 2022 album Escape.
MAREUX
LA-based Mareux found a cult following mixing dark Synth-Pop, Post-Punk and Goth. He just played Coachella and his breakthrough is “The Perfect Girl”, a cover of a Cure song.
MODERNS
This Synth-Pop duo has been releasing contagious singles and EPs since 2017 including “Figuratives”.
NOISEGUN
Based in Long Beach, French American artist delivers English and French Synth-Pop songs, including the catchy single “Pulsation”. A fan of French Coldwave, Minimal Wave and Dream Pop, he has new songs coming up in 2024.
NUEVO TESTAMENTO
This trio specializes in catchy Italo-Disco tunes, which means dancefloor oriented Synth-Pop somewhere between Madonna and New Wave. Listen to “Heat” from the album Love Lines.
RIKKI
A Goth-Punk from San Francisco, Rikki is now producing glossy Synth-Pop tunes in LA, having recently played Goldenvoice’s Goth festival Cruel World in Pasadena. Listen to “Napoleon” from her eponymous album.
These are just a few examples of Los Angeles-based synthpop artists. The city has a diverse and ever-evolving music scene, so you’re likely to discover many more talented artists and bands within the genre.
