Dive into Vaporwave, an electronic genre with a retro-futuristic aesthetic, infused with 80s samples, soaring synths, and surreal atmospheres. Between pop-culture nostalgia and sonic experimentation, it offers a unique immersion, both visual and auditory.
Ideal for listening with headphones or on turntables, at a comfortable volume, to appreciate every detail and sound depth.
Looking for vaporwave vinyl means wanting a physical object for music that started online. The genre appeared in the early 2010s on Bandcamp and message boards, where mostly anonymous producers slowed down and warped elevator music, smooth jazz, 1980s pop and TV jingles into something nostalgic and eerie. Releases were digital or on cassette first; vinyl came later, in small runs. This collection is small as a result, and each record is worth comparing across partner stores.
Three records serve as landmarks. "Chuck Person's Eccojams Vol. 1," released in 2010 by Daniel Lopatin, better known as Oneohtrix Point Never, set out the idea of slowed-down loops. James Ferraro's "Far Side Virtual," whose artist appears in the catalog, explored the look and sound of consumer technology. And Macintosh Plus's "Floral Shoppe," a project by Vektroid, became the genre's signature album, with its classical bust set against a city backdrop.
Other names come up often among fans, such as Blank Banshee, who pairs vaporwave textures with trap-influenced beats. To keep track of these artists, follow the labels that release them as well: in this genre, vinyl editions are announced online and sometimes sell out within days, long before they reach record store bins.
Vaporwave branched out quickly. Mallsoft recreates the sound of empty shopping malls, with echoes and distant announcements. Future funk, led by artists such as Saint Pepsi with "Hit Vibes," does the opposite, speeding up disco and funk samples for the dance floor. A more ambient branch grew around the Dream Catalogue label, which released 2814's "Birth of a New Day."
Vaporwave pressings are often limited and sell out fast, which pushes up used prices. Because the genre relies on samples, official editions are harder to produce, and unofficial pressings are common. Before buying, check the label name, the edition details and the advertised color, since variants are numerous. On each product page, compare prices from partner stores instead of relying on a single listing. Keep in mind that colored vinyl looks great on a shelf but is not a guarantee of better sound.
