New Wave

New wave music emerged in the late 1970s and flourished throughout the 1980s, characterized by its distinctive blend of punk's energy, art rock's experimentation, and pop's catchiness. Defined by prominent use of synthesizers, drum machines, and angular guitar work, new wave's rhythmic landscape was often marked by driving beats, staccato rhythms, and atmospheric textures. Vocal styles ranged from introspective and emotive to detached and ironic, often incorporating distinctive accents and phrasing. Born from the post-punk scene, new wave drew upon art school sensibilities, fashion, and futuristic aesthetics, reflecting the era's cultural fascination with technology and modernity. As a genre, new wave bridged the gap between punk's raw energy and the commercial viability of mainstream pop, influencing subsequent styles like synth-pop, gothic rock, and indie rock. Its unique blend of artistry and accessibility helped shape the musical landscape of the 1980s, leaving a lasting impact on popular music.

Latest New Wave Release
undefined album image
Otherworld
Ep - 5 Tracks - Released November 15, 2024

RecentMusic users are tracking 810 New Wave artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 12,574 releases .

Join them and feed your new music addiction, and add the New Wave artists you love!

Get Started Browse Releases
ARXX
Accaoui
Adèle Castillon
Andy Rourke
Anthony Moore
Argyle
Art Directors
Axl Rhodes
BIG SPECIAL
BLITZ VEGA
Bauhouse
Ben Hillier
Benito Cerati
Billy Idol
Bloque
Boy George
Bronski Beat
Bryan Ferry
Cachorro Lopez
DELLA NOVA
Daniel Miller
Darkways
Dead Chic
Dena
Dreamers
Duran Duran
Elias Rønnenfelt
Elvis Costello
European Vampire
Fashion Club
Faux Real
Flat Party
Flock
Francia 98
Gavin Friday
George Daniel
George Jacomel
Hipflask Virgins
HotWax
INXS
JUNO!
JX-3P
Jagwar Twin
Josha Daniel
Juliana Gattas
Kimonos
Kiss Bang
L-Punk
L.A. Exes
LAU
La Sécurité
Lauren Mayberry
Left On Red
Len
Linea Personal
Madam Company Union
Madison Rose
Marciano Cantero
NOT THE TWOS
New Order
Next Door But One
Nicolò Balducci
Nightcall
OAKS
Odeon
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Pet Shop Boys
Peter Murphy
Peter Perrett
Rec Hall
Resentvul
Reverse Pathogen
Rookie
SUA
Sick-Days
Sister Scarlet
Skilda Världar
Son of the Challenger
Spray
Stained With Silver
Sunglasses Kid
Talk In Code
Talking Heads
Tears For Fears
The Aether
The After Hours
The Cure
The E-Block
The Eggmen Whoooooo!
Theoretical Blonde
Twen
ULTRA SUNN
Ultraligera
Vampire Sex
Violent Vickie
WICKED
White Gold
Xanadu
Yazee
ultravividpink
The Smiths
The Cure
Depeche Mode
a-ha
Tears For Fears
Annie Lennox
INXS
Talking Heads
Wham!
Men At Work
Eurythmics
Duran Duran
Billy Idol
Pet Shop Boys
Simply Red
The Cars
Simple Minds
White Gold
Bronski Beat
New Order
Carbonne
Soft Cell
Cocteau Twins
Joy Division
Culture Club
Peter Gabriel
Cutting Crew
The Human League
Erasure
Jagwar Twin
Pretenders
The Bangles
Spandau Ballet
Madness
Dexys Midnight Runners
Marciano Cantero
Fine Young Cannibals
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Resentvul
Siouxsie and the Banshees
Drumla
The B-52's
Morrissey
Yazoo
Bryan Ferry
Linea Personal
Bananarama
The Cult
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
The Romantics
Roxy Music
Robert Palmer
Feather
Adèle Castillon
Paul Young
Kim Wilde
Talk Talk
Samuel T. Herring
Mike + The Mechanics
A Flock Of Seagulls
The Stranglers
Bens
The Psychedelic Furs
princess paparazzi
Echo & the Bunnymen
The Specials
The The
Nik Kershaw
Oingo Boingo
Honey Revenge
Patrick Stump
DEVO
Bauhaus
The Jam
The Knack
Elvis Costello
REYNE
Richard O'Brien
South Arcade
Rockwell
John Waite
The Go-Go's
The Jesus and Mary Chain
Squeeze
Joe Jackson
Y2K SPORTS
Go West
Kimonos
Thompson Twins
matthias valentine
ABC
Bono
Ultravox
10,000 Maniacs
Black
iDS
Xolidayboy
The Housemartins
Ellice
Howard Jones