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
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Mermaid
Single - Released August 8, 2025

RecentMusic users are tracking 2132 New Wave artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 31,119 releases .

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44romance
999
ADOLLZ
Alexis Munroe
Anika
Armanii
Art Directors
Attawalpa
BU$HI
Bronski Beat
CEO
Church
Chłopiec
Claudia Brücken
Crystal Fighters
Donkeyboy
Dumb Buoys Fishing Club
EREN
ET Boys
Electric Hearts
Elektrik People
European Vampire
FAANGS
Faker
French Police
Gary Numan
Girl Tones
Holiday Sidewinder
Howard Jones
Irvine Welsh
Izzy Camina
Jagwar Twin
Jeffrey Runnings
Jem and the Holograms
Joanne
Julian Hamilton
KARAT
Kim Wilde
LAU
La Fève
Laser
Left On Red
Len
León Benavente
Linea Personal
Lola Wild
Lucky Guess
Madam Company Union
Madison Rose
Mirjalol Nematov
Modern English
Mylène Farmer
NIKOTIN
Next Door But One
Nicolò Balducci
Paul Banks
Paul Weller
Paulette Verlée
Peter Buck
Primo the Alien
Prince
R. Missing
RE-FLEX
Radio Free Alice
Resentvul
Resolution Alley
Reverse Pathogen
Roxy Music
SOUNDR
San Mateo Drive
Scandalove flecha roja
Septembryo
Skeez
So La Lune
Sorry Girls
Spray
Sting
Talking Heads
The Bad Dreamers
The Bluebells
The Cure
The Haunt
The High Loves
The Immaculate Crows
The Inner Kids
The Palais
The Sick Man Of Europe
The Yagas
Tommie King
Twice A Man
ULTRA SUNN
Venus & the Flytraps
Vivabeat
Way Dynamic
Wazmo
West Coast Music Club
Western Education
When.In.Maine
Wiesulis
Zac Farro
Harry Styles
The Smiths
Gwen Stefani
MARINA
The Cure
Depeche Mode
Electric Light Orchestra
George Michael
Sting
Nile Rodgers
a-ha
Tears For Fears
Roxette
Billy Idol
Prince
Annie Lennox
Ace of Base
KISS OF LIFE
Talking Heads
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Wham!
Two Door Cinema Club
The Outfield
Men At Work
INXS
Eurythmics
Spice Girls
Duran Duran
Franz Ferdinand
Simply Red
Pet Shop Boys
Santigold
White Gold
Simple Minds
Snow Strippers
Soft Cell
New Order
Bronski Beat
Stellar
Cocteau Twins
The Cars
Culture Club
Laura Branigan
The Alan Parsons Project
Peter Gabriel
Jagwar Twin
Cutting Crew
Katrina & The Waves
883
sakanaction
Pretenders
The Human League
Erasure
Dexys Midnight Runners
Joy Division
Spandau Ballet
Madness
Inhaler
So La Lune
Rico Blanco
Marciano Cantero
Fine Young Cannibals
Hunny
La Fève
The B-52's
Resentvul
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Drumla
Siouxsie and the Banshees
BU$HI
Violent Femmes
Mylène Farmer
Yazoo
Bratty
Linea Personal
Luther
Kim Wilde
Bryan Ferry
SANTA
Dead Or Alive
Σtella
Carbonne
The Cult
Morrissey
Bananarama
The Romantics
Paper Planes
Roxy Music
Matthew Wilder
Sisters of Mercy
Paul Young
Robert Palmer
Oingo Boingo
Adèle Castillon
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Feather
Talk Talk
Mike + The Mechanics
The Stranglers
A Flock Of Seagulls