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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Operator
Album - 9 Tracks - Released July 18, 2025

RecentMusic users are tracking 2110 New Wave artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 30,279 releases .

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44romance
8ruki
Abor & Tynna
Adam Walsh
Ali Hugo
Anika
Armanii
Art Directors
Attawalpa
B-Movie
BU$HI
Bauhouse
Bono
Brasko
Bronski Beat
CEO
Camisade
Claudia Brücken
Crystal Fighters
Dany Synthé
David Shaw and The Beat
Diorama
Electric Hearts
Espíritu System
FEMTOGO
Formal Sppeedwear
George Daniel
Glazed Curtains
Half Mile Beach Club
Hologram Teen
Howard Jones
Izzy Camina
Jagwar Twin
Jeffrey Runnings
Joanne
Josha Daniel
KARAT
KISS OF LIFE
Kimonos
LAU
La Fève
Laser
Linea Personal
Lola Wild
Lovespeake
Lucky Guess
MILK Band
Madam Company Union
Madison Rose
Marina
Maxi
Millie Turner
Neuzeitliche Bodenbeläge
Next Door But One
Nicolò Balducci
Nightcall
Nova
Paul Banks
Paul Weller
Pet Shop Boys
Peter Buck
Pink Noise
Playmoboys
Primo the Alien
Prince
Prince
Repablikan
Reverse Pathogen
Septembryo
Skeez
Soft Cell
Sorry Girls
Stained With Silver
The Bad Dreamers
The Bluebells
The Cure
The Empire Police
The Inner Kids
The Reflex
The Sick Man Of Europe
The The
The Ting Tings
The Tullamarines
The Yagas
Thierry Zaboitzeff
Toyah
Twice A Man
Valenze
Venus & the Flytraps
Visors
West Coast Music Club
Western Education
When.In.Maine
White
XTC
Zac Farro
Zetra
amne
grasior
iDS
Harry Styles
The Smiths
The Cure
Depeche Mode
a-ha
Tears For Fears
Nile Rodgers
George Michael
Sting
Electric Light Orchestra
Billy Idol
Roxette
Prince
Annie Lennox
Ace of Base
KISS OF LIFE
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Talking Heads
Two Door Cinema Club
Wham!
Duran Duran
INXS
Eurythmics
The Outfield
Men At Work
Spice Girls
Simply Red
Franz Ferdinand
Pet Shop Boys
Santigold
Simple Minds
White Gold
Snow Strippers
Soft Cell
New Order
Bronski Beat
The Cars
Cocteau Twins
Stellar
Culture Club
The Alan Parsons Project
Laura Branigan
Peter Gabriel
Jagwar Twin
Katrina & The Waves
Cutting Crew
883
sakanaction
Pretenders
The Human League
Erasure
Spandau Ballet
Dexys Midnight Runners
Madness
Joy Division
Inhaler
So La Lune
Marciano Cantero
Rico Blanco
Fine Young Cannibals
La Fève
The B-52's
Resentvul
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Drumla
Siouxsie and the Banshees
BU$HI
Violent Femmes
Yazoo
Bratty
Bryan Ferry
Kim Wilde
SANTA
Linea Personal
Luther
Dead Or Alive
The Cult
Σtella
Carbonne
Morrissey
Adèle Castillon
Sisters of Mercy
Matthew Wilder
Paper Planes
The Romantics
Roxy Music
Bananarama
Paul Young
Oingo Boingo
Robert Palmer
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Feather
Talk Talk
Mike + The Mechanics
The Stranglers
A Flock Of Seagulls
FEMTOGO
The Psychedelic Furs
Bens
Echo & the Bunnymen