5 Songs I Love w/ Rogue VHS

On the back of his mesmerising synthwave single 'Schism', Rogue VHS has quintessentially built a sonic world that is entirely is own, blending electronica with synth nostalgia and building a huge audience in the meantime. We sat down with him to learn the 5 songs he loves right now, here at FLEX!

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1. Love Me In Silence - Gown

I review music over at submithub.com, and this was sent to me a week or so ago. Haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since. Darkwave/coldwave and insanely catchy. I love how thick the vocals are and the grimy and bleak atmosphere is so perfectly juxtaposed by the pop structure. Also, this guy is totally under-the-radar, definitely one to watch.

2. Tonebox - Shadows

The reason I got into the genre in the first place. I’d say the best mixing and production in synthwave. Not only that, but a complete mastery of sound design and composition. I first discovered his music in 2018 and pretty much fell in love with the genre on the spot. It was a shame to discover he was the only artist I could find who had skill in all areas of music composition and production. Just all round a fantastic guy.

3. Echo Wolf - Clarion

This guy has really taken off in the past two years. In fact, the project has only been around for two years and I’ve seen him grow since the very beginning. Punctual, precise and super colourful synth music that I just can’t stop listening to- super addicting stuff! I particularly enjoy the use of distortion and saturation in his music, it really sets his stuff apart from others in the space who opt for a somewhat more gentle and warmer sound.

4. Darkest - Street Noir

Another clear winner in the Synthwave space right now. Stylish and moody composition work, as well as highly memorable. This song in particular stands out to me as it’s a refined mixture of both euphoric and more sombre emotions, something in which he excels at creating. I’ve been a huge fan of his work ever since I discovered Inertial Release upon its release, which I since signed to my label, Replicant Sound.

5. Veridis Quo - Daft Punk

They need no introduction! The song is beautiful and very repetitive; therein lies the mastery of it’s songwriting- the confidence in the repeated motif is so bold that it needn’t be changed. Subtle changes in accents and drum lines across the track keep it fresh and engaging- It’s a great example of beauty in simplicity. The song has really inspired me lately in this aspect, and taught me to lean into my best ideas even harder. Feels like the phrase ‘Thanks for everything’. 

Don't forget to stream Rogue VHS's new single 'Schism' now: