Home
About
Merch Store
Playlists / Live Streams
Instagram Feed
Contact

Select Page

Welcome to the PF Synth Project -Home of the Patrick Fakeman Synth Blog

Categories

All

80s

Interviews

Live Events

Movies

Music

Reviews

Specials

FutureSounds FM - Interview with Runners Club 95

So Fakeman has something pretty exciting to announce! Introducing to you all a joint venture between My Pet Flamingo, Patrick Fakeman and TimeSlave Recordings - FutureSounds FM. An eclectic, irreverent but sometimes deep dive into all things Vapor, Future Funk & Synthwave. Each episode, with rotating hosts and guests, will not only bring you the artists playing the first ever Future Sounds event this coming Spring - But other great artists you love. And don't forget - Clwb Fflamingo Members...
Unleashed - Ollie Wride, back live

December brings a lot of excitement. The dream of snow (for those of us where snow rarely makes an appearance!) advent calendars, new variants.. Anyway! After 2 years away from the stage, the December of 2021 also brought the return of Ollie Wride to the stage. Across 5 days in the early part of this month, supported by Dana Jean Phoenix, Ollie performed 2 solo gigs. The first in the Classic Grand in Glasgow, Scotland and the second at...
'The alure of Azure'. L'Avenue's new EP release reviewed

Jesse Reuben Wilson has been sonically satisfying us now for a few years. Better known as L'Avenue, Jesse's sound is unique. Distinct. Original. Rare. Smooth. In these times of uncertainty, strange rules and pub apps, L'Avenue is the escapism that we all need.. Not just from our screens.. but from our stresses and strains. So it is with enthusiasm that I opened an email from Jessie and sat down on a wet Sunday afternoon to listen to his new EP...
Lend me a moment

Retro Future Fest 1 - If you were there you will remember how exciting it was.. Granted, not the first live synthwave event in the UK, but it was mine. How amazing it was to finally see some great synthwave artists live and in the company of so many people that had become online friends - Sharing tracks, giving opinions and enjoying the community. I came into synthwave around 2011. 10 years ago. Like many others, Drive was my gateway....
Primo The Alien in conversation with Patrick Fakeman

Fakeman takes some time out with Primo The Alien! We discuss the new double EP release, her songwriting process as well as her puppy's love for logs! We also throw a few tracks in from 'Heart on the Run' for good measure. Enjoy this great insight.. Hit the links below to pick up the new double EP whilst you still can! Now you'll need to excuse me - I have to return some video tapes. https://youtu.be/uxVopIIvrHk https://primothealien.com https://primothealien.bandcamp.com https://www.pfsynth.com https://bandcamp.com/larbs
Michael's Odyssey - 1-1 with Michael Oakley

I love synthpop. I'll own that fact. Arguably there is a lot of it kicking around nowadays and you really have to spend much more time sifting this vast space to find well written, well produced work. There are, however exceptions to this somewhat tedious exercise. Some artists are reliable.. Some artists quietly beaver away honing their work and then, BOOM! They drop an album that resuscitates your hopes. Michael Oakley is one of those artists. His new Album...
'Wearing their hearts on their synths' - A review of 'Faded Touch' by Timecop 1983

The last time I wrote about Timecop 1983, it was almost exactly a year ago.. In that interview Jordy hinted that he had 'been working very closely with Josh Dally and it has turned into an album full of romantic/love tunes'. One year later and that album has reached us! Credit: Timecop 1983 Instagram 'Faded Touch' is released this Friday and represents Timecop's first album since the 2018 hit 'Night Drive'. As Jordy hinted back in March 2020, FT as an album is...
Ollie Wride: 'Once In a Lifetime' - A live review

Back in November of 2019 (a time that seems a lifetime ago) many of us braved the cold, windy streets of Camden to join Mr Ollie Wride at this debut solo show. Those of you who were there will recall the energy and excitement in the room as Mr Wride presented himself and his body of new music the world. For many of us, it was the last time we attended a real gig with real people. As night's...
If your work is great, then I'll happily pay - An opinion on the synthwave scene and artists who need supporting.

Followers or customers? Friends or target market? This seems to be an apparent issue that plagues the synthwave scene. And I cannot understand why... It doesn't take a Chief Medical Officer to tell us that the live music industry is on its knees. COVID has taken away, albeit temporarily, the livelihoods of millions of people and there is little suggestion from Governments that this group of people and the associated professions are getting any form of support and financial relief that...
2020 - A Retrospective

I’ve spent a lot of time in the last few weeks thinking about what I could focus on for the Fakeman yearly retrospective. In years that have passed i've covered top albums, top live events.. This year has been one to forget for us all so I even wondered it there was any point in writing any form of yearly review.. But then I took some time to think about the things that has pulled people through this unprecedented...
'Sweet Shelter' from the norm - A Review of Yatte's New Release

Back in November of this year I was drafted in as a guest host on the excellent Forever Synth. That particular episode featured Austin-based artist Alex Chod who was guesting to discuss his collaborations project ‘Yatte’. What I quickly discovered is that Alex shares my love and passion for Genesis, Big Philly Collins and the warm blanket that is Yacht Rock. History has often deemed a love for these artists and genres as cheesy dad rock and not at...
Sunglasses Kid - 'Sophomore' full album review - The Kid and his classmates have brought what 2020 needed.

Graduation night is here! Sunglasses Kid is BACK with his new album ‘Sophomore’ and Principle Dickland is in the firing line. Sophomore artwork designed by Edward Gamper Steal My Love (Miranda Carey and Sunglasses Kid) Sophomore opens with everything you know and expect from SK. Big beats, guitar licks and a killer top line from Miranda Carey who returns as one of many SK vocal muses in his 2020 album. Miranda’s vocal stylings are reminiscent of Janet Jackson in this opening track...
Electric L'Avenue

The last 24 months have seen some great progression and praise for L'Avenue and his musical works. Last month saw the release of Into the Night, his first full length album after the release of the 'Cherry Crush' EP last year. So.. Fakeman thought it was about time to sit down and chat with the man himself... Enjoy. Jesse, thanks for coming along and chatting with Fakeman! First questions to start nice and slow. Where does the name L’Avenue come...
Fakeman's Tape Deck - 001

Ladies and Gentlemen.. Fakeman is proud to bring you something a little different... The Tape Deck! A monthly collection of releases that have caught the eye.. Have turned the head.. but more importantly.. include some of that sweet Future Funk and Vaporwave as well as the usual Synthwave loves. That being said, you'll see that this month, some don't fit a genre, which makes them all the more exciting.. The Tape Deck is designed to bring you a shorter format...
One to One with Steven Bauer: Scarface, 80s Hollywood and the World of Breaking Bad

Those of you who are readers of Patrick Fakeman will know how much I love Scarface. So you can only imagine my excitement when movie legend, Steven Bauer agreed to an interview with Patrick Fakeman at PFSynth.com Steven has starred in some of the biggest movies and TV shows over the past 40 years. From playing Manny, Tony’s right-hand man in Scarface to Don Eladio in Vince Gillian’s groundbreaking TV shows Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. Steven has had a...
1 to 1 and exclusive Fakeman track premiere from Brandon

This article is a special one for Fakeman. Not only do we have an interview with British Synthwave artist Brandon on his new album 'Retrochrome II' but we also have an exclusive premiere of one of the new tracks from that album, not yet available on Bandcamp. So buckle in and check out Brandon's new track 'Sundown', released on 28th August 2020 and then stick around where Fakeman and Brandon talk collaborations, lockdown and Hotline Bristol, his next scheduled live...
Le Cassette - An anniversary celebration of a synthwave classic

The synthwave community have a lot of artists and styles to pick from. hundreds of hours of tracks are available. With that comes the inevitable online conversations of' what's the best album of the genre?' and 'what's your favourite artist of all time?'. Every single time I see those questions raised, multiple people write 'Le Cassette' and 'Left to Our Own Devices' - The 2014 album that has held its own in the scene for what is now 6...
Cobra Kai, D/A/D and I

'Cobra Kai is BACK baby!' - Johnny Lawrence - 2018 If you are a reader of Fakeman it's about a 99% certainty that you are also a viewer of the excellent 'Cobra Kai'- The TV continuation of the 80s movie classic 'The Karate Kid'. If you are a reader of Fakeman it's also a 99% certainty that you are a fan of synthwave OG D/A/D! So why don't we scratch a couple of your Sunday itches and take some time...
Brad Fiedel - In Conversation

Brad Fiedel There are a million reasons as to why I enjoy this work. There are a huge amount of talented musicians who take the time to chat and share their music, their opinions and their stories. There are also the fellow fans who are equally as enthused by the 80s music scene and the development of what has become known as synthwave and retro wave music. But there are few occasions where you get a chance to engage with...
'The Dr will see you now' - The return of Robert Parker

Back in 2018 I was wandering the halls of Retro Future Fest 2 and spent some time in the green room. It was a crazy evening. Synthwave legend Damokles (who recently performed an outstanding live stream!) was on a grand piano playing 70s and 80s classic whilst Nightstop sat in the corner tapping their feet. It was as awesome as it was bizarre. Looking for a beer, I was pointed in the direction of the fridge in the corner...
Coming up over the Vector Horizon - Video Kids and their debut album release

I stumbled across Video Kids in 2019.. Social Media algos brought me a selection of hilarious music videos and stage events where the Sheffield synthwave duo spent as much time making me laugh as they did impress me with their sounds. So it was with great joy that I discovered Geoff Berkeley and Silvio Estrada released their self titled ‘Video Kids’ album. I took some time this weekend between my busy COVID diary to play thought that album and...
Taking some time with Jordy - The romantic heart of synthwave

When I first started writing this article, the World was on the edge of the madness that we are now all living. The main difference was we were still allowed out of our houses and to socialise with each other. Now as I sit here, living a socially distant life, I look back on how lucky we have been in recent times to be able to either travel far or to our local city to see some of our...
Along for the Wride with Ollie and the Kid

I was alive when the original Live Aid took place.. That being said, I was about 18 months old so my memory of the event is pretty hazy and I was probably more interested in chewing things. Despite my lack of focus in 1985, the 10th anniversary of the original event involved a rerun that was shown on TV and it is THAT screening I remember very well. The biggest musical extravaganza of all time.. Superstar after superstar gracing the...
DYNMC Brad and the visual dream teams of the scene

This scene of ours is a funny old thing. The progression. The perceived limitations. The influencers. The live events… oh, and the music. The retro 80s music scene has for me, become one where good friends have been made, hobbies developed and (certainly!) lots of money spent! But what intrigued me the most is it’s characters. So let me take you back to late 2019. London. I was at a live event of a very popular synthwave band and...
Forêt de Vin - In conversation

Back in the summer of 2019 I was having a beer with some friends before a synthwave event. (There always tends to be beer...) We were chatting about not only those pioneer artists of the early 00s who paved the way but also that sweet period around 4 or 5 years ago where it seemed that every new release was an absolute gem. Timecop 1983’s 'Reflections', Le Cassette’s 'Left To Our Own Devices', Robert Parker’s 'Crystal City'. They all...
Electric Dreams - Morgan Willis ushers in the start of a new decade with 'Dreamer'

France. Birthplace of synthwave. Home to the masters of the craft. As a movement and progressive scene, we have France to thank for some of the very DNA of modern synthwave music. So it comes as no surprise that Frenchman Morgan Willis finds himself as one of the most skilled artists in the scene. Morgan, who hails from Marseille, has kick started 2020 with Dreamer – A feel good collection of 13 tracks that have his signature sounds stamped...
2019 - A Live Retrospective

2019. What does it need? A top 10? A best of? A kick in the nuts? EPs, albums, singles, the list of music entertainment this year has been vast. So to hell with a list. I’m just going to throw out a live show highlights reel from a Fakeman point of view. Kick back - We have a lot to get through! 2019 felt like a huge year for the synthwave community. But maybe not in the usual way. There...
The Rising Tide of Ollie Wride

Camden Town tube station - 5:30pm. The escalator takes you upwards towards street level and the cold wind hits your face. Saturday night in Camden is always a busy affair. You dodge the tourists and the street vendors and make your way over Camden Lock. Ahead of you are the Neon Red lights of the Camden Assembly Rooms. Inside, the warmth of the pub is only equal to the warmth of the welcome you get from familiar...
Returning Home? It's like you never left, boys.

The Patrick Fakeman blog at PFSynth.com is back after an unexpected hiatus and what a reason to get back in the saddle! New Arcades release their debut album, ‘Returning Home’ this coming Friday, 15th November. Dean and Adam have teamed up with Outland Recordings to lay out an album that is both a nod to the classic synthwave we have all come to know, with a progressive eye on the future. Take a seat, grab a minute and let me give you an overview… Artwork...
Oh, Canada - Dana Jean with some European reflections and looking forward to Outland Toronto

Earlier this year I found myself strolling through the German city of Darmstadt. What brought me to this quiet Frankfurt suburb? Well Europe's synthwave scene has found itself a strong bolt hole in this small city and amongst the old town squares and beer halls was one of Canada's biggest synthwave stars. Unless you've been hiding under a rock for the last 18 months, you'll be aware that Canada's Dana Jean Phoenix has had 2 stints hitting Europe's...
Once upon a time.. In 1989

Road House is both the quintessential camp 80s movie, and a dramatic, emotional and timeless classic. In this epic article for PF Synth, synthwave artist, Sunglasses Kid, takes us blow-by-blow through the plot of one his favourite 80s movies. The dancing’s over, now it gets dirty - reads the tag-line on the movie poster for Road House. It hit cinemas in 1989, just two years after the Swayze craze blew up with Dirty Dancing. Hot off the heels of his...
Next Stop: London, on the Highway of a Superstar

Ladies and gentlemen, Boys and girls, children of all ages! To help celebrate the evolution of the Patrick Fakeman blog to PFSynth.com we’ve got some great artist interviews and guest editorials in the pipeline. These are going to cover not only synth and retrowave, but also 80s culture, movies and music in the UK and beyond. Naturally this will take the site in some very exciting directions with the aim to being a hub of nostalgia which I hope...
Synth music bringing back the music and film passion that we’ve lost in the new millennium.

Netflix is terrible. Prime video is a minefield of movies that someone financed through selling an organ. Sky has so many channels that I don’t watch anything. And when I do it certainly isn’t live. And I’m paying good money to watch the same stuff repeated week on week.. the only exception to this is the stack of 80s action movies I have record to watch when those raining days come to visit. Despite the quality, there is something convenient about having...
Outland’s triple header that had the Queen of synthwave ruling the night.

Thursday night in London. It ushered in a long 4-day weekend -Long overdue for 2019. It brought a warm summer-like evening - Long overdue for 2019. Most importantly however, it brought the return of Dana Jean Phoenix to the capital - Long overdue for 2019. Outland, the UK kings of live synthwave had a triple bill at Zigfrid Von Underbelly last night that saw Dana being joined by Synth act Lebrock, fresh from their epic tour with Dance with the...
Michael’s inward-looking gift to the synthwave world

In early 2019 a quiet campaign was gathering. A man was missing, hadn’t been seen for some time and his label were keen to find him. Milk carton style missing posters were soon cropping up on social feeds. Momentum was gathering. Soon the public were on board and the campaign was in full swing. That man was Michael Oakley. Soon he surfaced with a couple of well-timed singles that were glimpses of the new album that was on its way. And...
‘You know what i’m talking about you cockaroach’ - The music and mystique of Scarface.

Scarface is so damn good I watch it at least 5 or 6 times a year. Everyone had that one movie, right? That one flick that just hits the spot. The go-to for a hangover. The VHS that has been worn away. The download for that flight. The movie you watch when the other half is out (because they are so damn sick and tired of watching it with you!). Scarface is that to me. It’s my crack. With...
2018 - A retrospective

2018 - The final week of the year feels like a good time to reflect a bit on the UK synth and electro scene. In a year that’s actually been a bit quiet from the OG’s, we’ve had some strong emerging talent, a few forgettable tracks and a live scene explosion both in the North and the South. So let’s start there. Now my last blog discusses the live scene in a little more detail however as an overview,...
Underestimating the live Synthwave explosion

A few months ago I met a fellow live synthwave fan. As it is with these things, we met on a Facebook group and arranged a pre gig meet in a bar. On that particular day he had his own ticket and a spare. ‘Has someone cancelled on you?’ I asked. ‘No. I always buy a spare and just before the gig I offer it for free. Mostly to introduce someone to the genre or give someone the chance to...
Spend Summer 2018 shaking it up in La Favière.

Do you like Iversen? I've been a big fan ever since the release of their 2017 album, Arcade. It was on Arcade where Josh Iverson’s lyrical presence was clear and apparent. I think Forever Night was the group's undisputed masterpiece. Until now. Fresh from their performance at London's Retro Future Fest, last week saw the release of Josh and Jonny’s new EP La Favière. An artist’s second release is always going to be a tough one. Especially after the fantastic Arcade....
Let’s be real. A message to the unreasonable fans and those artists who expect it all on a plate.

Social Media. What a powerful tool it is. In the blink of an eye you can share with the world your new music, your thoughts, your opinions and your cat memes. My Facebook and Twitter is awash with Synthwave artists, gig organisers and fellow fans who are all sharing the retro love. It’s helped me to discover new artists and to grab tickets to that gig that I had no idea was happening. But most recently there has been...
Rekindled love. Synth music and the saxophone

I believe it was one of the worlds greatest philosophers, Homer Simpson, who said ‘What I wouldn’t give to hear Lisa play one of her jazzy tunes.. SAXAMAPHONE!’ Even in the early 90’s Homer J was still appreciating the sounds of what has always been one of my favourite sounds. But let me be clear from the start - I know only a little about Jazz and don’t play the sax. This is just an appreciation piece and comment on...
Synthwave vinyl - Brooklyn knows, baby.

Last summer I was at a small synthwave gig in London. Whilst waiting in the bar outside I met a guy who was travelling around Europe and had been organised enough to pick up a ticket before he left Brooklyn, his home town. He was a funny guy and he knew his music. Only months before I had been bitten by the synthwave vinyl collecting bug and so we inevitably got on the subject. ‘Dude.. this is going to...
Nostalgic for nostalgia? The future of Synthwave

I was listening to an episode of the excellent Beyond Synth this week and Marko Maric was discussing how he had found some old Retro Promenade print magazines whilst clearing out his house and it had made him nostalgic for nostalgia. A strange concept.. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. There was a lot of talk a few months ago about Synthwave being dead, having reached its peak and we were now at...

Copyright © 2023 Title|Developed by Mike Rezl|Proudly powered by WordPress