New music festival, Synthrave Live, to premiere in Sheffield this fall
Synthrave Live is set to make its inaugural appearance at Sheffield’s Corporation on the 14th of November, 2026. The brainchild of Shaun Phillips (LeBrock), the concept behind the event was to provide a platform where synthwave enthusiasts could unite and revel in the music, atmosphere, and camaraderie that they hold dear. Originating during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when fostering connections felt more crucial than ever, Synthrave was initially introduced as a weekly online DJ set with a primary objective of shedding light on mental health awareness. Nevertheless, this endeavor swiftly illuminated a larger unmet need. Despite possessing a fervently dedicated following that was continually expanding, there remained limited occasions for synthwave aficionados to congregate, explore innovative artists, and immerse themselves in the scene concurrently.
Fast-forward to the year 2026, following a casual brainstorming session among festival organizers Shaun Phillips, Dan Fox, and Connor McGovern, a nascent idea gradually began to take shape. Inspired by the inclusive ethos of the community, the conception of Synthrave Live sought to shape an affair that transcended the confines of just a typical music recital. Synthrave epitomizes a fête of retro-futurist culture that amalgamates live musical performances, nostalgia, companionship, and collective moments within a single venue.
Synthrave Live (Volume 1) boasts a roster of artists from the United Kingdom and Europe. Among the luminaries on the bill are Waveshaper, LeBrock, Wolfclub, New Arcades, Nightstop, Skyracer, Ace Buchannan, and 80’s Stallone, with additional acts slated to be announced shortly. Spanning the spectrum from cinematic outrun and synth-pop to synth-rock and retro-infused anthems, the festival serves as a showcase for the multifaceted and eclectic nature of contemporary synthwave. Supplementing an entire day of live musical showcases and DJ sets, attendees can indulge in retro arcade machines, 80s-themed costumes, vendors, and interactive experiences that venerate the movies, games, and music that inspired an entire generation.
At its core, Synthrave Live is a haven of inclusivity. It furnishes a haven for aficionados who were reared on the sonorous vibes and distinct visual imagery of the 80s, while concurrently beckons to a novel generation of enthusiasts who discover enchantment in the allure of the era’s synthesis. It is an assembly point for like-minded souls to find a piece of themselves within a larger tapestry, a place where shared adoration for an epoch filled with neon lights, radical music, and celluloid classics coalesces into an environment of authenticity and camaraderie.