dreampunk

Dreampunk emerged in the mid-2010s. Many early dreampunk artists drew influence from film scores,{{cite web|url=https://neonvice.com/post/160264027580/interview-dream-catalogue-2814 |title=Interview: Hong Kong Express - 2814|last=|first=|date=21 January 2015|work=NEONVICE}} vaporwave,{{cite web|url=https://www.tinymixtapes.com/features/dream-catalogue-hke-2814 |title=Dream Catalogue (HKE, ２８１４) "I think '2 8 1 4' might be the number on the door of a hotel room in the year 2084, rather than the year. It's open to interpretation."|last=Monster|first=C|date=15 October 2015|work=Tiny Mix Tapes}} and drum and bass.{{cite web|url=https://daily.redbullmusicacademy.com/2014/09/dream-catalogue-interview |title=Interview: Dream Catalogue's Hong Kong Express on Vaporwave's Past, Present, and Future|last=Thomas|first=Russell|date=8 September 2014|work=Red Bull Music Academy}} Dreampunk originates from the debut of 2814, the ambient duo composed of Luke Laurila ({{Nowrap|t e l e p a t h テレパシー能力者}}) and David Russo (Hong Kong Express).{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/10-new-artists-you-need-to-know-november-2015-147133/maluma-2-147158/ |title=10 New Artists You Need to Know: November 2015|last=Weingarten|first=Christopher R.|date=25 November 2015|magazine=Rolling Stone}} The name is derived from the word cyberpunk because of its frequent use of imagined metropolitan spaces in its sound design, evoking the experience of walking through a futuristic city.{{cite web|url=https://boilerroom.tv/upfront/upfront-066-dream-catalogue/ |title=Upfront Dream Catalogue|last=Liu|first=Nelson|date=9 May 2016|work=Boiler Room}}

{{See also|Vaporwave}}

Dreampunk initially began on January 29, 2014, when British musician David Russo launched the Dream Catalogue label, which specialized in vaporwave and "dream music" (the forename to dreampunk). Inspired by the films of Wong Kar-Wai, Russo explored dreamlike ambient music under the name Hong Kong Express. After befriending American vaporwave producer Luke Laurila ({{Nowrap|t e l e p a t h テレパシー能力者}}), the two swiftly released solo albums on Dream Catalogue, across many anonymous aliases.{{cite web|url=https://www.neondystopia.com/cyberpunk-music/vapour-dreams-an-interview-with-hke-of-dream-catalogue-and-2814/|last=Towlyn|first=Christopher|date=15 August 2016|title=Vapour Dreams: An Interview With HKE Of Dream Catalogue And 2814|work=Neon Dystopia|access-date=29 October 2021|archive-date=17 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717150832/https://www.neondystopia.com/cyberpunk-music/vapour-dreams-an-interview-with-hke-of-dream-catalogue-and-2814/|url-status=dead}} In October 2014, Russo and Laurila formed a collaborative project, 2814, a duo which would garner praise from critics and internet users alike.{{cite web|url=https://optimisticunderground.com/2015/10/31/2-8-1-4-%E6%96%B0%E3%81%97%E3%81%84%E6%97%A5%E3%81%AE%E8%AA%95%E7%94%9F/ |title=2 8 1 4 – 新しい日の誕生|last=James|first=David|date=31 October 2015|work=Optimistic Underground}}{{cite web |url=https://igloomag.com/reviews/2814-birth-of-a-new-day-dream-catalogue |title=2 8 1 4 :: 新しい日の誕生 (Dream Catalogue) |author= |date= 24 April 2016|website=Igloo Magazine |publisher=SMARTBOMB |access-date=December 17, 2020 |quote=新しい日の誕生 (Birth of a New Day) has rapidly become known not only as one of the best albums in its field, [...].}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tinymixtapes.com/music-review/-65298-65304-65297-65300---26032-12375-12356-26085-12398-35477-29983|title=２８１４ – 新しい日の誕生|work=Tiny Mix Tapes|accessdate=11 August 2019|author=C Monster}} In 2015, Vice published an article commending 2814's second cyberpunk ambient vaporwave album, 新しい日の誕生 (Birth of a New Day), calling it a "slip into a world of neon and rain, mist and memory".{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/prepare-to-get-deliriously-dreamy-with-vaporwave-sensation-2814s-shinjitsu-no-koi/ |title=Prepare to Get Deliriously Dreamy with Vaporwave Sensation 2814's "Shinjitsu no Koi"|last=THUMP Staff|date=9 September 2015|work=Vice}} Drifting from their predecessors, 2814 were steadfast about not using samples, which contrasted the mindset of the label's other musicians, like 猫 シ Corp, Death's Dynamic Shroud, Nmesh, and Vaperror.{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/vaporwave-is-no-longer-a-joke-on-2814-s-rain-temple-1798254757 |title=Vaporwave is no longer a joke on 2814's Rain Temple|last=O'Neal|first=Sean|date=29 November 2016|work=A.V. Club}} Despite their success on Bandcamp, Russo purged Dream Catalogue of many of its sampled albums to avoid copyright disputes and focus on his self-described "dream music".{{cite web|url=https://sunbleach.net/2018/04/06/dream-catalogue-releases-album-title-removed-by-artist-name-removed/ |title=Dream Catalogue releases "Album Title Removed" by Artist Name Removed|last=|first=|date=6 April 2018|work=Sunbleach}}{{cite web|url=https://ra.co/features/2993|title=Label of the month: Dream Catalogue|last=Ryce|first=Andrew|date=27 July 2017|work=ra.co}} The schism between dreampunk and vaporwave was described by Russo as "the whole dream music vibe is certainly fluid enough to encompass lots of different musical styles, while still retaining certain elements that make the label stand out as a whole—surreality, futurism, heavy concepts and story-driven projects, while vaporwave as a term and an idea has become something of a burden to everyone involved with it."{{cite web|url=https://marcelsmusicjournal-blog.tumblr.com/post/136124700693/what-was-your-main-inspiration-for-starting-a |title=Interview: Dream Catalogue founder HKE|last=Marcel|date=2016|work=MMJ}} From 2016 until 2018, Russo and a new wave of artists at Dream Catalogue largely focused on wosX's tongue-in-cheek hardvapour style and the short-lived ghost tech style,{{cite web|url=https://sunbleach.net/2018/06/21/options-releases-last-week-by-cult-member/ |title=& Options releases "Last Week" by CULT MEMBER|last=|first=|date=21 June 2018|work=Sunbleach}} giving way for other labels to lead the dreampunk movement.

The early years of dreampunk revolved around various netlabels, which were the focal point of the community. With the adoption of Twitter messaging, net radio shows, and livestreamed festivals like SPF420,{{cite web|url=https://www.papermag.com/spf420-fest-livestream-party-2645726797.html?rebelltitem=7#rebelltitem7 |title=Livestream This: SPF420 Fest|last=Moen|first=Matt|date=15 April 2020|work=PAPER MAG}} the newly formed group of artists were quick to connect with one another and subsequently release albums on each other's labels.

One of dreampunk's earliest proprietors was No Problema Tapes, the cassette oriented label run by Pablo Salas and Gonzalo Silva.{{cite web|url=https://www.potq.net/articulos/en-construccion-no-problema-tapes/ |title=Under Construction: No Problem Tapes|last=Alarcón|first=Rodrigo|date=7 August 2015|work=POTQ}}{{cite web|url=https://www.utopiadistrict.com/news/no-problema-tapes-releases/ |title=NO PROBLEMA TAPES ANNOUNCES NEXT GROUP OF RELEASES|last=Banas|first=Graham|date=4 March 2021|work=Utopia District}} The label had early ties to vaporwave and drone music, but would eventually expand into the realm of dreampunk, releasing albums from some of the community's earliest artists (including Sangam, Renjā, and Origami Girl).{{cite web|url=https://www.discobr.es/archive/plastic-dreams-an-interview-with-pablo-salas-of-no-problema-tapes |title=Plastic Dreams: An Interview with Pablo Salas of No Problema Tapes|last=Parker|first=Brian|date=28 May 2019|work=Plastic Dreams}} On October 17, 2020, Remezcla reported that No Problema Tapes's headquarters had completely burned down.{{cite web|url=https://remezcla.com/music/help-chilean-experimental-label-no-problema-tapes-get-back-on-their-feet/ |title=Help Chilean Experimental Label No Problema Tapes Get Back On Their Feet|last=Hassan|first=Marcos|date=20 October 2020|work=Remezcla}} The label was able to resume operations with the help of a fundraiser, compilation album, and by outsourcing tape production to Canada's New Motion label.

Following dreampunk's emergence on labels like Dream Catalogue, No Problema Tapes, BLCR Laboratories, House of the Leg, Virtual Dream Plaza,{{cite web|url=https://opuszine.us/reviews/voyage-embrace-2814-2020-virtual-dream-plaza|title=Voyage / Embrace by 2814 (Review)|last=Morehead|first=Jason|date=16 September 2020|work=Opus Zine}} among others, artists from across the internet began using the term "dreampunk" interchangeably with "dream music".{{cite web|url=https://tzeeeeac.wordpress.com/2016/05/24/dreampunk-future-beats-an-introduction-to-dream-music/ |title=DREAMPUNK & FUTURE BEATS: An introduction to dream music|last=Chester|date=24 May 2016|work=TZEEEAC}} During this time, producers such as Remember, CHUNGKING MANSIONS, Facechain,{{cite web|url=https://ja.ra.co/reviews/22221 |title=Facechain - Accensor Album Review|last=Ryce|first=Andrew|date=11 March 2018|work=Resident Advisor}} KAGAMI Smile,{{cite web|url=https://www.untitled909.com/premiere-kagami-smile-non-disclosure-reverb-lake-kudatah/ |title=Premiere: Kagami Smile – Non-Disclosure Reverb Lake [Kudatah]|last=Kadir|first=Chanel|date=17 March 2021|work=Untitled 909}} and THUGWIDOW{{cite web|url=https://secretthirteen.org/albums-that-made-our-2018-brighter/ |title=Albums That Made Our 2018 Brighter |last=|first=|date=4 February 2019|work=Secret Thirteen}} brought darker cinematic styles to the genre.

In a period of growth, dreampunk artists such as 輕描淡寫 (QMDX) and Sangam were featured alongside Disasterpeace and Merzbow on the now-defunct label, BLUDHONEY RECORDS.{{cite web|url= https://missingnumber.com.mx/hyper-light-drifter-ost-cassette/|title=Hyper Light Drifter Soundtrack Features Incredible Cassette Edition|last=Ortiz|first=Luis|date=8 July 2016|work=Missing Number}}{{cite web|url= https://japanvibe.net/merzbows-legendary-pulse-demon-finally-gets-a-vinyl-reissue-and-sells-out-immediately/|title=Merzbow's legendary Pulse Demon finally gets a vinyl reissue… and sells out immediately|last=|first=|date=12 May 2018|work=Japan Vibe}} In its prime, BLUDHONEY's focus on vinyl and cassettes brought a professional edge to the grassroots movement. Without warning, BLUDHONEY shut down in 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPTK6HQSb_c |title=Bludhoney Records: The Disappearance of Music's Most Innovative Label|last=Martin-Schultz|first=Sebastien|website=YouTube |date=29 September 2020}} Some artists affected by the closure include Rashida Prime, QMDX, and the duo Kuroi Ame. These artists opted to release records on VILL4IN. They would then switch over to Kuroi Ame's PURE LIFE ЧЖ label, which released its first album in September 2018.

The term dreampunk was fully adopted by the community following {{Nowrap|w u s o 命’s}} video essay, Dreampunk: The Soundtrack To Dreams,{{cite web|url= https://7774life.tumblr.com/post/618949392899162112/dreampunk-es-m%C3%BAsica-de-ensue%C3%B1o-para-personas |title=THE STATEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF DREAM CATALOGUE AND THE DREAMPUNK SCENE|last=Russo|first=David|date=23 May 2020|work=7774life}} where he analyzed the history and stylistic features of the genre. In the late 2010s, glitch art became a prominent aesthetic for album covers, music videos, and visual albums, as was seen on emerging labels such as PURE LIFE ЧЖ and VILL4IN. During the worldwide COVID-19 lockdown, the genre experienced a resurgence in virtual music festivals, including performances by Livewire, PURE LIVE, and Enter The Void.{{cite web|url=https://vinylwritermusic.com/an-interview-with-david-russo-aka-hke/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412011919/https://vinylwritermusic.com/an-interview-with-david-russo-aka-hke/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=April 12, 2021 |title=An Interview with David Russo AKA HKE|last=Daly|first=Andrew|date=11 April 2021|work=Vinyl Writer Music}}

Dreampunk primarily draws from sounds of the city,{{cite web|url=https://www.maxon.net/en/article/reimagining-iconic-artwork-for-nft-collectors |title=Reimagining Iconic Artwork for NFT Collectors|last=Maher|first=Michael|date=7 October 2021|work=Maxon}} science fiction,{{cite web|url=http://www.godisaglitch.com/AVfeed/bludhoney-records/|title=Bludhoney Records|last=Iglesias|first=Pablo|date=18 December 2017|work=God Is A Glitch|access-date=19 May 2021|archive-date=23 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123092320/https://www.godisaglitch.com/avfeed/bludhoney-records/|url-status=dead}} surrealism, loneliness, love,{{cite web|url=https://virtualdreamplaza.com/info |title=Virtual Dream Plaza Info|last=Laurila|first=Luke|date=2017|work=Virtual Dream Plaza}} and dreams. Musicians such as Vangelis, Burial, and Aphex Twin, as well as East Asian cinema and anime, are common inspirations within dreampunk.

Rain is a frequent field recording choice, often used as a callback to the ambience of future-noir film Blade Runner which focuses on palpable atmosphere and worldbuilding rather than plot or action.{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/beats-rhymes-and-replicants-el-p-gary-numan-and-mo-1819120784 |title=Beats, rhymes, and replicants: El-P, Gary Numan, and more on Blade Runner's musical influence|last=O'Neal|first=Sean|date=6 October 2017|work=A.V. Club}} This concentration on atmosphere gives the music an immersive and dreamlike quality. This quality is further heightened by the frequent use of cassette tapes in recording and distribution.

• Cyberculture
• Synthwave

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