Synths. Guitars. Style. The ’80s. 💾 If a shimmering synth line has ever made you feel like you were driving through a neon city at night, welcome home. I’m going to break down what new wave actually is, who to start with and how to turn New Wave Radio into your daily soundtrack.
In this guide:
- What is new wave, exactly?
- The bands that defined a generation
- What’s playing right now
- Give someone an ’80s shout-out
- Go deeper: albums, concerts and news
- Listen anywhere
- Follow along
What is new wave, exactly? 🎹
New wave brought together synthesizers, sharp guitars, electronic rhythms, post-punk attitude and bold pop songwriting in a way radio had never heard before. You’ll hear it called synth-pop, post-punk or early alternative, and the golden era stretches from the late ’70s through the early ’90s. New Wave Radio celebrates all of it, including the songs, bands and deeper cuts you won’t hear everywhere else.
▶ Press play on New Wave Radio and keep reading. Your ears will thank you.
The bands that defined a generation 🕶️
Not sure where to start? Our station is built around artists like Depeche Mode, The Cure, Duran Duran, New Order, The Human League, OMD, Pet Shop Boys, INXS, Tears for Fears, Talking Heads, Simple Minds and Eurythmics. Dive into the New Wave Artist Directory or browse The Bands for stories behind the sound. Need a crash course in the hits? Start with the best 80s new wave songs.
What’s playing right now 📻
- Missed a song? Playing Now & Song History has you covered.
- Want to see what everyone’s requesting? Check the Top Request Charts and vote for your favorites. When I wrote this, the monthly requests were led by Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God),” Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” and The Cure’s “Friday I’m in Love.” The chart changes, so go see what’s on top today.
- Want the schedule? The radio show schedule covers daily programming, countdowns and listener-request hours, including the New Wave Radio Daily Show.
Give someone an ’80s shout-out 💌
Birthday, anniversary, friendship, a memory or just your favorite person: send a New Wave dedication with a personal message on the Give a Shoutout page. It’s the most fun way I know to say “this song is us.”
Go deeper: albums, concerts and news 🔎
- New Wave Albums: records and releases from the genre’s defining artists
- Upcoming new wave concerts and tours
- New wave music news: artist updates, tours and albums
- New wave music history
Listen anywhere 📱
- New Wave Music Radio app for iPhone
- New Wave Radio app for Android
- Listen on TuneIn
- All streaming partners
- Watch the YouTube playlist
Follow along 🖤
▶ Listen live to New Wave Radio
New Wave Radio is part of the NextWave Broadcasting Network. Check out our sister stations:
Wild Country Radio ·
The Alternative One ·
Rock n Roll Radio ·
Yacht Rock Radio
