Hailing from the rugged landscapes of Montana, affectionately known as America’s “Last BEST Place,” BLVDS is making waves in the electronic music scene. This dynamic duo is capturing the hearts of fans with their unique fusion of Synthwave, Synthpop, and electronic stylings. Comprised of Ryan Hayes, formerly of the heavy metal band Righteous Vendetta, and Jake Goldberg, previously a member of the alternative rock band Alder Lights, BLVDS brings a distinctive perspective to the modern Synthwave genre. Their sound is as innovative and diverse as the state they call home.
With their latest single, “Two Sides,” BLVDS is once again breaking new ground. The track blends elements of Synthwave, Retrowave, Darkwave, and electronic music, evoking comparisons to iconic acts such as The Midnight, Dayseeker, and Dance with the Dead. From the first note, “Two Sides” captivates with its brooding undertones and electrifying energy, offering listeners a fresh take on the genre.
The journey to creating “Two Sides” began in mid-2024 as an instrumental piece, accompanied by a scratch vocal demo. Initially, the track’s direction didn’t align with the evolving vision of the band. However, by late 2024, BLVDS revisited the composition with a new perspective. With subtle but impactful changes to the arrangement, the duo reimagined the track, breathing new life into it and capturing their dual musical influences.
According to Ryan Hayes, the track perfectly represents the marriage of his two musical worlds: metal and Synthwave. “’Two Sides’ is a track that from the very beginning captured two sides of the band’s songwriting. Coming from the metal genre for 15 years of my career definitely still influences the way I write today, and this song married both the Synthwave and metal stylings I am particularly familiar with. A collaboration was a must,” Hayes shared.
In a move that further elevates the song, BLVDS enlisted their former bandmates from Righteous Vendetta for a metal-inspired feature. This collaboration adds depth to the track, enhancing its darker, more intense tone and highlighting BLVDS’ ability to blend genres seamlessly. The result is a bold, genre-defying masterpiece that showcases their versatility and creative range.
“Two Sides” is a significant milestone in BLVDS’ journey, reflecting their commitment to evolving their sound and pushing artistic boundaries. With intricate layers, haunting melodies, and a seamless fusion of electronic and metal influences, the track is a testament to the duo’s innovative spirit.
Fans can stream “Two Sides” now on all major platforms and join BLVDS as they continue to reshape the landscape of modern Synthwave. The duo’s journey has just begun, and the world is ready for more of their genre-defying music.
