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The Inextricably Deep World of Vaporwave
My first encounter with the strange music genre of vaporwave happened when I was about 14, scrolling through the gritty meme recess that was iFunny. I remember seeing photos that all had the same sort of elements: an Apollo head bust, a cyber grid of neon colors, palm trees, and outdated fonts. These were strangely captivating, but also unsettling.
Usually these photos were accompanied by music that I could only describe as the kind of elevator music that must have played in a hotel that was built in 1983, and is in desperate need of a renovation. It wasn’t until just recently that my boyfriend taught me the name of the album that the strangely haunting elevator music came from: Floral Shoppe by Macintosh Plus. As it turns out, the nostalgia-inducing images and music that captivated me as a 14-year-old were all part of a budding genre of music called vaporwave, and I was very right to feel unsettled.
WHAT IS VAPORWAVE?
Vaporwave is both an aesthetic and genre of music that is meant to induce nostalgia, especially for the ’80s and early ’90s, and a longing for what we imagined the future would be like back in the 1980s. The driving theme behind vaporwave is that it makes you long for a future that never happened. Vaporwave music is often composed of samples of songs from the 1970s and 80s. These are usually pitched down, slowed, and resynthesized in order to create a thick heavy sound, like something is weighing you down and pulling you back in time.
One distinctive feature of vaporwave is its fixation with Japanese language and culture. There are countless album and track titles in cryptic Japanese, which are more often than not completely unreadable to the mostly Western audience of vaporwave. Many artists even sample clips of dialogue from retro Japanese anime films, commercials, and news reels. This element of vaporwave is also tied up in its constant pursuit of awakening nostalgia. Japan enjoyed an economic boom throughout the 1980s, which is now recognized as Japan’s Bubble Economy, that would eventually come crashing down in the 1990s. Before this devastating pop, Japan was praised for its thriving business models and became a model of technological innovation in the western mind for more than a decade.
Additionally, with the success of entertainment and tech industries like Sony and Nintendo, Japan appeared to be the country that was building the future, one that looked shiny, new, and full of promise.
Perhaps the best way to understand the nostalgia-obsessed mess that is vaporwave is through Jaques Derrida’s concept of Hauntology, as proposed in “The Philosophy of Vaporwave” by the website Vapor95. According to Derrida, humans can only understand the present through past experiences and anticipation of the future. Therefore, humans never truly live “in the moment.” What we understand to be the present is always defined by our pasts along with what we anticipate to follow in the future, and is thereby never truly “just” the sensations at present. In other words, the concept of Hauntology is that humans are always haunted by the past and the futures that have yet to happen.
This tendency to filter the present through our past experiences is what gives vaporwave that undeniably nostalgic sound. Most of us have heard old music from decades long gone by. For example, if a song is full of synth and heavy reverb, you will likely identify it as some musical relic of the ’80s, which will then open up a floodgate in your mind of your experience with ’80s culture, whether that be other songs, movies, or photos of your parents from that time. To hear these outdated musical trends once again given new life through being resynthesized and paired with grainy imagery from these decades is like rolling up your sleeve and shooting your arm up with the heaviest dose of nostalgia.
SOME BRANCHES OF VAPORWAVE
The vaporwave genre is laden with subgenres, some of which are so similar that it feels superfluous to differentiate them at all. However, as someone who has listened to vaporwave for a few years now, here are some of the subgenres that I personally think deserve to be recognized, as they exemplify the many sides of the genre, ranging from ethereal or funky to downright creepy.
FUTURE FUNK
Future Funk is the more jovial branch of vaporwave. It often samples from the choruses of funk and motown music from the ’70s and early ’80s, and especially uses シティ・ポップ (City Pop), which is essentially just pop music from 1980s Japan. Future Funk sounds like what you’d imagine playing at some raging night club in the late ’70s, where everyone is young, beautiful, and having the time of their lives. Simply speaking, It’s the kind of stuff that makes you want to dance.
In the Mallsoft genre, vaporwave allows listeners to reflect on society, especially on consumerism and the influence it has on the way we experience nostalgia. If you search up “Mallsoft” on YouTube, you will be inundated with sweeping shots of lush malls aesthetically decorated with palm trees and fountains at every corner. These are the malls that some of us might remember from shopping with our parents in the late ’90s or maybe even early 2000s. As Pad Chennington, a vaporwave music producer who also runs a Youtube channel dedicated to analysis of the genre, says in his video The Hyperconsumerism of “Mallsoft”, “hyperconsumerism is an unavoidable aurora of the 80s and 90s shopping world we all once lived in, provoked by the shop ‘til you drop atmosphere of those big mean department stores and malls all across America.” Chennington goes on to argue that as technology progressed, shopping became dominated by online retailers. which has led to essentially the death of the shopping mall.
The absence of that large comforting presence drenched in shopper’s high that was once the American shopping mall has left a nostalgic hole in our hearts. This emptiness bred the genre of Mallsoft. Musically speaking, Mallsoft is essentially jazzy elevator music, reverb-ed to high hell so that it sounds like it’s being blasted on speakers and echoing throughout some desolate mall, a relic of the ’80s. As you might imagine, it can sound like cheery background music or like what might play during the end credits to the end of time. Mallsoft plays into the nostalgia we have around shopping malls, romanticizing while poking fun at our consumerist nature.
VAPORTRAP
As you might have already deduced by the name, Vaportrap is a fusion of vaporwave and trap music. Vaportrap is what you put on to party, but in a thoughtful way. Much in the vein of Vaporwave, Vaportrap utilizes sound bites that are meant to induce nostalgia through memories of older technology. For example, many Vaportrap songs construct beats around sound effects from old Nintendo 64 games or the notorious Windows 95 boot up sound. However, it is also driven by hard-hitting, relentless beats that make you want to rave.
AMBIENT
Ambient vaporwave on the other hand, is not typically the type of music that you would turn on to jam out to. It usually features nature sounds, heavy synth, and frequencies. As the name indicates, ambient vaporwave focuses more on creating ambience, on building an auditory landscape that you could sink into.
SYNTHWAVE
Synthwave is one of my personal favorite subgenres of vaporwave. This subgenre is full of synth and mesmerizing beats. Perhaps the best way to define what synthwave sounds like is to first start off with the aesthetic that is inseparable from the music. If you google “synthwave,” you’ll likely see a thousand suns overlooking a thousand different cybergrid horizons. Because of its smooth, repetitive rhythm, synthwave is regarded as the perfect music to drive to if you want to lose sense of time while feeling like the protagonist in a cyberpunk dystopia movie, happily (but thoughtfully) driving away as the end credits roll.
SO WHY SHOULD YOU CARE ABOUT THIS AT ALL?
I regard vaporwave as different from the other genres of music I listen to. If I had to describe the feeling I have towards vaporwave, I’d say it’s morbid curiosity. To me, vaporwave is a lot more like walking into an art museum than turning a playlist on shuffle, but that’s exactly why I always come back to it. The concept behind vaporwave is trying to get in touch with the future as we imagined it in the ’80s and early ’90s, but doing this through musical artifacts of the past, creating a heavy dissonance and the sense of being lost in time. I can’t say that I’ve experienced even a single day of the 1980s, and if you’re reading this, chances are that you might not have either. So, why am I, like so many other young westerners, attracted to this weird, cryptic genre of music?
Are we all so dissatisfied with our present that we’d rather retreat back into a past that none of us have personally known? Do we want to get in touch with the sense of hopefulness and promise that the future was regarded with back in the days when our parents were teenagers? These fatalistic takes do seem to intersect with Generation Z’s undeniable fascination with all things retro, which has revived the record industry, fashion from the ’80s and ’90s, and old sounding music.
However, as we all know from watching sci-fi movies that took shots at predicting what capitalist dominated futures we had in store for us, like Back to the Future Part ll, Blade Runner, or Brave New World, often the future never holds the things early generations imagined it would and many times, that’s for the better. So, no, I don’t think my generation is hopelessly depressed and longing for the past. I do think however, that the past is always comforting, by virtue of it having already been experienced and therefore being known to us. The past holds no surprises, but can stand as something we can look back on reflectively through the rose-colored glasses of nostalgia.
Vaporwave is a genre of music that plays with this truth. It is overflowing with a strange, synthetic sense of nostalgia reminding us that maybe the past wasn’t as sweet as we remembered it, and maybe the future never played out like we thought it would. But, oh, isn’t it fun to pretend if only for a little while?
VAPORWAVE STARTER PLAYLIST
When it comes to music, words can only do so much. So, for anyone who doesn’t mind falling into the rabbit hole that is vaporwave, I’ve made a Spotify playlist and Youtube playlist full of tracks from the genres I mentioned above! Unfortunately, many vaporwave tracks and albums can only be found on Youtube, so the two are not identical to each other. For anyone interested or who has the time, check out both!
Revamping your home is no small feat, especially when it comes to upgrading essential systems like heating and hot water. While you may focus on layout changes, new furnishings, or energy-efficient windows, the heart of a comfortable home often lies in a reliable heating system.
Enter the combi boiler—a modern solution that’s reshaping how homeowners approach renovations. Combining efficiency, convenience, and space-saving design, it’s no wonder combi boilers have become a top choice for remodels.
But why exactly are combi boilers such a game-changer for your home? Let’s explore the ins and outs of this innovative system and uncover why it’s worth considering for your next project.
What Is a Combi Boiler?
A combi boiler, short for combination boiler, is an all-in-one heating and hot water system. Unlike traditional setups that rely on separate water tanks or cylinders, a combi boiler heats water directly from the mains whenever you turn on a tap.
This eliminates the need for bulky storage tanks, offering a compact solution ideal for homes where space is at a premium.
These systems are known for their efficiency, as they only heat water when needed, reducing waste and lowering energy bills. Whether you’re working with a small flat or a large family home, combi boilers can adapt to various needs with ease.
How Combi Boilers Transform Renovation Plans
Saving Space Without Sacrificing Performance
One of the most noticeable benefits of a combi boiler is its compact size. If you’ve ever struggled to fit a water tank into an already cramped airing cupboard or dealt with limited kitchen storage due to a bulky boiler system, a combi boiler could be your answer.
By combining heating and hot water functions in a single unit, you free up valuable space. For smaller homes or urban flats, this can be a game-changer, allowing you to make the most of every square metre during your remodel. Imagine repurposing that old airing cupboard into a pantry, laundry nook, or even extra wardrobe space.
Streamlined Installation for Modern Homes
Traditional boiler systems often require extensive pipework, separate tanks, and additional space to function effectively. This can complicate your renovation timeline and increase costs.
A combi boiler, however, offers a simpler installation process. With fewer components and less piping, your heating engineer can set up the system faster and with minimal disruption.
This efficiency not only saves you time but also reduces labour costs, which is always a bonus during a home remodel.
Energy Efficiency: A Key Advantage
Lower Energy Bills, Higher Savings
When upgrading your home, improving energy efficiency is likely high on your list. Combi boilers excel in this area by only heating water when required. There’s no need to keep a tank of water warm throughout the day, reducing wasted energy and significantly lowering utility bills.
Many of the best combi boilers available today come with advanced features like modulating burners and smart thermostats. These technologies help maintain consistent heating while using as little energy as possible, further enhancing their cost-effectiveness.
Reducing Your Home’s Carbon Footprint
If sustainability is part of your remodel goals, a combi boiler is worth considering. With lower energy consumption comes a smaller carbon footprint. Modern combi boilers also comply with stricter environmental standards, ensuring your home aligns with greener practices.
Hot Water On Demand: A Lifestyle Upgrade
Gone are the days of scheduling showers around when the water tank has been refilled. With a combi boiler, hot water is available on demand. This convenience is particularly beneficial for larger households or homes with multiple bathrooms.
Whether it’s a quick morning shower or a luxurious soak in the evening, you’ll never run out of hot water. Plus, without the need for a storage tank, you’ll avoid the risk of running out of heated water at peak times.
Cost Considerations: Are Combi Boilers Worth It?
Upfront Investment
While combi boilers can sometimes be more expensive upfront compared to traditional systems, their long-term savings often outweigh the initial cost. With lower energy bills, reduced maintenance, and fewer components to replace, the overall value becomes clear over time.
Long-Term Maintenance
Combi boilers have fewer moving parts, which translates to lower maintenance requirements. However, like any heating system, regular servicing is essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Many manufacturers offer warranties that provide peace of mind for years to come.
Ideal Homes for Combi Boilers
Combi boilers are versatile, but they aren’t suited to every home. For smaller properties or households with moderate hot water needs, they’re perfect. In homes with high water demand or multiple bathrooms, you may need to consider alternative systems or ensure you choose a combi boiler designed for heavy-duty use.
For example, some of the best combi boilers are engineered with higher flow rates to handle simultaneous usage, making them suitable for larger families. Assessing your household’s specific requirements with a heating professional can help you make the right choice.
Smart Technology Compatibility
Modern combi boilers often integrate seamlessly with smart home systems, offering enhanced control and convenience. Features like remote temperature adjustments and energy usage tracking allow you to tailor your heating system to your lifestyle.
If your remodel includes other smart upgrades, such as automated lighting or voice-activated assistants, a smart-enabled combi boiler can fit right in, creating a cohesive and modern living space.
Making the Switch During Your Remodel
Choosing a combi boiler as part of your home renovation is more than just a functional upgrade; it’s an opportunity to future-proof your home. From simplifying installation to reducing your energy bills, this system offers a host of benefits that traditional setups simply can’t match.
During the planning phase of your remodel, consult with a qualified heating engineer to determine the best combi boiler for your needs. They can help you navigate the wide range of options, ensuring you select a model that aligns with your space, budget, and hot water demands.
Wrapping It Up
Incorporating a combi boiler into your home remodel can transform the way you live, bringing modern efficiency and comfort into your space. Its compact design, energy efficiency, and on-demand hot water capabilities make it an ideal choice for today’s homeowners.
Whether you’re creating a sleek, minimalist flat or upgrading a bustling family home, a combi boiler ensures your heating system is as forward-thinking as the rest of your renovation.
If you have just received the keys to your dream home, you will no doubt be thinking about the garden and in this short article, we offer a few tips to help you create a stunning garden.
- Be creative with boundaries – Fencing can look a little out of place, while a row of trimmed conifers makes for an excellent screen. White picket fencing, however, does look nice with a well-tended lawn and a matching gate, of course. Natural boundaries are an attractive alternative to fences and walls and over time, you can shape the screen.
- Glazed pots – There are established Australian companies with glazed pots for sale that transform any outdoor living space. Large urns and vases are great for dried grass and exotic tropical plants and they are affordable when you buy online. A couple of large glazed urns each side of the terrace is ideal and they come in a wide range of finishes. Great for holding exotic plants and pampas grass, the units are easy to clean.
- Create zones – This is a way to add some depth and character to your garden; a zone for flowers, another for herbs and one for roses, definitely adds interest to your living space. You could create an organic vegetable patch in a quiet corner and use the produce rather than buying from a supermarket. Take your time, consider all the options and have an open mind, which can lead to unique solutions.
- Ground level lighting – You can buy small LED lights that have small solar panels on the top and they have a spike so you can stick them in the ground and when the sun goes down, your garden lights automatically come on. Order 5 or 6 units and experiment until you find the best placements.
- Think vertical – Most gardeners think horizontally when they plan, whereas you can create vertical features, a wall, for example, can be covered with green netting and you can put pots for hanging plants. Vertical gardens are great, ideal for gardens of limited size and after a while you won’t see the wall.
You can be really creative with your garden design and we hope these ideas make their way into your outdoor living space.
Your garden is a resource and a refuge, a space where you can grow simple seeds and seedlings into a delicious edible harvest of herbs and vegetables, or a colourful display of blooms and blossoms that delight the senses- or both! The garden is a wonderful place to be in, but it can also be fragile, stepping off the path can crush seedlings and break stems off of the plants you have worked so hard to cultivate!
Now that you have dedicated so much time and effort into growing those precious plants, you have to be able to protect the area from harm! Although they may not mean to, neighbourhood kids and roaming dogs and cats can do great damage to your garden if they enter it unsupervised! The best way to ensure that your garden is protected is to surround it with sturdy PVC fencing that will keep unexpected visitors out!
Let’s learn some more about the benefits that fencing can bring to your garden!
Provides Shelter From The Wind – Young seedlings can be easily damaged when a strong wind blows through the area. A solid fence creates a windbreak that will slow down those bullying breezes and prevent harm to your plants.
Keeps Intruders Out – Having a sturdy fence in place around your garden is a great line of defence against uninvited human and animal intruders. It’s unfortunately true that nosy neighbours, curious kids, loose pets, and wild animals all enjoy inspecting gardens up close and may even sneak away some of your carefully cultivated crops to eat, or pick your prize blooms to put in a vase back home! If you have a fence installed it clearly prohibits any unauthorised entrance into your garden.
Provides Privacy – Our gardens are a private oasis we can escape the outside world in, but that sense of tranquillity can be lost when you feel the eyes of people passing by on the street, or neighbours watching from their windows, on you as you attempt to commune with nature! Having a garden fence gives you privacy so you can relax and really savour the fruits of your labour in peace and solitude. Just be sure to take the effects of the sunlight the fence will block out into account and plant shade loving species where the shadows lie! You can get out of the sun’s heat yourself, and relax in the cool shade beside your fence!
A garden fence is truly your friend!
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