The Genesis of Vaporwave: Tracing the Earliest Examples

Vaporwave, a subgenre characterized by its use of slowed-down samples from 80s and 90s pop culture and a nostalgic, surreal atmosphere, has captured the imagination of many artists and audiences over the years. However, pinpointing the very first Vaporwave song can be a challenging task given the genre's evolution and the reuse of pre-existing material. Let's delve into the earliest examples and explore the key figures credited with pioneering this unique sound.

Floral Shoppe: A Pioneering Moment

One of the earliest and most widely recognized Vaporwave songs is Date Got No Soul by Floral Shoppe, released in 2010. This track is often credited as the first song to encapsulate the aesthetic and sound that would define the Vaporwave genre. Floral Shoppe, known for its atmospheric electronic music, created an album that became emblematic of the Vaporwave movement. The track features slowed-down samples and 80s/90s pop culture references, creating a nostalgic and surreal atmosphere that set a precedent for future artists.

The Rise of Chuck Person

Arguably, Chuck Person's "Nobody Here" is the first really identifiable vaporwave "hit." Nobody Here uses similar sampling techniques as Floral Shoppe but has a distinct sound that stands out. Chuck Person is a pseudonym for Oneohtrix Point Never, a renowned electronic music producer known for his innovative and complex productions.

Sampling and Plunderphonics

Vaporwave is deeply rooted in sampling and plunderphonics, techniques that involve recontextualizing pre-existing sounds and recordings. While Oneohtrix Point Never's work with "Nobody Here" is notable, it's essential to recognize that sampling and plunderphonics have been around for much longer.

Before Vaporwave, there were artists who used similar techniques to create and manipulate sounds. For example, Evolution of Love by DJ Screw, a Houston-based producer known for his Chopped and Screwed technique, involves slowing down and stretching 80s pop records. This technique similarities to vaporwave and could arguably be considered the first "vaporwave" track as it involves the same time-altering process applied to 80s pop music.

Connecting the Dots: Chopped and Screwed

One could argue that Vaporwave is just an extension of the Chopped and Screwed technique, which originated in the 1990s and was popularized by DJ Screw. The Chopped and Screwed technique involves slowing down and extending the sounds of 80s and 90s pop songs, creating a unique and atmospheric sound. This technique shares many similarities with the Vaporwave aesthetic, suggesting a continuum from DJ Screw's work to the development of Vaporwave.

Conclusion: The Evolving Landscape of Vaporwave

The origins of Vaporwave are complex and multifaceted, with many artists contributing to its development. While Floral Shoppe and Chuck Person are often credited with pioneering the genre, the use of sampling and plunderphonics techniques predates Vaporwave, laying the groundwork for its evolution.

Understanding the early examples and pioneers of Vaporwave is crucial for both enthusiasts and artists. From the atmospheric and nostalgic Date Got No Soul to the distinct sounds of "Nobody Here," these early examples serve as a foundation for the genre's continued influence and innovation.