Discovering the Future of Synthwave with DRUMxWAVE
- VINTAGE SOUNDSET
- Oct 27, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 15, 2025
After starting Vintage Soundset, I've been fortunate to meet incredibly talented individuals. One of them is Jay, who I met through a synthwave group on Instagram. His artist name is DRUMxWAVE, and he is paving the way for the future of synthwave with his unique style and sound.
Jay was kind enough to do a quick interview and share his thoughts on music with me. Here's a brief conversation with the man himself!
Learn more about DRUMxWAVE in our conversation below.
Jay Cali aka DRUMxWAVE
Jay's Musical Journey
How It All Began
Q: How did you get started in your musical or artistic journey?
Jay: I grew up watching MTV and became a huge Michael Jackson fan. I thought I would become a singer. However, after a failed attempt at playing the saxophone in school band at around 11 years old, I begged my grandparents for a drum set. I knew deep down that was the instrument I wanted to play, as I was naturally drawn to it.
The Allure of Synthwave
Q: What drew you to the Synthwave genre, and why do you feel connected to it?
Jay: Back in 2014, I played drums in a synth-pop band in L.A. called “Paper Chains.” At that time, I had no idea what Synthwave was. However, looking back, many of the bands I discovered had a retro sound. It wasn’t until late 2017 when my buddy David Schuler started his project called “The Bad Dreamers.” Their modern yet 80s-sounding music rocked my world. It was Synthwave. I instantly fell in love with the genre and discovered many amazing artists during that time.
Instruments and Sounds
Favorite Synths and Instruments
Q: Can you share some of your favorite synths or instruments that you like to use in your music?
Jay: I’m not a “Synth Head” like that. I find sounds that inspire me, mainly from preset packs like yours. I enjoy almost all hardware versions. I appreciate phat bass, dark pads, and bells a lot! I think it works for me because I focus more on what sounds good to my ear, regardless of the sound's origin.
Advice for Aspiring Artists
Words of Wisdom
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to younger musicians or artists just starting out?
Jay: The best thing for younger musicians today is to discover “who they are” as artists. It’s easy to get caught up in being a recycled version of what’s trending, but that lacks longevity. Networking and supporting other artists is crucial. If you want to be “known,” put yourself in positions to be “seen.”
Nostalgia in Film
Favorite Movies
Q: What is your favorite movie from the 1980s or 1990s, and why does it stand out to you?
Jay: It’s a tough choice between Child’s Play and Edward Scissorhands. There are many films I love, but these two stand out from my childhood. Child’s Play was released the year I was born, so I’m a bit biased.
Current Projects
What’s Next for DRUMxWAVE?
Q: Tell me what you're working on currently.
Jay: I’m putting the finishing touches on a new single that will cap off the year for me in terms of releases. Beyond that, I’m working on exciting features and starting to demo some music for 2026!
Latest Releases
New Music Insights
Q: What is your latest release, and can you tell us about it?
Jay: My latest release is a single called “Looks That Kill” featuring Justin Klunk. If you don’t know Justin, he’s a world-renowned saxophone player and songwriter who has toured with many notable acts, including The Midnight.
“Looks That Kill” is a follow-up to my single “Severed” in terms of lyrical content. It’s dark and moody, but it acknowledges that while I went through something heavy, I’m now thriving, and karma is at play.
Learning and Growth
Lessons from Recent Projects
Q: What have you learned from your recent projects?
Jay: I’ve learned that my diverse background in various genres allows me to create music I love. This diversity means there’s something for everyone who gives my music a chance.
Exploring New Techniques
Q: Have you tried anything new lately—techniques, plugins, or tools—that has helped you improve or inspired new ideas?
Jay: I’m still a novice when it comes to mixing. I’ve been working with my amazing friend and producer Brian Skeel on much of the DRUMxWAVE material. I’ve learned a lot just by observing his work. Right now, I’m focusing on improving my static mixes, mastering the fundamentals, and working on my voice.
Conclusion
A Grateful Heart
Q: What was your favorite project to work on, and why?
Jay: That’s a tough question. I don’t have a favorite project. Each one receives my full attention and best effort. So, I guess I can say the last one I put out!
I can't thank Jay enough for his time and support of my work. He has truly inspired me to keep going and, more importantly, to support the synthwave community. One of the best aspects of this project is the friendships I’ve made.
Thanks again, Jay! You're a great friend. I look forward to hearing your new singles and hanging out when you're in Chicago!
You can support DRUMxWAVE here:
$50
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$50
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$50
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