Why has Space Disco returned? Exploring the renaissance of cosmic disco in the 2020s: the influence of Synthwave, analog synths and new stars (Donny Benét, L’Impératrice). Listen online.
Space Disco, the style that sent listeners on a cosmic journey without a rocket back in the late ’70s, is now experiencing a true renaissance. Disco rhythms, synthesizers, retrofuturism and sci-fi aesthetics are once again attracting producers, DJs and fans of electronic music all over the world.
And if it seemed to you that cosmic disco was left behind in the vinyl era, the last decade proves the opposite: Space Disco is coming back with a new shine.
What is Space Disco?
Space Disco is a subgenre of disco and early synthesizer music, inspired by:
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science fiction,
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space missions,
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retrofuturistic imagery,
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the aesthetics of synths and analog sound.
Typical elements include:
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orbital synth lines,
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vocoder vocals,
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drum machines,
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“space” FX,
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smooth yet danceable grooves,
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melodies that feel like they’re from an ’80s sci-fi movie.
Space Disco sounds as if it was created for dancing among the stars.
A bit of history: how it all started
Space Disco emerged in the late 1970s in Europe, at a time when the cultural world was obsessed with space: “Star Wars”, “2001: A Space Odyssey”, lunar programs and sci-fi TV shows sparked a whole new wave of interest.
The sound of the genre was shaped by:
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Cerrone,
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Space,
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Meco,
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Sylvester (in some of his work),
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European producers experimenting with Moog, Prophet and Roland synthesizers.
With the arrival of the first drum machines, the genre began to sound truly futuristic and quickly spread through clubs across Europe and the USA.
Why is Space Disco coming back in the 2020s?
There are several reasons at once:
1. Nostalgia for retro and synthwave aesthetics
The style fits naturally into the wave of synthwave, retrowave and cosmic pop of recent years.
2. The return of analog synths
Many producers are once again using Moog, Sequential and Korg gear, giving the sound a warm, “vintage” character.
3. The popularity of space themes
Games, films and fashion have turned back toward retrofuturism — from “Guardians of the Galaxy” to cyberpunk aesthetics.
4. A new wave of artists
Young producers are drawing inspiration from Space Disco and blending it with house, nu-disco and cinematic soundtracks.
As a result, the genre is no longer a vintage curiosity — it has become part of the modern dance sound.
New names you should hear
Today there are many artists working in the spirit of Space Disco:
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Donny Benét — warm retro-funk with cosmic overtones
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L’Impératrice — French electronic psycho-disco vibes
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Satin Jackets — nu-disco with a dreamy atmosphere
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WLDV — dark retrofuturism close to cosmic disco
Plus, there are countless independent producers building whole cosmic universes on Bandcamp and SoundCloud.
Fun facts about Space Disco
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One of the first space hits, “Magic Fly” (1977) by Space, became a cult classic worldwide.
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In Japan, the genre sparked its own wave — “Cosmic Disco”, with a more synth-driven and technical sound.
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Many Space Disco tracks were among the first to use the vocoder as the main vocal.
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The genre influenced early Euro-disco and even the development of Italo Disco.
Space Disco on Minatrix.FM
On Minatrix.FM you can:
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listen to Space Disco online in great quality,
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download MP3s without registration,
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explore curated selections of classic and modern cosmic sounds,
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discover hidden gems that create a truly interstellar atmosphere.
We keep updating our Space Disco collection, digging up rare old-school releases as well as tracks from new artists.
Conclusion: Space Disco is shining again
Space Disco is music about the future we once imagined.
Warm synth lines, dreamy melodies, cosmic themes and a driving dance pulse are back in fashion — and listeners around the world are returning to a genre that makes you feel like you’re travelling among the stars.
Discover Space Disco on Minatrix.FM — and step into a cosmic dance right now.
