Retro Dark Synthpop Music

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2DCAT is a dark synthpop duo from Washington, D.C., blending analog-driven synthpop with the brooding intensity of modern darkwave and coldwave. Melancholic, magnetic, and cinematic, their music is haunting yet danceable. Inspired by the underground electronic movements of late ’70s and early ’80s Europe, 2DCAT creates emotionally charged synth music built for both solitude and the dancefloor.Their sound reflects a world in collapse, built on analog circuitry, commanding vocals, and stripped-down rhythm. 2DCAT creates songs that balance precision with vulnerability, where melody cuts through static and repetition becomes ritual. The result is music that feels both mechanical and human: haunting, intimate, and impossible to ignore.Johan: 🎹 Synthesizers, drumkits, arrangements. Johan has been a part of numerous electro-industrial bands over the last 20 years and has played extensively across Asia and Europe.HAEZL: 🎤 Vocals, theremin, lyrics, arrangements. HAEZL has worked as a backup singer in videos and live performances for The Beach Boys, Patti LaBelle, Cynthia Erivo, Renée Fleming, The Filharmonic, and more. She has been featured on numerous television shows, including shows for VH1, TLC, and The Today Show.2DCAT proudly uses the following synths and drumkits: Chroma Polaris, Octave-Plateau Voyetra Eight, Oberheim OB-8, Roland Juno-106, Korg MiniKorg-700, Roland SH-2, Korg Polysix, LinnDrum Linn 9000, SCI DrumTraks, Yamaha RX5, Vermona MARS, SCI Pro-One, Roland JP-8080, Roland MKS-50 w/ Retroaktiv MPG-50, Roland MKS-70 w/ Retroaktiv MPG-70, Sequential Prophet Rev2, Access Virus TI, Yamaha AN1x, Nord Lead 2X, Waldorf Microwave II, Waldorf Micro-Q, Roland JV-1080, Yamaha DX200.2DCAT uses the following, self-built synthesizers and drumkits: Litterbox 1.3, 2dPawlaris, Pawlivoks16, LynxDrum.

2DCAT is a dark synthpop duo from Washington, D.C., steeped in darkwave, coldwave, and the underground synth movements of late ’70s and early ’80s Europe. Their music blends brooding textures with cinematic drive, creating songs that are emotional, atmospheric, and built for the dancefloor.Fronted by the commanding and charismatic HAEZL and powered by Johan’s analog synth mastery, 2DCAT’s high-energy performances have lit up stages across the United States, including sold-out shows and performances at multi-genre music festivals nationwide, including headlining slots.With over 1.6 million listeners, 3.8 million streams, and 26,000 Spotify followers, along with strong engagement across YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, 2DCAT’s reach matches their on-stage presence. Their sound, cinematic yet raw, melodic yet mechanical, connects deeply with synthpop, darkwave, and goth fans, bringing unforgettable energy to festivals and venues alike.
2DCAT SOCIAL ACTIVITY
Beginning Jan 2023
Followers:
Spotify: 26,075
Instagram: 7,125
Facebook: 3,400
YouTube: 3,375Plays:
Spotify
- Plays: 3,820,000
- Listeners: 1,650,000YouTube
- Channel views: 433,000
Booking: [email protected]

Select 2DCAT Press, Features, and NewsThe State of Synth 2DCAT Interview
Eclectic Arts Media 2DCAT Interview
Beyond Synth 2DCAT Interview
Video Game Feature: Sequence Storm
Music included in Full Feature Film
SFPL Baybeats Showcase
Communion After Dark Feature
Regen Magazine Press
Recent 2DCAT ShowsKent Island, MD. Cult Classic. Jul 24, 2025.
Washington, DC. Renegade. Jul 19, 2025.
Arlington, VA. Renegade. Jul 17, 2025.
Newark, NJ. QXT's. Jun 21, 2025.
Pittsburgh, PA. Remedy. Jun 19, 2025.
Baltimore, MD. Metro Baltimore. Sep 21, 2024.
Washington, DC. The Passenger. Aug 2, 2024.
Washington, DC. Pie Shop. Apr 23, 2024.
St. Louis, MO. The Crack Fox. Apr 18, 2024.
Washington, DC. The Runaway. Jan 13, 2024.
2DCAT: Dark Synthpop from Washington, DC.