Retro Dark Synthpop Music

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2DCAT is a dark synthpop duo from Washington, D.C., rooted in analog-driven synthpop and modern darkwave and coldwave. Their music is melancholic, magnetic, and cinematic, creating emotionally charged songs built for both solitude and the dancefloor.Their sound is built on analog circuitry, commanding vocals, and machine-driven rhythms. 2DCAT creates songs that balance precision with vulnerability, built on melody and repetition. The result is music that feels both mechanical and human: intimate, haunting, and captivating.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 Alpha Juno 1 w/ Retroaktiv MPG-50, Roland MKS-70 w/ Retroaktiv MPG-70, Sequential Prophet Rev2, Korg Micro-Preset M500, 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

2.6M
Spotify Listeners

7M
Spotify Streams

27.9K
Spotify Followers

Fronted by HAEZL, an acclaimed opera singer who has shared the stage with Patti LaBelle, Cynthia Erivo, and Renée Fleming, 2DCAT brings a vocal caliber to darkwave that the genre rarely sees. Johan builds most of the synthesizers they perform with, a level of electrical engineering and hardware craft almost unheard of across all of contemporary electronic music.Based in Washington, D.C., 2DCAT plays darkwave and coldwave rooted in late '70s and early '80s European synth culture. Their high-energy live sets have lit up sold-out club nights and festival stages across the United States and Europe, with a proven draw across darkwave, synthpop, and gothic audiences.For fans of Lebanon Hanover, Boy Harsher, and KiteAvailable for North America and Europe. Booking: [email protected]

2DCAT

8,000
Instagram Followers

5,750
Facebook Followers

4,350
YouTube Followers

Recent & Notable 2DCAT Shows
VenueCityDateCap.
Echoes of Rebellion FestivalCologne, DEJul 24, 2026450
O'Shaughnessy'sAlexandria, VAOct 18, 2025150
Cult Classic BrewingKent Island, MDJul 24, 2025185
Penn SocialWashington, DCJul 19, 2025500
The RenegadeArlington, VAJul 17, 2025300
QXT'sNewark, NJJun 21, 2025300
RemedyPittsburgh, PAJun 19, 202580
Metro BaltimoreBaltimore, MDSep 21, 2024250
The PassengerWashington, DCAug 2, 2024100
Pie ShopWashington, DCApr 23, 2024150
The Crack FoxSt. Louis, MOApr 18, 2024200
The RunawayWashington, DCJan 13, 2024150

Press & FeaturesSchwarz Tour 2DCAT Interview (DE) -- Schwarze Szene press
Regen Magazine Press -- Industrial & goth music publication
The State of Synth 2DCAT Interview -- Synthpop podcast
Eclectic Arts Media 2DCAT Interview -- Video interview
Beyond Synth 2DCAT Interview -- Synthpop podcast
Parklife DC Feature -- DC's leading concert publication
DreadMusicReview -- Darkwave & goth music press
SFPL Baybeats Showcase -- San Francisco Public Library showcase
Communion After Dark Feature -- Weekly Gothic/Industrial/EBM podcast


Sync & Licensing PlacementsVideo Game: Sequence Storm
Feature Film: I Like Me