10/08/2026
SUMMER of ’86 Bridges Video Game Nostalgia and Synthwave with Upcoming Release Shatterwave
Release Date: October 30, 2026
Artist: SUMMER of ’86
Genre: Synthwave / Retrowave / Electronic
Arch City PR is pleased to spotlight Shatterwave, the upcoming release from SUMMER of ’86, the musical project of multi-instrumentalist, producer, and recording artist Jermaine Bollinger.
Arriving October 30, 2026, Shatterwave reimagines the memorable compositions of the classic Nintendo Entertainment System game Shatterhand through the atmospheric textures, pulsating synthesizers, and retro-inspired production of synthwave.
Following the release of Tribute and A Tribute to Shatterhand, Bollinger continues exploring the relationship between video game music and contemporary musical arrangements. However, Shatterwave represents a particularly significant development in the evolution of SUMMER of ’86.
Where previous tribute projects incorporated elements of big band, jazz, rock, and orchestral music, Shatterwave embraces the electronic soundscapes that have become central to Bollinger's artistic identity.
A Personal Connection to the Music
For Bollinger, the music of Shatterhand carries a significance that extends far beyond childhood entertainment.
Growing up in a difficult home environment, video games provided moments of escape, allowing him to experience the freedom and simplicity of childhood. The compositions accompanying those experiences became deeply connected to his memories.
Among those compositions, the music from the game's Area C: Submarine stage holds particular emotional significance.
Rather than simply recreating the original soundtrack, Bollinger approached Shatterwave with the intention of preserving the emotional spirit of those melodies while introducing an entirely different musical atmosphere.
The resulting arrangements reflect both the nostalgia of the original compositions and the creative direction of SUMMER of ’86.
The Evolution of SUMMER of ’86
Synthwave has increasingly become a defining element of the SUMMER of ’86 sound, drawing inspiration from 1980s electronic music, cinematic atmospheres, and nostalgic imagery.
Shatterwave builds upon those influences while demonstrating how familiar video game compositions can be transformed through contemporary production techniques.
The project also highlights Bollinger's versatility as an arranger and producer, transitioning between traditional instrumentation and electronic production without abandoning the emotional qualities of the original material.
For listeners familiar with his earlier tribute releases, Shatterwave offers a fresh interpretation. For synthwave enthusiasts, it introduces compositions rooted in classic gaming history through a modern retro-electronic lens.
More Than Nostalgia
At its heart, Shatterwave explores the lasting relationship between music, memory, and personal experience.
The project reflects how melodies associated with childhood can retain their emotional impact decades later, becoming sources of inspiration for entirely new creative works.
For Bollinger, revisiting these compositions is not simply an exercise in nostalgia. It represents an opportunity to reconnect with meaningful childhood memories while establishing the musical direction of his future work.
Arch City PR views Shatterwave as an important release in the continuing artistic development of SUMMER of ’86, bringing together the project's electronic identity and Bollinger's longstanding appreciation for video game music.
Release Information
Artist: Summer of '86
Title: Shatterwave
Release Date: Friday, October 30, 2026
Genre: Synthwave / Retrowave / Electronic
Inspired By: Shatterhand (NES)
Label: Salvation Studios
Shatterwave arrives on major digital streaming platforms October 30, 2026.