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Hyperpop is a loosely defined electronic music movement and microgenre that predominantly originated in the United Kingdom during the early 2010s. It is characterised by a maximalist or exaggerated take on popular music, and artists within the microgenre typically integrate pop and avant-garde sensibilities while drawing on elements commonly found in electronic, hip hop, and dance music. Deriving influence from a varied range of sources, the origins of the hyperpop scene are commonly traced to the output of English musician A. G. Cook's record label and collective PC Music and its associated artists such as Sophie and Charli XCX. Music associated with this scene received wider attention in August 2019 when Spotify used the term "hyperpop" as the name of a playlist featuring artists such as Cook and 100 gecs. The microgenre spread within younger audiences through social media platforms, especially TikTok. Hyperpop reflects an exaggerated, eclectic, and self-referential approach to pop music and typically employs elements such as brash synth melodies, Auto-Tuned "earworm" vocals, and excessive compression and distortion, as well as surrealist or nostalgic references to 2000s Internet culture and the Web 2.0 era. Common features include vocals that are heavily processed; metallic, melodic percussion sounds; pitch-shifted synths; catchy choruses; short song lengths; and "shiny, cutesy aesthetics" juxtaposed with angst-ridden lyrics. The Wall Street Journal's Mark Richardson described the genre as intensifying the "artificial" tropes of popular music, resulting in a cartoonish wall of noise that embraces catchy tunes and memorable hooks. The music zooms between beauty and ugliness, as shimmery melodies collide with mangled instrumentation. Writing for American Songwriter, Joe Vitagliano described it as an exciting, bombastic and iconoclastic genre, if it can even be called a 'genre,' featuring "saw synths, auto-tuned vocals, glitch-inspired percussion and a distinctive late-capitalism-dystopia vibe." Artists often straddle the avant-garde and the pop charts simultaneously. In addition to its distinctive sound, hyperpop has fostered a unique visual aesthetic, characterized by vibrant, often surreal artwork and music videos that mirror the genre's sonic chaos. This aesthetic is both a reflection of and a commentary on the internet age, blending cyberpunk imagery with whimsical, exaggerated characters. The genre’s visual elements often feature a clash of hyper-saturated colors, glitch effects, and 3D-rendered graphics that complement the music’s frenetic energy and eclecticism. Music videos in the hyperpop realm are known for their high-energy, visually overloaded style, frequently incorporating elements of internet culture such as memes, animated avatars, and virtual environments. This immersive visual approach not only enhances the listening experience but also serves as a commentary on the digital landscape where hyperpop thrives.
The genre’s impact extends beyond music, influencing fashion, digital art, and internet culture at large. Hyperpop's influence on fashion is evident in its adoption of avant-garde and futuristic styles, with artists and fans alike embracing bold, experimental clothing choices and makeup looks that echo the genre’s sonic and visual aesthetics. This fashion trend often features neon colors, oversized silhouettes, and an array of accessories that mirror the playful yet dystopian themes found in hyperpop music. In digital art, hyperpop has inspired a new wave of creative expression, with artists experimenting with virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to create interactive and immersive experiences. These digital art forms often reflect the genre's eclectic and surreal qualities, further blurring the lines between music, visual art, and technology. The genre has also made a significant impact on internet culture, shaping the way online communities interact with music and art. Hyperpop’s rise has been closely tied to platforms like TikTok, where its catchy hooks and visually striking content have become viral sensations, driving the genre’s popularity and expanding its reach. As hyperpop continues to evolve, it remains a platform for experimentation and self-expression, pushing the limits of what popular music can be and how it is perceived. The genre’s embrace of unconventional sounds, visuals, and themes challenges traditional notions of genre and artistry, offering a space where boundaries are continually redefined. This ongoing evolution ensures that hyperpop remains at the forefront of cultural innovation, reflecting and shaping the rapidly changing landscape of the digital age. Moreover, hyperpop's influence is also seen in its ability to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, fostering a global community of fans and creators who contribute to its dynamic evolution. The genre’s embrace of the digital realm allows for a fluid exchange of ideas across different regions, enabling artists from diverse backgrounds to experiment with hyperpop’s signature sound and aesthetic. This international reach has led to a rich tapestry of influences and collaborations, with hyperpop integrating elements from various musical traditions and cultural touchstones. The genre’s global presence is further amplified by online communities and streaming platforms, which facilitate the discovery and sharing of hyperpop music across borders. As a result, hyperpop not only reflects the diverse and interconnected nature of contemporary culture but also actively shapes it, creating a space where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront of its ongoing development.
Hyperpop is a genre that blends pop, electronic, and experimental sounds in unique ways. It emerged from a variety of musical influences that shaped its distinct style. In the late 20th century, artists like Prince, David Bowie, and Madonna started experimenting with pop music. They mixed different styles and created new sounds, paving the way for hyperpop's genre-blending approach. Prince's innovative use of synthesizers and eclectic genre mix, Bowie's genre-defying reinventions, and Madonna's willingness to constantly evolve all contributed to a more experimental pop landscape. Their work set a precedent for future artists to explore and blend genres in new and unexpected ways.
In the 1990s and 2000s, electronic music styles like techno and house were emerging. Artists like Aphex Twin and Squarepusher created complex electronic sounds that inspired later hyperpop artists. Aphex Twin’s intricate rhythms and otherworldly textures, along with Squarepusher’s fusion of electronic beats with live instrumentation, pushed the boundaries of what electronic music could be. These artists’ adventurous approaches to sound design influenced a new generation of musicians to experiment with electronic and pop music.
The catchy and fun aspects of bubblegum pop and the commercial success of teen pop in the late 90s and early 2000s also influenced hyperpop. Artists like Britney Spears and NSYNC helped shape the genre's focus on catchy tunes and a polished sound. The upbeat, infectious melodies and high-energy production of these pop stars created a template for creating music that was both accessible and memorable. Their success in the mainstream highlighted the appeal of well-crafted, radio-friendly pop music.
In the early 2010s, the rise of the internet and digital tools allowed more people to create and share music. This led to a burst of new and experimental sounds. Websites like Tumblr, YouTube, and SoundCloud helped artists share their music and connect with fans. These platforms allowed for the rapid spread of new, experimental sounds and styles. Social media and digital communities provided a space for emerging artists to showcase their work and gain recognition, facilitating a more collaborative and diverse music scene.
Many artists started producing their own music using digital tools, which led to more creativity and experimentation. This DIY approach is a big part of what makes hyperpop unique. The availability of affordable recording technology and software empowered artists to experiment with unconventional sounds and production techniques, resulting in a more diverse range of musical styles and influences coming together in hyperpop.
The PC Music label, started by A.G. Cook, was crucial in the development of hyperpop. Artists like Sophie and Hannah Diamond, who were part of this label, used exaggerated, polished sounds that became central to the genre. The label’s aesthetic emphasized a hyper-stylized version of pop music, characterized by its shiny, synthetic quality and playful, often surreal imagery. This approach helped define the sound and visual style of hyperpop, making it distinct from other pop music.
Sophie was known for her innovative production techniques. Her 2018 album, "OIL OF EVERY PEARL'S UN-INSIDES," is a major example of hyperpop's unique sound and style. Sophie’s use of innovative sound design and blending of abrasive, futuristic elements with pop sensibilities marked a new direction in music production. Her work challenged traditional pop structures and introduced a new, experimental sound that became a hallmark of hyperpop.
Charli XCX helped bring hyperpop to a wider audience. Her work with PC Music artists and her own experimental albums, like "Charli," made the genre more popular and accessible. Charli XCX’s collaborations with hyperpop artists and her willingness to embrace experimental sounds bridged the gap between underground and mainstream music, introducing hyperpop to a broader, more diverse audience. Her influence helped solidify the genre’s presence in popular music.
Hyperpop often features colorful and surreal visuals. This style matches the genre’s experimental sounds and creates a unique artistic space. The visual aesthetic of hyperpop often includes vibrant, exaggerated imagery that complements its bold, eclectic sound. This distinctive style helps create an immersive experience that enhances the genre's overall impact.
The genre explores themes like technology, identity, and the effects of digital culture. Hyperpop artists often play with ideas about what’s real and how technology affects self-expression. The exploration of these themes reflects broader cultural trends and concerns about the impact of technology on personal identity and creativity. Hyperpop’s focus on digital culture and virtual realities offers a commentary on the evolving relationship between humans and technology.
Digicore is a microgenre related to hyperpop. The term ("digi" is short for "digital") was adopted in the mid-2010s by an online community of teenage musicians, communicating through Discord, to distinguish themselves from the preexisting hyperpop scene. It differs from hyperpop mainly through the racial identities of its artists but there remains a degree of crossover between the scenes. Artists often pull from a variety of genres such as midwestern emo, trance, and Chicago drill, amongst others. The beginnings of digicore are rooted in internet culture and many popular producers from the microgenre are between the ages of 15 and 18 who use platforms such as Discord to interact. In 2018, Dalton (a digicore artist relations figure) started a Minecraft and Discord server called "Loser's Club" that became a haven for several of the most popular artists within the digicore scene such as Quinn, Glaive, Ericdoa, Funeral, Midwxst, and Angelus. This sense of community and collaboration have become key tenets within the scene, and have contributed to the rise in the popularity of the microgenre as a whole, with a majority of the scene preferring the idea of rising in popularity as a collective rather than as individuals. In 2021, the digicore album Frailty by Jane Remover received praise on mainstream music sites Pitchfork and Paste.
Glitchcore, a microgenre related to hyperpop and digicore (sometimes characterised as a subgenre of both styles), is often characterised by high-pitched vocals, sharp 808s, and frequent hi-hats. As one article stated, "Glitchcore is Hyperpop on steroids," referring to the exaggerated vocals, distortions, glitch noises, and other pop elements present within Glitchcore. One of the most defining elements of glitchcore is vocal glitch patterns, created by rapidly repeating a section of a vocal sample. Stef, a producer of the popular Hyperpop and glitchcore collective 'Helix Tears,' stated that there certainly is a difference between the two microgenres, saying "Hyperpop is more melodic and poppy" while "Glitchcore is indescribable." Similar to digicore, glitchcore is typically made up of a younger group of artists than traditional Hyperpop. The artist Twikipedia became a major pioneer of the microgenre, incorporating hyperpop's traditional heavily processed vocals with an 8-bit inspired sound. TikTok played a key role in popularising glitchcore, through video edits to two viral glitchcore songs "NEVER MET!" by CMTEN and Glitch Gum and "Pressure" by David Shawty and Yungster Jack. Glitchcore has also been associated with a specific visual aesthetic where videos are typically accompanied by glitchy, fast-paced, cluttered, colourful edits that are even marked with flash warnings in certain cases. Some popular digicore artists like d0llywood1 even refer to glitchcore as "an aesthetic, like the edits," rather than an actual music genre.
Nightcore is a subgenre closely related to hyperpop, known for its energetic and high-tempo remixes of existing songs. Originating in the early 2000s, Nightcore typically features sped-up beats and higher-pitched vocals, giving the music an upbeat, almost hyperactive feel. The genre gained popularity through YouTube and other video-sharing platforms, where fans would create remixes of popular songs with a faster tempo and higher pitch. This genre's characteristic sound involves speeding up tracks by 20-30%, resulting in a distinctive, high-energy vibe. Nightcore has a strong community aspect, with numerous fan channels and remixers contributing to its growth. Its influence is noticeable in various modern pop and electronic music trends, bridging the gap between traditional pop and more experimental forms of hyperpop.
Bubblegum Bass is another microgenre that intersects with hyperpop, characterized by its catchy, often saccharine melodies and upbeat rhythms. This genre, popularized by artists like A.G. Cook and SOPHIE, incorporates elements of electropop and dance music, creating a bright, sometimes surreal sound palette. The term "Bubblegum Bass" reflects the genre's fusion of bubblegum pop aesthetics with bass-heavy electronic music, resulting in a sound that's both playful and energetic. Visuals associated with bubblegum bass often feature vibrant, neon colors and whimsical themes, complementing the genre's upbeat and sometimes eccentric sound. Its influence can be seen in various modern pop and electronic tracks, where the boundary between pop sensibility and experimental soundscapes continues to blur.
Hyperpop producers who focus on instrumental creation are instrumental in crafting the genre's signature sound. Their work blends experimental electronic elements with pop sensibilities, resulting in a high-energy, futuristic aesthetic.
A.G. Cook, a pivotal figure in the hyperpop movement, is renowned for his role in shaping the genre’s instrumental sound. As the founder of PC Music, Cook’s production style features glossy, hyper-stylized sounds that often incorporate bright, synthetic textures and complex, glitchy effects. His tracks are known for their meticulous attention to detail, creating a sound that feels both surreal and polished. Cook’s influence is evident in the way he combines traditional pop structures with innovative electronic elements, resulting in a sound that is both fresh and avant-garde.
SOPHIE was another game-changer in the realm of hyperpop production. Her work is characterized by its boundary-pushing approach to sound design. SOPHIE’s instrumental tracks often feature a blend of high-energy beats, metallic clangs, and airy, ethereal textures. Her ability to manipulate sound in unconventional ways has set new standards in electronic production, resulting in a sonic experience that is both immersive and unique. Tracks like “It’s Okay to Cry” showcase her skill in creating deeply engaging soundscapes that defy traditional genre constraints.
Danny L Harle is known for his vibrant and playful production style. His instrumental tracks often feature exuberant melodies, syncopated rhythms, and an overall upbeat energy that captures the essence of hyperpop’s playful side. Danny L Harle’s ability to merge cheerful, catchy elements with modern electronic production makes his music stand out in the hyperpop scene. His work is a testament to the genre’s ability to blend fun and innovation seamlessly.
Flume, while primarily associated with future bass and electronic music, has made notable contributions to hyperpop through his experimental production techniques. His work features lush, textured soundscapes and complex beat structures that often push the boundaries of traditional pop music. Flume’s ability to blend elements of various genres with hyperpop’s unique characteristics results in a sound that is both innovative and immersive.
100 gecs, the duo consisting of Laura Les and Dylan Brady, exemplifies hyperpop’s eclectic and chaotic spirit through their instrumental work. Their production features a frenetic mix of genres, including punk, electronic, and pop, creating a high-energy sound that is both disorienting and captivating. Their tracks often incorporate unconventional rhythms, heavy distortions, and glitchy effects, reflecting the genre’s tendency to embrace experimentation and surprise.
Hannah Diamond, while also known for her vocal work, contributes to the instrumental side of hyperpop through her collaborations and production work. Her music often features sparkling, dreamy soundscapes with a focus on lush, synthetic textures. Hannah Diamond’s production style enhances the genre’s ethereal qualities, creating a sound that is both polished and emotionally resonant.
Overall, hyperpop producers specializing in instrumental work play a crucial role in defining the genre’s sound. Their innovative approaches to electronic production, combined with a fearless attitude toward experimentation, create a musical landscape that is both dynamic and constantly evolving. Whether through the polished, synthetic textures of A.G. Cook or the frenetic energy of 100 gecs, these producers are key to the genre’s exciting and ever-changing nature.