Hyperpop is a genre of music that has gained immense popularity over the past decade. Known for its futuristic sound and bold experimentation, hyperpop is characterized by distorted beats, exaggerated vocals, and chaotic production techniques. The genre emerged from internet culture and represents the merging of various music styles, pushing the boundaries of conventional pop. Hyperpop is often described as an extreme, fast-paced, and colorful version of pop music.
In this article, we will explore hyperpop in-depth, examining its origins, sound, key artists, cultural significance, and why it resonates with today’s generation. We’ll also discuss the influence hyperpop has had on mainstream music and how it continues to evolve.
Origins of Hyperpop
Hyperpop is a relatively new term in the world of music, but the roots of this genre stretch back to the 2010s. The genre was heavily influenced by the PC Music label, which was founded by British producer A. G. Cook in 2013. PC Music was known for its highly experimental and futuristic approach to pop music, blending elements of electronic music, pop, and avant-garde sounds.
The early works of A. G. Cook and other artists on the PC Music label, such as SOPHIE and Hannah Diamond, were characterized by their synthetic, glossy, and often surreal productions. These artists combined elements of bubblegum pop, trance, eurodance, and EDM to create a hyper-exaggerated form of pop that was unlike anything heard before.
The term “hyperpop” started gaining traction around 2019 when Spotify created a playlist under that name, featuring artists who embodied the bold, experimental sounds of this genre. The playlist helped to solidify hyperpop as a distinct music genre, allowing it to grow beyond its niche beginnings.
Key Characteristics of Hyperpop
Hyperpop stands out from other pop music genres because of its unique characteristics. Let’s take a closer look at what makes hyperpop so distinctive.
1. Distorted Beats
Hyperpop often uses heavily distorted beats and electronic elements. The percussion in hyperpop songs is usually sharp, aggressive, and chaotic. Artists in this genre tend to layer multiple sounds on top of each other to create a noisy, yet rhythmic atmosphere. These beats contribute to the high-energy and futuristic feel of hyperpop tracks.
2. High-Pitched and Autotuned Vocals
One of the most recognizable features of hyperpop is the manipulation of vocals. Artists in this genre frequently use autotune and pitch-shifting effects to create an exaggerated, robotic sound. The vocals are often high-pitched and processed to the point where they sound almost inhuman, adding to the surreal and futuristic nature of hyperpop.
3. Glitchy and Chaotic Production
Hyperpop’s production is deliberately chaotic and glitchy. Many tracks incorporate abrupt changes in tempo, pitch, and sound textures. These glitches are often jarring, but they are a deliberate artistic choice to make the listener feel like they are experiencing a digital or virtual reality. The genre embraces artificiality and the blending of digital and organic sounds.
4. Bright, Bubblegum Aesthetics
Although hyperpop is chaotic and experimental, it is also known for its bright, bubblegum aesthetics. Many hyperpop songs have catchy, sugary melodies that contrast with their chaotic production. This juxtaposition of sweet, childlike melodies with distorted, noisy sounds is a hallmark of the genre.
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Influential Artists in Hyperpop
While hyperpop is an evolving genre, there are several artists who have played a crucial role in shaping and defining its sound.
1. SOPHIE
SOPHIE was a Scottish producer and one of the pioneers of the hyperpop genre. She gained recognition for her innovative approach to music production, blending industrial sounds with pop elements. Her debut album, Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides, is considered a defining record of hyperpop. SOPHIE’s use of synthetic sounds, metallic beats, and manipulated vocals pushed the boundaries of pop music.
2. A. G. Cook
A. G. Cook is the founder of PC Music and one of the most important figures in the development of hyperpop. He has worked with numerous artists in the genre, including Charli XCX, creating songs that blur the lines between pop, electronic, and experimental music. His contributions to hyperpop are immense, and his influence can be heard in many modern pop songs.
3. Charli XCX
Charli XCX is a British singer and songwriter who has become one of the most prominent figures in hyperpop. While she initially gained fame in the mainstream pop world, her collaboration with producers like A. G. Cook and SOPHIE brought her into the hyperpop scene. Her albums Pop 2 and How I’m Feeling Now are often considered milestones in the genre.
4. 100 gecs
100 gecs, an American duo consisting of Laura Les and Dylan Brady, are another key group in the hyperpop movement. Their debut album, 1000 gecs, is known for its chaotic, genre-blending sound that incorporates elements of pop, punk, dubstep, and trap. 100 gecs’ music is a perfect example of the extreme experimentation that defines hyperpop.
Hyperpop and Internet Culture
Hyperpop’s rise is closely tied to internet culture. The genre thrives on platforms like SoundCloud, YouTube, and TikTok, where artists can experiment freely without the constraints of traditional music industry norms. Many hyperpop artists started out as independent musicians, uploading their work directly to these platforms and gaining a following through viral content.
The online nature of hyperpop allows for rapid innovation and collaboration. Artists in the genre often remix each other’s work, creating a constantly evolving sound. The internet has also allowed hyperpop to reach a global audience, as fans from around the world can easily access and share the music.
Hyperpop’s relationship with internet culture is also reflected in its aesthetics. The genre embraces a digital, futuristic style that draws from memes, anime, video games, and other elements of online subcultures. This aesthetic resonates with a younger generation that is deeply connected to the online world.
Cultural Significance of Hyperpop
Hyperpop is more than just a music genre—it represents a new wave of cultural expression. The genre challenges traditional norms in both music and society. Many hyperpop artists reject the polished, commercialized image of mainstream pop music, instead opting for a more raw, chaotic, and inclusive approach.
1. Breaking Gender Norms
One of the most significant aspects of hyperpop is its breaking of gender norms. Many hyperpop artists, including SOPHIE and Dorian Electra, are known for challenging traditional gender roles and embracing non-binary or fluid identities. Hyperpop’s exaggerated, artificial sound allows these artists to explore themes of identity, gender, and self-expression in a way that feels liberating and boundary-pushing.
2. Embracing Artificiality
Hyperpop embraces artificiality in a way that contrasts with other music genres that often strive for authenticity. The genre’s heavy use of autotune, synthetic sounds, and digital manipulation reflects a world that is increasingly virtual. Hyperpop’s artificiality is a reflection of the digital age, where the line between real and virtual is increasingly blurred.
3. DIY and Independent Spirit
Hyperpop’s rise is a testament to the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) ethos that has become a hallmark of internet culture. Many hyperpop artists produce their music independently, without the backing of major record labels. This gives them the freedom to experiment with sound and aesthetics without being bound by commercial expectations.
The genre’s DIY spirit is also reflected in its accessibility. Anyone with a computer and basic music software can create hyperpop, making it an inclusive genre that welcomes experimentation from all corners.
Mainstream Influence of Hyperpop
Despite its roots in the underground music scene, hyperpop has made its way into the mainstream. Mainstream pop artists are increasingly adopting hyperpop’s experimental production techniques, and elements of the genre can now be heard in the work of artists like Billie Eilish, Rina Sawayama, and even Beyoncé.
Hyperpop’s influence is also evident in the world of fashion, with many artists in the genre sporting futuristic, gender-fluid clothing that reflects the genre’s bold and inclusive spirit. The aesthetics of hyperpop have even started influencing mainstream pop culture, with its bright, glitchy, and colorful visuals appearing in music videos, social media, and advertisements.
Conclusion
Hyperpop is a bold and experimental genre that has redefined what pop music can sound like. With its chaotic production, distorted beats, and exaggerated vocals, hyperpop challenges traditional pop norms and embraces the digital age in its sound and aesthetics. The genre’s rise is closely tied to internet culture, and it continues to evolve as new artists bring their unique ideas to the table.
Hyperpop’s cultural significance extends beyond music, challenging traditional gender roles, embracing artificiality, and promoting a DIY ethos that resonates with today’s generation. As hyperpop continues to influence mainstream music, it will likely remain a vital and ever-changing genre in the music landscape for years to come.
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