Hyperpop is more than just a music genre it’s a chaotic, boundary-pushing, and unapologetically digital movement that embodies the spirit of the internet age. Characterized by its maximalist production, genre-bending tendencies, and hyper-stylized aesthetic, hyperpop has quickly become a cultural phenomenon. With roots in pop, electronic music, and avant-garde experimentation, this genre thrives on extremes, challenging traditional notions of music while celebrating the surreal, chaotic, and absurd.
-Thrusday, January 31
In this blog, we’ll explore the rise of hyperpop, its defining characteristics, the artists who shaped it, and why it has become the soundtrack of a hyper-connected, postmodern world.
What Is Hyperpop?
Hyperpop is difficult to define because it refuses to adhere to any one set of rules. The genre is often described as “pop music on steroids” or “pop music from the future,” featuring:
– Distorted, Over-the-Top Sounds: Songs are packed with exaggerated elements like pitch-shifted vocals, heavy auto-tune, glitched-out beats, and chaotic transitions.
– Genre-Blending: Hyperpop borrows from pop, trap, EDM, punk, emo, and even classical music, blending these influences into a kaleidoscopic and unpredictable soundscape.
– Aesthetic Extremes: Hyperpop embraces surreal, neon-colored visuals, absurdist themes, and internet-inspired aesthetics that feel like a meme come to life.
Despite its chaotic nature, hyperpop often retains the structure and catchiness of traditional pop music, making it both experimental and accessible.
The Origins of Hyperpop
Hyperpop emerged in the late 2010s, primarily as an underground movement nurtured by internet culture. Its development is tied to:
- PC Music and the Pioneers
The London-based label PC Music, founded by A. G. Cook in 2013, is widely credited as the birthplace of hyperpop. Artists like SOPHIE, Hannah Diamond, and Cook himself created a distinct sound that exaggerated pop tropes making them absurdly synthetic, hyper-polished, and emotionally heightened.
– SOPHIE’s 2018 album *Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides* was a pivotal moment for hyperpop, blending avant-garde production with deeply emotional themes.
– PC Music’s influence gave hyperpop its playful, satirical edge, while simultaneously celebrating the pop genre itself.
Defining Characteristics of Hyperpop
- Maximalist Production
Hyperpop thrives on excess, layering distorted basslines, auto-tuned vocals, and glitchy effects into a dense sonic wall. Tracks often shift unpredictably between tempos, keys, and genres, creating a chaotic but thrilling listening experience.
- Embracing the Artificial
Unlike traditional pop, which often aims for polished perfection, hyperpop leans into artificiality. Vocals are heavily processed, beats sound mechanical, and melodies are deliberately synthetic, reflecting the digital world from which it was born.
- Subversive Lyrics
Hyperpop’s lyrics often explore themes of identity, technology, and absurdity. Songs might shift from deeply personal introspection to playful satire, reflecting the fragmented nature of online culture.
- Queer and Inclusive Representation
Hyperpop has become a safe haven for LGBTQ+ artists and fans, with many key figures—like SOPHIE, Arca, and Dorian Electra—identifying as queer. The genre’s fluidity mirrors the rejection of traditional norms, both musically and socially.
Key Artists in Hyperpop
- 100 gecs
Dylan Brady and Laura Les of 100 gecs are often seen as the poster children of hyperpop. Their debut album *1000 gecs* (2019) blends chaotic beats, absurd humor, and infectious hooks, creating a sound that feels like a glitching internet browser. Tracks like “Money Machine” and “Stupid Horse” became instant hyperpop anthems.
- Charli XCX
Often called the “queen of hyperpop,” Charli XCX has been a major force in popularizing the genre. Albums like *Charli* (2019) and *how i’m feeling now* (2020) showcase her ability to fuse experimental production with mainstream pop appeal.
- SOPHIE
As a producer, SOPHIE was a visionary who redefined what pop music could be. Her groundbreaking sound design and emotional depth on tracks like “BIPP” and “Immaterial” remain some of the most influential works in hyperpop.
- Dorian Electra
Known for their flamboyant visuals and gender-defying personas, Dorian Electra pushes hyperpop into even more experimental territory. Tracks like “Flamboyant” and “Man to Man” combine theatricality with razor-sharp social commentary.
- Arca
Arca brings an avant-garde edge to hyperpop, blending glitchy, experimental production with deeply personal themes. Her work challenges the boundaries between music, art, and identity.
Why Hyperpop Resonates in the Internet Age
Hyperpop’s chaotic and fragmented nature reflects the digital age. It’s the soundtrack of endless scrolling, meme culture, and the sensory overload of the internet. Here’s why it resonates:
– Nostalgia Meets Futurism:
Hyperpop often incorporates nostalgic elements of 2000s pop and emo music while pushing these sounds into futuristic, surreal territory.
– Accessibility Through DIY Culture:
Many hyperpop artists create music in their bedrooms, embracing the DIY ethos of the internet. This approach democratizes music-making and inspires a new generation of creators.
– Identity and Inclusivity:
Hyperpop is a space where artists and fans can explore identity, queerness, and self-expression without boundaries. Its embrace of fluidity and artificiality mirrors the way people craft their identities online.
As with any genre, hyperpop has faced criticism. Some argue that its chaotic nature can feel alienating, while others see it as overly ironic or self-indulgent. However, these critiques often miss the point hyperpop isn’t meant to conform to traditional standards. It thrives on its refusal to be boxed in, making it one of the most exciting movements in modern music.
Looking ahead, hyperpop will likely continue to evolve, influencing mainstream pop and blending with other genres. Artists like Rina Sawayama, Ashnikko, and even mainstream acts like Lady Gaga have already incorporated hyperpop elements into their music, suggesting that the genre’s chaotic energy is here to stay.
Hyperpop is the internet’s most chaotic genre, and that’s precisely its charm. It’s a celebration of extremes, contradictions, and the digital world’s boundless possibilities. Whether you love it or find it overwhelming, there’s no denying its impact on modern music. In an era defined by connectivity and fragmentation, hyperpop stands as a reflection of the chaos—and creativity—of our times.
